Kyleakin Lofts

Very well done in what I hear was a race of two halves.

Page 2 bids updated.

Happy birthday David.

Good morning all.

A lot breed latebreds from pigeons they have not tested to the end, so reason 2 could well be valid in some cases. A lot are terrorised around the loft, so fitness could be an issue. BOP most definitely are a problem and, for me, the most serious problem. Reasons 1, 3, 5, and 7, all being the same, may account for some of the losses, but we have always had the type of fancier to whom you refer, so to a large extent, this can be discounted. When the YB's, in particular, fly themselves out they become victim to other hunters, be that cats, rats, weasels, etc, so whilst the RSPB are correct in saying the low percentage is down to BOP, they are manipulating the statistics because so many of the other reasons they quote are also indirectly down to the BOP, thus making them the major factor.

I do appreciate this and know that it happens, but not all will fly themselves out, some will go to ground. I hear of waves of YBS hitting an area and wonder how much of this is down to incorrect vaccination procedures. I do not race my YB's for two specific reasons deduced from reading posts on here when I was starting up. We race our YB's at the time of year when the BOP are all out as a family and kill solely to teach their young, often not eating their prey because they are killing for education and not through feeding requirements. YBS is rife at this time of year, either through incorrect procedures when vaccinating or through the stress of these constant attacks lowering their immunity to other illnesses. I don't think I lose any more latebreds than those who are losing their YB's at this time of year. When I start to race my latebreds they are usually 9 month old "yearlings". Some are racing darkness YB's that are of a similar age at this time of year. The main drawback is over-wintering a lot of untested YB's, but this is similar to rearing a lot of darkness YB's before racing them.

There was a post on here regarding Colombovac Vaccine. There have been numerous posts regarding Young Bird sickness. Walter has posted regarding his views on vaccination as have others. The vaccine indicates that it should be refrigerated before use and discarded after use. I know for a fact that this does not always happen. I have had vaccine sent through the post and is was not refrigerated. I now have it sent by a company that does put a cool bag in with it keeping it refrigerated. I then keep it in the fridge until use, whereby I bin any leftovers. I know for a fact that some do not keep it refrigerated and do not discard the excess. I know that some even use it when it is out of date. Knowing this, I am not surprised that "vaccinated" pigeons succumb and spread illness. Perhaps some require to look in the mirror.

Good morning all.

Airth - D McArthur - 01324 483610

Well done all.

Well done.

Well done Derek and that doo. Determined to return home.

Well done all.

I have heard a lot of people say that the pigeon doesn't know how far you have sent it, so it is all in the preparation. This either proves the rule or is the exception to the rule, only time will tell. Nevertheless, great result.

Well done.

Well done all.

Lanark - S Megahy - 01555 871131 and 07732 204590

Well done all.

Well done all.

For me, two drinkers give more opportunity to reach water. My Fed was in the "lucky" position, "lucky" because it cost a lot, of having to refurbish our trailer. We did use the opportunity to improve the water situation. A conveyer had noticed the pigeons at the front of the trailer were not accessing the water as readily as those at the back, the only source of light. We designed a space between every crate which allows water on both long sides. This was copied from / similar to the one used by the NRCC with whom we joint conveyed for some races. We did notice a marked improvement in the pigeons on their return.

I have heard more experienced fanciers talk about some pigeons guarding their spot which stops others from reaching the drinker. Surely the more opportunity to reach a drinking spot is better for the pigeons because it would preclude this situation from arising? I do appreciate that so often we give our pigeons supplements because it makes us feel better, but with my Federation we did see a marked improvement when water became available on both long sides of the crate. Having said that, it is still the same top fanciers that are winning, so without doubt merit in your statement.

Well done.

Surely we should be concerned with that in which we do have a say. In that in which we are able to change for improvement. If we continually think we are doing OK because others do the same, then we will never achieve anything. Mankind used to run everywhere, then we tamed and used horses. We then developed cars, etc, it goes on. Why should we stand still with our pigeons? Surely we should strive to improve their conditions?

Does that mean because they use this system for the Narbonne International that it is the one and only best system that can be used? Should we continually strive to improve our systems and methods? Does that mean because they use this system for the Barcelona International that it is the one and only best system that can be used? It is slightly different from the Narbonne system. Should we continually strive to improve our systems and methods?

Happy birthday.