Training And Ranging

[Bad Trapper]

This season I decided to not go on the dark and have them Natural as so to speak, I have one team of 16 in a 8x6 loft they are now on the 12th toss(20 miles) and the last 4 or 5 have been a nightmare as they seem to come back in good time(before I am back)then clear off for anything up to 3 hours. My neighbour says the seem to fly around for a couple of minutes then they are gone. Has anyone had a similar thing happen, any suggestions, do they need farther. Advice would be welcome. Mick.

[Rooster J. Cogburn]

If you feel confident in your control over there trapping you could try letting them out before you basket them for training.

I've done this with youngbirds in the past for a slightly different reason to yourself,mines would take 2 or 3 hours to come from training .

I suppose when you think about it if they are in the habit of ranging for an hour or two then you take them 15 or 20 miles,a distance that should only take them around 25minutes,a fit and healthy baby will be full of flying.

that worked for me but you'd be best to see what a lot of the more experienced members think.

[Roland]

I like mine to have finished ranging and flitting around the roof tops before I start tossing them personally.

yes does work well letting them out prior to basketing.

If able, as mine will start this week, I will switch to feeding twice a day. 5 - 8th of ounzes of treats for each I see landing. Calling, even though in the loft, I spill it into the trough.

Then I feed about 3 quaters - to even an ounce in evening. Yep sometimes let them back out first, sometimes not. Never out after thursday morning training. Mind after first race never out the loft after Wednesday.