Rail Or Road

[Roland]

For racing, training and getting back strays, British rail was way and above any road transpotation. They even had special air carraiges made for the fany, and we crapped on them from a great hieght. Birds put on train and basket there next morning with details of weather, wind and time released etc. Very cheap too. As for strays I remember it going up to 3/6d. 17 and a half pence. Sorry day when that all came to an end.

[Guest Owen]

Times have changed and things are much more difficult for the pigeons these days. When we used the railway there were very few Birds of Prey and there was no chance of nasty exhaust fumes from the traffic which must have been better for the birds. The Baskets (not crates in those days) were always fitted with drinkers on several sides of the baskets and the rail staff were very careful to top them up. There was always plenty of space around the baskets to allow the birds to breath fresh air. Although what I have written seems to be idyllic and it was good from time time there were unexplained losses.

I think we have a lot to do to try to overcome the problems our pigeons face during transportation but I am sure we are getting there, if slowly.

I want to see Convoyers paid well and given specific instructions so that we can get rid of the blame game that so often happens. I would like to see the Sport Administrators organise feed back so that the returns are known as a matter of fact and the temperatures and moisture content of the crates is known. We need to know if the birds are attacked after release and how long they take to clear. The condition and cleanliness of the vehicles should be a matter of concern and steps should be taken to see that the water containers and pipe work is cleaned and disinfected as a matter of course. I doubt if any one thing could account for our problems with losses but I believe it is possible that we need to pay far more attention to many small things. I also think that the RPRA or similar bodies got off their bums and took responsibly for liberations so that we can reduce much of the clashing that goes on. We need more than glorified offices that just deals with rings, strays and record of ownership.

In most Clubs there are people sending youngsters to races that have not received training or taught to drink in the crates and I think there is a distinct possibility that sick birds are sent to races. I know that birds with crops full of food are often sent which is asking for trouble for their owners and are likely to spread disease to any bird unfortunate enough to be in the same crate.

Just a few ideas which could help us to improve things.

[walterboswell59]

deff agree with all you have said here owen if convoyers tell us that birds are being attacked at race point we know its not there fault nothing they can do about it there job is hard enough but if they tell us we can move to different race point next time but this is just one of many problems i fear