The Mental Process

[Kyleakin Lofts]

The Mental Process

 

by

 

John Clements

 

 

 

There is a large group of fanciers, perhaps the majority, who do not let their pigeons out during the winter. The reasoning behind this policy is that by controlling their liberty the owner can also control the physical wellbeing of his birds and keep them safe from the cold bleak months of winter.

 

 

 

All this is very well and is a good idea as far as it goes but as well as the physical condition there is also a mental condition going on at the same time. Keeping a pigeon locked up out of harms way does have it’s downsides. One of the downsides of this locked up winter policy is the protected pigeon is denied the experience of foul weather so when foul weather and difficult conditions do occur (even in summer) the pigeon has little experience of it.

 

 

 

The other downside is perhaps more essential. A pigeon at liberty around it’s loft gradually develops a mental affinity with it’s local environment. . This environmental mental familiarity is the very stuff - more than anything else - that eventually brings the pigeon home when the going gets tough. Scientists refer to it as imprinting.

 

 

 

Not all pigeons get this mental imprint to the same degree - certainly not all pigeons get it in such a strong enough way to improve their tenacity during long flights but without liberty those that can be helped from gaining the necessary determination are also denied. . Such pigeons are thus downgraded by their owners to a lesser distance where physical condition alone is enough to bring them home. In really long hard races the physical is not nearly enough. The pigeon needs mental strength as well.

Edited February 8, 2018 by Kyleakin Lofts

[Kyleakin Lofts]

Interesting.

 

What are your thoughts?

[Roland]

Tend to agree with that. Have always believe that out all weathers does more good than harm. Mine if not out flying now a days would still be in an aviary.

 

However a further point, and one which I believe strongly is that these birds will endure more than one hard race / harsh conditions. Those that have been protected can, and do excel, in their first hard race. However these are the ones that next time a round go down early and don't / won't battle on, but take their time.

 

It's like the Scenario of birds having a 'Night Out'. Many brag that their 'Bird' has never had a night out ... However others say 'Best thing for them, as in future they don't panic and are up and away way before the others (First tinkling of the milkman) that once happened.

Over the many years in this game, and still learning, I would say Best out all weathers. Good to have had a night out ... fly on not to have another.

Given just enough time before dusk to get home a boon ... if night out then they learn.

Besides wintery weathers harden the birds up. JMO.

[Mattydoos79]

I let my Pigeons out in winter as it shows them the weather whatever comes to them I only don’t let them out if it’s strong wind but come rain or snow even they get to be out, cos when it comes to the racing season they need to learn our changing british weather on their way home.

[Kyleakin Lofts]

Keep the comments coming.

 

I have my young birds / latebreds out on alternate days, cocks and hens. Terrible season last year, so no experienced race birds left, just a couple that managed to work back from early hawk attacks, flight from, before the season.

 

Only time I keep them in is if I have a course or something to prevent me calling them back in after their hour or two hour flight. Weather wise, strong winds because of the wires beside me and mist / fog keep them in. Further to that, when the BOP become active and successful at a high rate, they are kept in and the cycle is changed a bit, times and repetitiveness.

[dkj]

I keep them lock up in the winter because of Hawks, nothing to do with the weather

[andy Burgess]

it,s a shame that Mr Clements is not a Basics site member . i would like to ask "how does the bird gain an affinity with home when under repeated hawk attacks" ?

[lanarkshire lad]

I try and get them out as often as possible in the off season I was always under the impression that exercise is good for all living things but it becomes impossible when you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark so Saturdays and sundays are the only option in winter . I don’t like my pigeons being locked up for too long it can lead to stress in certain individuals I have a cock that damages his tail feathers by biting into them during winter when locked in and also two of his daughters show the same trait during the winter if locked up for a while I put it down to stress as during the season when they are paired up this behaviour stops by the way these pigeons are my best line at the moment both the hens have scored at the channel I’ve had pigeons 50 year now and this is the first time I’ve had this problem.

[Kyleakin Lofts]

it,s a shame that Mr Clements is not a Basics site member . i would like to ask "how does the bird gain an affinity with home when under repeated hawk attacks" ?

 

Don't know where John is based, but there are still pockets where, apparently, the fanciers don't have a problem or at least, only a very minor one. I will try to find out for you Andy.

 

Email sent.

Edited February 8, 2018 by Kyleakin Lofts

[Roland]

Have no problem with Rain, hail and even snow. Have let birds out when ever where is snow white... Fog etc. Have released in thick fog at 50 miles and they have been home and trapped before I got there... Abover the fog it's clear enough. Released I heavy winds and rain... nary a problem.

 

Gosh pigeons were released in Paper bags at 5000 feet in the pitch black still of night and still flew 2 -300 miles during the war years. The Canadian Corps were heralded as tops in this regards.

[THE FIFER]

good topic, I must admit my birds are not out as much during winter, so I may have second thoughts,

[paddymac]

My birds are occasionally out during the winter months, but only on selected days weather permitting.

