Humidity Levels

[Bobthegas]

Hi,

Could anyone please tell me what percentage the humidity levels should be in the loft.

 

Thanks

 

Bob

[EAGLEOWL]

To protect the fit racing pigeon from losing form, the temperature in the loft must be above 10 and below 30 degrees Celsius, and the humidity kept below 65%. These are the conditions that favour continuing health and known as the thermo-neutral zone for the pigeon.

 

In most lofts, it is the humidity, more than the temperature, which determines whether the birds rest or not at night. Humidity measures the amount of moisture in the air, irrespective of the air temperature, but it is the high humidity (greater than 65%) associated with a temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius that most affects the pigeons ability to rest. The pigeon loses form and becomes susceptible to illness when it does not to get adequate rest.

 

The droppings in the loft are the best indication of the humidity levels. In the healthy loft, a low humidity (less than 55%) gives a consistently nutty brown dropping, whereas a higher humidity (greater than 65%) will produce green watery droppings. At night-time, when the pigeons need to rest, there is always a rise in the humidity, because as the temperature drops the humidity rises. This explains the droppings turning wet and green the morning after a cold humid night, but which then turn nutty brown by the afternoon as the day warms up and the humidity drops. No two lofts, even if they are identical, will have the same humidity levels, because the humidity inside the loft relates directly to the humidity outside the loft. The controlling factor of humidity is the location (or geography) of the loft. Often fanciers will re-create their previously successful loft design when they move from one house to another but find that they are no longer successful flyers. The only difference is the location of the loft.

 

hope this helps you ;D ;D ;D

[DOVEScot]

To protect the fit racing pigeon from losing form, the temperature in the loft must be above 10 and below 30 degrees Celsius, and the humidity kept below 65%. These are the conditions that favour continuing health and known as the thermo-neutral zone for the pigeon.

 

In most lofts, it is the humidity, more than the temperature, which determines whether the birds rest or not at night. Humidity measures the amount of moisture in the air, irrespective of the air temperature, but it is the high humidity (greater than 65%) associated with a temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius that most affects the pigeons ability to rest. The pigeon loses form and becomes susceptible to illness when it does not to get adequate rest.

 

The droppings in the loft are the best indication of the humidity levels. In the healthy loft, a low humidity (less than 55%) gives a consistently nutty brown dropping, whereas a higher humidity (greater than 65%) will produce green watery droppings. At night-time, when the pigeons need to rest, there is always a rise in the humidity, because as the temperature drops the humidity rises. This explains the droppings turning wet and green the morning after a cold humid night, but which then turn nutty brown by the afternoon as the day warms up and the humidity drops. No two lofts, even if they are identical, will have the same humidity levels, because the humidity inside the loft relates directly to the humidity outside the loft. The controlling factor of humidity is the location (or geography) of the loft. Often fanciers will re-create their previously successful loft design when they move from one house to another but find that they are no longer successful flyers. The only difference is the location of the loft.

 

hope this helps you ;D ;D ;D

 

Good information

What about the lofts that have no heating to maintain the 10 degrees like ours?

 

[EAGLEOWL]

 

Good information

What about the lofts that have no heating to maintain the 10 degrees like ours?

 

doves buy a heater

High humidity risk lofts:

 

Lofts near water (ocean, lakes, rivers, waterways, drainage channels, swim pools).

Lofts adjacent to large open low lying areas (grassy areas, foggy areas).

Lofts without sunshine to dry the ground (under trees, in valleys, on the wrong side of the hill and no sun until late in the afternoon).

Lofts in high rainfall areas.

 

These lofts require a loft design that stops the outside humidity (moisture) entering the loft.

 

Insulation is the first step to controlling fluctuating temperatures and high humidity inside the loft. It is the moisture drops of condensation appearing on the inside of uninsulated walls and ceilings that increase the humidity inside the loft to the very high levels that predispose the race birds to restlessness and respiratory illnesses. The insulation of the walls and ceiling will stop this condensation and allow you to control respiratory diseases with the minimal use of medicines.

 

In high humidity areas, shutting the loft up at night or when it is raining is a good method of controlling the humidity inside the loft (louvres are commonly used), but the air circulation and the air quality inside the loft must not be compromised. Too often the loft is completely shut up with no thought about air circulation. The resulting stale loft makes the race birds lethargic due to lack of oxygen.

 

Heaters at night are beneficial for the race team. The healthy team remains in top form when the loft is closed at night by keeping it warm and dry. However, it is better to have a very open loft in flocks recovering from respiratory disease to prevent the "respiratory" germs accumulating inside the loft from re-infecting the race birds.

 

Oil based bar heaters are safe and effective to use when the temperature drops below 12 degrees Celsius and are used to prevent a loss of form by keeping the air and dry. Dehumidifying machines are also available, but the noise may prevent the birds from full rest.

 

Hygrometers can be installed to monitor the humidity within the loft, but often the salts in the grit or mineral powder are equally effective in monitoring humidity above 65%. These salts attract moisture. For example, F-vite darkens and becomes granular when the humidity is too high and grits become dark and wet with moisture.

