bluey

It seems that people buy foreign rings to use on GB bred pigeons to gain an advantage with older pigeons for young bird racing. My question is how are these foreign rings treated as far as importation/quarantine rules apply. Who checks that these "importations" are legal ? Is it RPRA or MAFF or most likely NO ONE, bearing in mind that pigeons MUST be rung in their country of origin it seems that the rules are ignored by anyone who wants break them and sadly by the people who are supposed to enforce them.

For 'dove release' any white birds will do the job. If you have good quality white racers they will do the 'dove release' job and get training at the same time.

Rising Bridge near Haslingden have Beyers mixes, it's as good as any other mix depends what you want and your own preferences for content.

Get the right pigeons and keep on trying. ??)

What water is given to the birds on the transporter ? Is it "local water " or what has been taken to the lib site ? Many moons ago it was a rule that Lancashire birds were given Lancashire water. However, I give water that is over 24 hrs old from the tap. I believe this gives time for flouride additives to evaporate/dissipate/weaken. Hope you get my drift/tide/flow

I let them find their own way out and their own way in. They will only fly as far as they are capable. If they are startled by anything out of the ordinary they don't go far from the loft top and almost all return the next day if this happens.

Ask the Sultan ;D

Lambournes are good rings, only drawback is that each colour is classed as a new order so bumping up the price. Laser printed rings at Blackpool are not charged for colour change but are more difficult to read.

You must keep the feed cool and dry and vermin proof. Can be kept in it's original bag in a container, plastic or not.

Controlled feeding is what all fanciers should try to achieve. As an average an ounce each bird per day should be the aim, if working hard up the ante, if resting hold back a bit. And always feed the best quality. A clue is if old birds spread their wings at feed time like young birds when hungry you are not feeding enough. Observation is the key, hens leaving the nest more than once at feeding time is an indication of not enough. It depends how many times a day you feed and how the birds react. Fat pigeons are not tame pigeons looking to meet you as you reach the loft they are the ones that stay on the perches excreting cash. Mine are ready for their food when fed once or twice a day racing and breeding and when rearing young. No fret marks either.

Quote "This would imply I think an outcross approach to the production of pigeons capable of bringing the bacon home so to speak and a study of the Marriott technique would tend to confirm that he relied more upon outcrossing rather than anything else. That as a fancier the possibility of procuring so many good pigeons led to a situation in which the appearance of good racers was inevitable based upon the concept of luck or fate alone." Sounds like George Busschaert to me. Anyone know of Marriot x Busschaert winners ?

So is Andy Galley

Could not understand why wind up STB and Benzing clocks were not on the approved list for use with out thimbles. They have the same mechanism as the quartz clocks for holding rubbers/thimbles. What is the difference?

He had his own family known as "Hallmarks" Main reference bird was "K42" a red cheq with black splashes. Family based on old English strains, Logans, Osmans and Brutons (correct spelling) among others etc; He used to write a monthly article for the Racing Pigeon which has also been compiled into a book. Full of common sense and would still be good reading today.

Another thing to consider is how ETS rings are recorded on the systems. I believe some can be recorded directly into the ETS database, others have to be input onto the database/computer by hand. This makes some ETS systems easier for use by secretary's for admin purposes, any comments ?

Just watched this. Never seen a pigeon react when jabbed in the neck. In this video the pigeon seems to "jump" when the needle goes in the leg. Not the way to vaccinate for me, would sooner stick to manufacturers recommendations and have two people doing the jab.

I've had birds return after hitting wires, and even though water drained from the wound as they were drinking I left them to fend for themselves. The only treatment was to bathe the wound in mild anti septic and they went on to make a full recovery. Pigeons are very hardy and appear to tolerate easily what in humans would be life threatening injuries.

You will be thinking Kinders Lofts, he retired a couple of years ago, it was his son who had the long hair. They made good lofts at a good price.

Did you buy anything else?

I must disagree, the suppliers of ETS systems should ensure that every ring from every supplier should be able to be read on the first scan without any problem. We are living in the computer age and are paying for it. The ETS providers have got to get their act together.

Buy what?

Looking for a bargain Sam?

This is an edited video and shows nothing like the truth. A peregrine will never attempt to strike prey on the ground, if it missed, hitting the Earth at 200 mph would give it more than a head ache. They often hunt in pairs, one will harry the prey to a suitable altitude and then the other will stoop. The nearest thing to the truth in this clip is that a pigeon and a peregrine are closely matched in manouvreing and in level flight.

Is that vinegar or WD40?

A serious rival for vinegar.