[paddymac]

it,s a shame that Mr Clements is not a Basics site member . i would like to ask "how does the bird gain an affinity with home when under repeated hawk attacks" ?

Andy we have a member of our club who lives close to a local quarry and has constant strikes from the resident percies with the result that he hasn't raced a bird the past few seasons as they refused to home and were entering other local lofts on race day rather than face the fear of attack nearer their own loft.

[paddymac]

The Mental Process

 

by

 

John Clements

 

 

 

There is a large group of fanciers, perhaps the majority, who do not let their pigeons out during the winter. The reasoning behind this policy is that by controlling their liberty the owner can also control the physical well being of his birds and keep them safe from the cold bleak months of winter.

 

A lot of successful distance fliers have their birds on open all through the season and throughout the winter months.

[andy Burgess]

Andy we have a member of our club who lives close to a local quarry and has constant strikes from the resident percies with the result that he hasn't raced a bird the past few seasons as they refused to home and were entering other local lofts on race day rather than face the fear of attack nearer their own loft.

 

i used to fly in a club back in Wales and at least 1 member a week were getting hit around home Pat.

i am sure this is why Bryngwynt lofts can no longer fly at home too . at least he can breed some .

[Kyleakin Lofts]

Andy we have a member of our club who lives close to a local quarry and has constant strikes from the resident percies with the result that he hasn't raced a bird the past few seasons as they refused to home and were entering other local lofts on race day rather than face the fear of attack nearer their own loft.

 

Looks like we have the answer.

I think we have to provide a safe home for our pigeons, be that predators or parasites, etc. If this can be done on open hole or winter flights, then it must be the best, but fanciers don't keep them in for no reason whatsoever.

[Kyleakin Lofts]

Repeated Hawk attacks are a serious business, but I think it is possible to understand the hawks feeding period, although I myself have little experience of doing it. I also think the pigeons have to become streetwise to hawks. The design of the loft is most important - I think a loft high up from the ground is the best. The loft should have a steep apex roof - steep enough too so that cats cannot climb down to a let board beneath an overhang.

 

Hope this helps. . J C

[eastcoaster]

My hens are out all time but do get hunted by the Sparra hen ,they are up in garage roof so little chance of attack by cats , the late breds fly for hours if they want but must admit not sure about giving a better love of home but because my birds can't talk I have to assume they are happy or wouldn't stay here.

[paddymac]

i used to fly in a club back in Wales and at least 1 member a week were getting hit around home Pat.

i am sure this is why Bryngwynt lofts can no longer fly at home too . at least he can breed some .

Not much enjoyment and really sad Andy when you can't watch your birds flying around at home though.

[Kyleakin Lofts]

I hate when I have to keep them in.

[paddymac]

I would think that most fanciers feel the same

[Roland]

it,s a shame that Mr Clements is not a Basics site member . i would like to ask "how does the bird gain an affinity with home when under repeated hawk attacks" ?

 

How True.

Have met Mr Clements at a Moot etc.

But I would liken him to scenario we had, indeed often still have.

Was then just a department manager at Tesco.

Every department had a memo from the higher ups telling us how to do out jobs and best way forward and ;Must Do's'.

One was that all provision departments MUST Not sale middle back Bacon, but to do as the London shops do ... I.E. SHORT BACK and Streaky'. I just laughed and threw it in the bin. It came more and more often ... But only good for lighting a fire with in reality.

One day a higher up gave our store the once over...

I was asked if I never received that mandate. I laughed and joked about it. Then explained that here about for yonks, though some older folks bought short back bacon, and those feeling the pinch bought the streaky By far and large the number bought Middle ... which many undoubtedly cut in a half etc. who had kids... BUT if I only sold short back and streaky not only they wouldn't buy it, but would go where they could NIGH any and other store. Which inevitably would mean they'd buy other provisions there too, look cook meats, pork pies etc. etc.

He agreed and said 'Carry on'!

It all very well and good behind an office desk spouting what his mum and family like in London, even if not partible elsewhere.

[Roland]

I have my loft under trees. Has some disadvantages... hence better for birds to have an open loft etc. Good side is I don't get many strays at all, or S/H. Can't have every thing, just do what one has to for best... accepting it's not perfect. Yes my force roofs helped. Now a tiled roof over a false roof on bricks with aviary is far better. Now it is the best it could be. If I lived ....

[dunc50]

I hate when I have to keep them in.

 

get them out is our policy its a bop society now so just have to put up with it or pack in, remember they are RACING pigeons athletes so need to exercise, even in off season JMO

[Kyleakin Lofts]

I put the point about the Irish and Welsh fanciers being unable to fly / race their pigeons.

 

 

If pigeons were absolutely wild they wouldn't live in such a location, I think we must all put our minds into thinking how the pigeon thinks and adjust accordingly - migrating birds are of course subject to nature tooth and claw - we as fanciers have to get away from thinking we can control everything - obviously we can't when to comes to falcons and loft near quarry's.

 

John C