pigeons, form , moult

[jimmy white]

just wondered the forums veiws on this,, i was allways happy sending a bird with its second flight just peeping through, , but in the past won the amal[over 500 miles ][4 feds ] from sartilly with a w,hood cock , paired in jan , sent in june, without casting a flight, the bird was buzzing and flying nearly all day, had 7 wins b4 this [not all same year],,,,in other words do you think the moult of the flights make any differance, i wouldnt send birds on there 4th ,5th flight,as i think this is when the body moult gets started [even though you dont notice it then , but it is starting, opinions , anyone??

[DFisher]

if its te first 2/3 flights or none believe that is fine, it doesnt matter but there will be exceptions, once you get into 5 and onwards its too far for distance pigeons 500+

 

the moult gets bleamed but a lot of pigeons are sent not in good condition and not fit enough and dont return

[celtic]

Fitness is a huge part of it in my opinion, if they are'nt sent ready and able to do the job, don't ecpect to win.

[Guest TAMMY_1]

The whole thing with feathers has baffled me and I did ask before , has anybody seen a book or an article anywhere that explains all about feathers , when they fall or how to delay them when racing, just anything specific about the whole feather system ?

[Guest]

Agree that a lot of the moult-vs-racing condition seems to be all word-of-mouth passed on down thro the years.

 

Interesting one Jimmy, on the bird not having cast a flight, because my understanding (from what I've been told) is that OBs have to cast the 1st primary before they come into form, and that 1st one 'can be a bit sore' before it's dropped.   Comments on that one?

 

Also overheard a conversation about a pigeon being prepared for our Combine race which the fancier didn't send because it dropped a primary the night before basketing (Wedy basket for Friday am liberation). Comments on that one ?

[Tony C]

I think casting of the first flight is a sign that things are going as they should. The instance you gave Jimmy shows that its not necessary for a pigeon to drop a flight before it comes into form, given a choice though I would personally like to see then drop their first.

 

Jimmy, why do think your pigeon held its flights for so long? Was it raced on darkness as a baby ?

[stevebelbin]

I was told that when the birds are on there second round of eggs, that they shouldnt be allowed to sit for more the 9-10 days or they will start to cast their flights too early. Is this fact or theory??

[Tony C]

Whilst I like to see then drop their first flight I don't encourage it by letting them sit over 8 days on their 2nd round, that is if I let them sit a 2nd round at all.

[Guest TAMMY_1]

Whilst I like to see then drop their first flight I don't encourage it by letting them sit over 8 days on their 2nd round, that is if I let them sit a 2nd round at all.

 

So if they are sitting for 8 days and you continually lift eggs will this stop them dropping flights ?

[DECKY]

Isnt it funny how we would not have confidence in an o.b when it is out on its 5th flight and yet we send inexperienced y.bs to races in the same condition and think they are capable of doing the business for us.                              I know of plenty of birds that have scored in the S.N.F.C after throwing 2 flights at once, so would that not be an indication of super form.

[Tony C]

 

So if they are sitting for 8 days and you continually lift eggs will this stop them dropping flights ?

 

If eggs were taken away after 8 days on their 2nd round I believe (and could be wrong) that they would cast their 1st flight after sitting 4-5 days on their 3rd round. Would be interested myself to know if I've got this right. :-/

[westy]

ive sent birds with 1 or 2 fligths missing and got back alrigth but what you have to think is when they have lost a few and could losse more within time to the liberation when you are not there and may find it diificult to get back i did it with a yb a month later it turned up.

[Guest]

Yes, I think we need to be clear that we are speaking about OBs. (I think  

 

YB's I feel are a whole different kettle of fish and if they are on Natural and obviously moulting, need very careful handling. I always start to get cold feet sending them anywhere when they are around primary 6 & 7.  Mine seem to motor thro the moult and are on 4th or 5th flight at the 1st race, and finished by 4th race. Wish they'd motor home instead.  ;D