Ole Yellow wrote

[Roland]

' ............  i would gate the back as damp will be carried on wet days back into the loft'

In regards a trap etc.

I thought how simple and realistic is that statement in regards 'Droppings'.

Had thought  - when there is a post regards droppings in putting forward a realism, which those few words sum up a treat.

As must will know I have the wind / breeze, current flowing or blowing right across my loft at all times. Yes this of course affects the droppings very much. Yes there is a gap, all the way around my loft for the purpose of the breeze blowing through and the air being sucked in and out through the top. This provides a constant circulation of air. Yes always smells fresh. It feels fresh annal when standing in there sometimes too lol.

Indeed depending on the way the wind blows, it does really have an affect upon the droppings in colour, textures etc. East in wind means that the back compartment have green and moisture droppings whilst the Front left compartment start going nut brown, and some, but not so much in the right front compartment.  

Now also in the Back, facing East I also have a 8-inch doubled wired mesh. Likewise there is also at the bottom an 18 inch 'Hole and wired mesh.

This of course means that the droppings vary on the perches as to the amount of wind / or moisture the birds have whilst perching.

Now as soon as a bit of warmth is in the air, a little sunshine, and you see a vast difference straight off in the droppings.

And of course one does see a difference in regards the time of day / night droppings.

Now in a more enclosed, and then of course a mite warm compartment then of course I'd expect to see - like many - a nicer nut brown dropping.

Now I had to handle the birds yesterday. My hands were white in bloom, and there are feather downing around. So yes, will this year treat a little before mating them up - have mated them, then separated them, via leaving the cock and hens together for 4 - 5 days.

Think this was just enough (Hopefully) to form a part bonding.

Now when these birds are put together again, I'd expect the dropping to change again for a little while.

I, for instance, have the 'Runs' Sunday and yesterday. Was aching and not too good... Though droppings are firming up a mite now, so I expect to be in better condition soon lol

 

[OLDYELLOW]

re droppings , i find the colder it is the heat from the droppings actualy attract moisture as obviously the heat of the dropping is warmer than the air around it , if your wanting the firmer white cap on nut brown droppings feed more maples no more than 80 % maples ( this can be a mixture of peas beans pulses ) 20% wheat / barley ( i mix my wheat and barley 4 barley to 1 wheat )

[Roland]

Agree. I am at the moment feding only maples - was Tic Beans. Wanting to implemant a decent building 'Block' for the upcoming breeding. Yes a mixture two weeks prior will then have to take pla down place. Reduction of maples and Tic beans, but will be down to around 60% - 70% of the diet when hatched out. Think 22% protein is ideal personally. Also an 'Oil' base seed will then also have to be prevalent. 15% regardless from what sauce.

[OLDYELLOW]

have read maybe from 'OLD HAND' that when feeding a high quantity of peans beans and pulse that white dari should be added to lighten the mix   but too much protein can give them gout and if has a brown shell it can poison them as this material isnt digestable hence no more than 80% beans peas and pulses in a mix perhaps this article by C.S will explain more

http://forum.pigeonbasics.com/m-1195378849/s-0/highlight-maple/#num0

[Roland]

Worse is Protein Poisoning... Toxin waste etc. Once in the system takes all the shifting.

Now burn muscles etc. or draining on such when reserves and what not when ardious burdens occur causes toxin poisoning. But many don't appreciate that feeding as such can also have this effect ... like Whey  etc. being added.... concerns must be for the 'Toxin poison'. Just too much for the system to handle, get shot of waste, and ...

Some will say no doubt that a good system discards waste, where the same may also say 'Don't give too much 'Whatever' because....'