 

;D ;D ;D

[DOVEScot]

 

doves buy a heater

High humidity risk lofts:

 

Lofts near water (ocean, lakes, rivers, waterways, drainage channels, swim pools).

Lofts adjacent to large open low lying areas (grassy areas, foggy areas).

Lofts without sunshine to dry the ground (under trees, in valleys, on the wrong side of the hill and no sun until late in the afternoon).

Lofts in high rainfall areas.

 

These lofts require a loft design that stops the outside humidity (moisture) entering the loft.

 

Insulation is the first step to controlling fluctuating temperatures and high humidity inside the loft. It is the moisture drops of condensation appearing on the inside of uninsulated walls and ceilings that increase the humidity inside the loft to the very high levels that predispose the race birds to restlessness and respiratory illnesses. The insulation of the walls and ceiling will stop this condensation and allow you to control respiratory diseases with the minimal use of medicines.

 

In high humidity areas, shutting the loft up at night or when it is raining is a good method of controlling the humidity inside the loft (louvres are commonly used), but the air circulation and the air quality inside the loft must not be compromised. Too often the loft is completely shut up with no thought about air circulation. The resulting stale loft makes the race birds lethargic due to lack of oxygen.

 

Heaters at night are beneficial for the race team. The healthy team remains in top form when the loft is closed at night by keeping it warm and dry. However, it is better to have a very open loft in flocks recovering from respiratory disease to prevent the "respiratory" germs accumulating inside the loft from re-infecting the race birds.

 

Oil based bar heaters are safe and effective to use when the temperature drops below 12 degrees Celsius and are used to prevent a loss of form by keeping the air and dry. Dehumidifying machines are also available, but the noise may prevent the birds from full rest.

 

Hygrometers can be installed to monitor the humidity within the loft, but often the salts in the grit or mineral powder are equally effective in monitoring humidity above 65%. These salts attract moisture. For example, F-vite darkens and becomes granular when the humidity is too high and grits become dark and wet with moisture.

 

;D ;D ;D

 

From an engineering point of view, I designed my loft with weather and location in mind as best as I could in the situation but did not include heating as I reckoned birds were equipped to deal with the fall in temperature :-/

[Guest]

 

From an engineering point of view, I designed my loft with weather and location in mind as best as I could in the situation but did not include heating as I reckoned birds were equipped to deal with the fall in temperature :-/

 

get chickadee to knit them socks and hats ;D

[Guest TAMMY_1]

 

From an engineering point of view, I designed my loft with weather and location in mind as best as I could in the situation but did not include heating as I reckoned birds were equipped to deal with the fall in temperature :-/

 

Well doubt if a lot of lofts have heaters in them, I don't know anybody that has, like you say the pigeons are okay dealing with the cold, how many times do you see them in winter desperate to get in a bath with freezing cold water in it ? heaters are definately not for me .plenty fresh air with as few draughts as possible.try and keep as dry as possible,

[Guest]

Easy way to check your loft, is to put a pot of common salt into the loft, if you cannot pour it the following days, the loft is not really suitable to maintain consistant form.

 

Frank Tasker

[EAGLEOWL]

 

get chickadee to knit them socks and hats ;D

 

;D ;Dpmsl ;D ;D

[Guest j.bamling]

 

Well doubt if a lot of lofts have heaters in them, I don't know anybody that has, like you say the pigeons are okay dealing with the cold, how many times do you see them in winter desperate to get in a bath with freezing cold water in it ? heaters are definately not for me .plenty fresh air with as few draughts as possible.try and keep as dry as possible,

 

the thing is tammy a loft what is cold during the racing season more so at the begining of the season will never come into winning form !!

[Guest TAMMY_1]

 

the thing is tammy a loft what is cold during the racing season more so at the begining of the season will never come into winning form !!

 

would have to disagree on that one

[frank-123]

went to vist robert cormack from winchburgh he was sweeping the snow from his loft

it was wide open to the weather   and he could time from 500 miles most times

every body to there own

[frank-123]

looking back at the new shu book most of the lofts were open to the weather

they never even had heating in there houses never mind the loft

[Guest]

Over space of 20-odd years lofts changed from being open-plan to fairly closed in. Don't remember hearing anything about lofts full of sick pigeons back then, but you hear about it on an annual basis nowadays.

[Guest TAMMY_1]

Over space of 20-odd years lofts changed from being open-plan to fairly closed in. Don't remember hearing anything about lofts full of sick pigeons back then, but you hear about it on an annual basis nowadays.

 

Do you blame this on heated lofts ?

[Guest j.bamling]

Over space of 20-odd years lofts changed from being open-plan to fairly closed in. Don't remember hearing anything about lofts full of sick pigeons back then, but you hear about it on an annual basis nowadays.

 

that could be with all the continental pigeons coming here every year also over treating the pigeons a lot more years ago nobody gave the birds much tratment if at all ?

[Guest]

 

Do you blame this on heated lofts ?

 

I think heat is for humans, Tammy, and I think closed lofts are to suit humans too - tho it doesn't seem to suit some, seem to have got PFL instead, makes me wonder if this too is a result of closing up lofts ?

