I got a hen on the second afternoon from Bourges 2010 and had to syringe feed for two weeks??? I posted on here and most said that I should dispose of the bird??? I thought she deserved every chance and she has come good. These races are very tough with small birdage and extreme distance( I know that we are not the longest fliers) these birds are tough nuts and although it is more of an endurance event when the race is tough it does not mean that these birds cannot do a steady 12-13 hrs on a good flyin day so do not discount their efforts!!!!