David048

i think it's a pretty average standard to be honest - England have a good chance because there is no-one outstanding - ~France looked ordinary. Not the same as playing against the likes of Aussie, NZ or SA. Ireland looked ok but Italy are v poor

yep have a good un

there are a lot of gents in this sport - probably more than any other sport

when i first started 30 odd years ago my mate and I had a grizzle hen (77 ring) and it had a tuft on it's chest, lovelly pigeon got it off a guy in halifax and it won 3 fed races and numerous club races once from Niort - we must have bred 20 yougens off that hen over about 7 years and none of em were grizzles. PAired it with all sorts of cocks -Reds, blues, u name it, never got another grizzle of her.

over crowding is a sin young man and it is also tied in with ventillation. If your loft is well ventialated then you can get a way with a few more youngsters. there are no rules around how many per square foot - each on must have a perch though.

Some clubs are funny and there may be personal issues with other members

excellent - very funny. he wouldn't last 2 minutes in rugby league

i think you have to raise it and put vents at floor level - check my signature below - gives you loads of ideas but the ventilaton issue is massive - all of the top flyers who provide commentries and give hints and tips, all talk about how important good ventillation is.

Paratyphoid is also called Salmonellosis. It’s a common and widespread disease caused by a gram-negative bacterium which is flagellated and, therefore, mobile. It can be brought into a loft through introduction of infected pigeons, by rodents, through inhalation of infected dust, on the soles of fancier’s shoes, by roaches, or through contact with wild pigeons. Often, and adult bird that has overcome the disease remains a carrier and continues to emit infected droppings. Symptoms of Paratyphoid are varied, because Salmonella flagellates can be found throughout the body in severely infected birds. Most adult birds will show rapid weight loss, along with somewhat loose, greenish droppings. Some birds may develop swelling in the leg joints or feet, or they may develop wing boils. Other birds may have the “twisted neck†syndrome commonly associated with PMV. Baby birds will often die in the nest before the second week after hatching and may show labored breathing. Another symptom is young dying in the egg. To prevent Paratyphoid, maintaining loft hygiene is critical, since salmonella flagellates can live in the droppings of pigeons for some time. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of lofts, feeders, and drinkers are imperative. Minimizing contact with rodents, roaches, and wild birds is as important as quarantining newly acquired birds. Maintaining an acid pH level below 4.0 in the loft is also helpful in keeping Paratyphoid under control. Several veterinarians have recommended the use of Nolvasan at one teaspoon per gallon of drinking water regularly to help maintain an acidic environment in the droppings. Regular use of the Salmonella vaccine has proven to be especially effective. What should a fancier know about Paratyphoid? click on the link on my signature - it's full of this type of information and loads more Learn the champions secret winning pigeon racing formula click here to learn more.

click on the link on my signature below - gives you access to a wealth of information - there's a full 4 part comprehensive description of double widowhood.

yep - i agree. i only joined the site recently, but it's great and very useful

how do you bid for the birds? is it an on-line auction?

very amusing comments. i spose it would be difficult to stop them cheating unless you chopped their wings off!

kidneys clean the body of impurities just like in humans. i can't think that birds sweat though because that would mess up their feathers. Not sure how they cool themselves though, because sweating is what helps cool us down. Never really thought about it though - interesting question.

Where do you live, my mate might be interested

yes i agree with the majority on this one, a couple of days either way is fine.

Hi - i think it's best just to buy a breeding mix. No maize in there so to me that says it all. As you say they leave it even when they are hungry.

too cold i reckon - i don't like having boxes on the floor though - don't think the birds like it either they feel vulnerable - usually best to have the bottom boxes at least 18 inches off the floor. Mek sure your water hasn't frozen over cos they might stop feeding if dehydrated.

darkness will win races but if you are working like some of us it aint easy so i do natural and hope for the best - some of the 2nd rounders can carry you through to the end of the season if you time it right. I reckon natural makes for better old birds so it's a short term gain.

have a look at the link on my signature - there is a really good website there that you sign up to but you get everything you need to know. Daily newsletters that cover all the basiscs and loads of great advice from top top flyers. everyone will tell you something different when you first start up but getting the basics right is the key. good luck

does anyone know if it is ok to use cat litter in your loft to keep it dry? someone told me they use it but i'm not sure if they are being honest with me?

Adam This is definitely the best forum around. Most I've looked at curled up and died before they got off the ground (excuse the pun) They are plenty of good contributors on here. If you are looking for very specific info on diet, nutrition and a system however then I swear by a formula that I've recently switched to. If you click on the link in my signature then there is more information about it. Too much to put into a post, but if you want to know a bit more about it I'd be happy to help. Cheers David

i don't know any but would be interested to learn about it