 

Can't remember who / where I heard it : pigeons are designed to breath cold air at high altitude, is it any less humid up there than in an open loft? Don't know, but don't think so.

[EAGLEOWL]

Over space of 20-odd years lofts changed from being open-plan to fairly closed in. Don't remember hearing anything about lofts full of sick pigeons back then, but you hear about it on an annual basis nowadays.

 

bruno think iwill get shot to bits for this but here goes

 

i think the difference from today and twenty years ago maybe people keep more pigeons now ,or i think its because people are breeding from birds which breed sick birds ,bringing in stock from lofts can be a set back unknowingly once you breed from these a couple of months down the line young bird sickness plus they keep sending them wipeing everyones young birds out .

 

i always work on good birds breed good birds sick birds breed sick birds,yes i know i have put myself in the firing line with that statement but thats what i was brought up with.

 

 

maybe its the money been paid today for pigeons,people try to cure rather then dispose of them

 

[Guest TAMMY_1]

 

bruno think iwill get shot to bits for this but here goes

 

i think the difference from today and twenty years ago maybe people keep more pigeons now ,or i think its because people are breeding from birds which breed sick birds ,bringing in stock from lofts can be a set back unknowingly once you breed from these a couple of months down the line young bird sickness plus they keep sending them wipeing everyones young birds out .

 

i always work on good birds breed good birds sick birds breed sick birds,yes i know i have put myself in the firing line with that statement but thats what i was brought up with.

 

 

maybe its the money been paid today for pigeons,people try to cure rather then dispose of them

 

have you never tried to cure a pigeon of an illness ? or do you just cull them ?

[retired]

 

i think the difference from today and twenty years ago maybe people keep more pigeons now ,or i think its because people are breeding from birds which breed sick birds ,bringing in stock from lofts can be a set back unknowingly once you breed from these a couple of months down the line young bird sickness plus they keep sending them wipeing everyones young birds out .

 

NEVER A TRUER STATEMENT SAID ON THIS SITE, WITH REGRET THOUGH I AM GUILTY OF KEEPING TOO MANY BIRDS

 

 

 

[EAGLEOWL]

 

have you never tried to cure a pigeon of an illness ? or do you just bin them ?

 

tammy i dont cure them yes i cull them

[EAGLEOWL]

survival of the fittest in my lofts yet i only keep a small loft .

 

luckily i have never had young bird sickness ,but then i couldnt tell you the last time i raced a full young bird programme due to people having young bird sickness in their lofts always the same people does it stop them sending NO chance.

[Guest TAMMY_1]

survival of the fittest in my lofts yet i only keep a small loft .

 

luckily i have never had young bird sickness ,but then i couldnt tell you the last time i raced a full young bird programme due to people having young bird sickness in their lofts always the same people does it stop them sending NO chance.

 

WELL IF YOU KNOW THEY ARE SENDING SICK BIRDS WHY DO YOU NOT DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, CLUBS HAVE THE POWER TO REFUSE TO SEND ANY BIRDS DEEMED UNFIT TO GO IN THE BASKET

[EAGLEOWL]

 

WELL IF YOU KNOW THEY ARE SENDING SICK BIRDS WHY DO YOU NOT DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, CLUBS HAVE THE POWER TO REFUSE TO SEND ANY BIRDS DEEMED UNFIT TO GO IN THE BASKET

 

i have proposed this for years at the clubs agm meeting ,anyone suffering from young bird sickness should be banned for rest of the season.

 

i would put the answer here but im afraid the webmaster and children would not like the answer.i always receive,you see these same people want to race their birds ever week they dont give a txxx about anyone else always out voted should we say.but believe me propose this at your clubs agm and see what response you will get from other members

 

i think they work on the idea well if i infect eveyones birds i might win a card.

 

but i love to listern to the tales of woe when they get poor returns it always goes

like this

 

 

conveyor wants shooting

hes never watered them birds

they must have clashed

followed by another boat load of excuses

 

but they never question why there sending sick birds

 

[Guest TAMMY_1]

 

i have proposed this for years at the clubs agm meeting ,anyone suffering from young bird sickness should be banned for rest of the season.

 

i would put the answer here but im afraid the webmaster and children would not like the answer.i always receive,you see these same people want to race their birds ever week they dont give a txxx about anyone else always out voted should we say.but believe me propose this at your clubs agm and see what response you will get from other members

 

i think they work on the idea well if i infect eveyones birds i might win a card.

 

but i love to listern to the tales of woe when they get poor returns it always goes

like this

 

 

conveyor wants shooting

hes never watered them birds

they must have clashed

followed by another boat load of excuses

 

but they never question why there sending sick birds

 

THIS YEAR I STOPPED RACING MY YOUNG BIRDS FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS BECAUSE THEY WERE SICK, AFTER TWO WEEKS OFF AND TREATING THEM THEY WERE RIGHT AS RAIN AGAIN AND DID WELL IN THE LAST TWO RACES,

IF I HAD CULLED THEM THEN I WOULD HAVE HAD NO YOUNG BIRDS LEFT ,SO TREATING DID WORK FOR THEM.