Roland

Regardless what we believe, it will be here shortly. Of course the ole lame duck of not making birds fly faster is true, but not a shred of relevance as to whether one or more birds can - will be - clocked faster. Of course it is. Proven to be 17 seconds faster per birds! And of course help prevents any Try Shy scenarios becoming prevalent. Now any half pint can tell you whether it is fair o r not. When those, that are able to afford ET, agree to have a rule of 20 seconds per bird handicap - that can't ever be changed - over manuals, then 70% of the real reasons for wanting ET will be discarded straight off! And there isn't a scenario ever put up now that hasn't been heard and discussed etc. Now if I fly against Steve and he agrees on 15 seconds per birds then go for it. But I doubt that Steve - he may but I doubt it - or many others will accept that! Why, because it says that it is for many of the other merits - like training, not being there, can be incorporated. But they won't, instead most we talk the cods wallop that AS he can have one, then everyone can have one so why should we, or anyone be penalised. Simple, the vast majority can afford one! And many feel that it's too late for them to change. So many will leave this so called sport that we can ill afford to lose! Yes I've like everyone else has heard the cobblers that if they want to leave that will any way! Those are not the ones we mean and well they know it. It's the ones that can't afford it that will be peeved big time as the more affluent gain even more -and may I state - undeserved advantage. Would I like one...? Nothing stops me or any one else having one so where's the problem there? Belgium uses them ... but still have to MANUALLY clock in within 5 minutes, so that in reality is nigh a waste of time, and why.... 30 years ago Belgium had 125 000 fanciers, today 35,000. The Costs! And the younger ones have to spend money on more 'Important' things, like rearing kids, mortgages / rent etc. That is one MAIN reason why WIFES begrudge and stop husbands from being fanciers... Now one doesn't have to be a rocket scientist to work that out. So a GOOD thing! Off course, Can we as a hobby afford it... no! Too many loses of fanciers and another block on new members joining. Will they come, of course, there is still money to be made in this port, and the manuals at realist second hand prices are a real bargain! P.s. not many like to A. admit the wife won't let them. and B. not many like to admit they can't afford ... Let the genuine ones put into a clause of 17 seconds handicap ... that's never going to happen of course.... By golly we have all seen every season where a fraction separates the first 3- 7 even, those without the ET won't be in here anymore! Now there's another fact. AND that isn't because the ET made their birds fly faster either!

Great to see the latest on Dafra and our flying the continent. Hopefully no twist in the tail... Soon all those Wise folks on Concern commitees will, as I stated, be able to stick their chests out in pride and give that knowing 'Wink' and what a Clever boy am I... And that no alterntive program was needed etc. But the cost has been fair high in terms of resignations and what not, so perhaps they weren't so clever after all. Especially when Costs will go p with fewer paying them.

Had 6 pairs of Magpies, and 3 Crow nests near me... Crows actually took over a Magpies nest. Have seen them 'Bombing / attacking' the hawks. This they certainly do! But this is only tolerated till hawks decde other wise. Now none, all moved on, though I do of course get them around on dull days. Why? Well two families of Sparrow Haws ave moved in and certainly made short thrift of them and who is boss of what. They seem to take 'Young Ferals' from over the road, where there are countless. Crows land once a days or so here abouts. Likewise Magpie. I have the Disc up and under the House gutteridge, they bogg off in sunlight. Were and are a pain in neck with the pigeons ... would have tolerated that if they had kept 'Hawks' at bay, but they failed miserable there too... and they do attack the y/b's when out so ... In hardish winters the Crow family would subsistate the Hawks dinner.

Many people don't even train y/b's, ( I didn't again this last season as I knew I wouldn't be racing them) and then very light training and perhaps a odd race as yearlings PERHAPS, they come well. Some even go into National races havng their first race ... One even one a National on it's and the owners first race ... just the one case as I know off. So all they molley cuddling and train is for your own benefit, and peace of mind. Golly Birds that are sold and took 100's of miles away that get out - never been trained, or even loft flown find their way back... I usually if going to race y/b's just go the week, then 35 upwards in any direction, they come well.

May well be a good idea that mO!

Must say then that as regards Amtrax am completely overwhelmed with my luck then. Always been same day delivery actually ... When I use tem again I'l have a £5 win yankee on 4 outsiders, for I must be one hell of a lucky git!

Very true, but the alternative scare the hell out of us causes nihtmare just thinking for a fleeting moment about it ... Goll then Amtrax would be classed as Saints lol.

Well we live and learn and think we remeber, only to live and learn yet again lol. No wonder there is 'Nothing New under the....'

Late breds are BRED in the purple, in the best weather and ripe feed. A great supplement to any 'Poor Season, AND if held back with just one race first season they will be your best birds the seasn after. Most just don't have the patience to wait. But again if you don't eed them till they are 18 months to race....

Why's that then Kev?

Just breed them... and if you own them, then that is your family and strain. Simple really, unless your a feather merchant and needs another 'Name' to enhance sales.

Let it stay on it's own with plenty of freedom ... 3/4 weeks down the line he fills or don't, then it's a costly Vet job of syringe etc. But feel other than that of changing it's mate to a prove hen... JNO

Yes NANCYVIEWLOFTS dogs, like most animals, have a biult in medicence box in their tongue. So I guess that would be idea.

That's 'Paddy's Night'... will be singing the Wild Rover and what not no doubt lol.

I decided . amazingly, not to add my two cents worth on the DAFRA, as I feel only carefully thought out and costructive views are to be measured, and I may be a bit outlandish and over bearing ... Yeah I know, you can't believe that of me lol. But I feel best left unsaid unless worthwhie with a goal, or point to be ventured, JMO and ME lol

Better than ever, it has now a notion that your loft is there and is safe.

I believe that one own' conscious decide that, A. What they feel safe is safe and B. what they can get away with. Human element, and the higher up they ladder the les scruples there are. Won't be able to feed to the animals though I guess ... Or

Of course.

Strange Sammy, I was a very heavy for smoker and had good fortune there, in as much it worked for me. But hae heard as you stated, so ...

Wasn't on our reagion either, mores the pity.

Just hit Google and put in Fibre Glass roof Wholesale UK. soon be able to get a good price. and local too I'd wager. I have corrigated Tin cover with that plastic coating. Laid on double soon, as I fixed them down by the Gully part and covered... no the best idea, and certainly not what the roofers do ... They use longer bolts and from the top oval. Could take it of and turn it up side down - turn it over, but have just finished alterations so will just cover another one on top. My loft is under trees, which is not good, so have to have it well insulated. And I have plastic cladding on outside so that won't rot, and is sound water proofing. With Plastic air vents, and cladding, just need a good frame really.

Again I agree totally PigeonScout ... beginning to worry me lol. I hard the birds on Tick Beans and Maple peas for a while after racing ... then added some barley to cleanse the blood. Soon as the snow hit I bought a sack of Maize - Hemp is good also - to warm their blood a mite. As it happens it wasn't needed really, just the 2/3 days like. But there is a nip in the air so it will remain as such. Birds fly out each day in turns, as there is enough light for both. Don't bother to get up much before 11 and like to try and be regular. So it's Cock birds out at 12 one day, hens the next but do clean out each day. If blood is clean, air ways clear, and a little exercise, can't see much being wrong with them. If one or so get poorly, and others don't, bang goes their chance of breeding till provened by the races. I find that good birds don't tend to over eat, nor do they get poorly, well definately not often.

Very true PigeonScout ... Steve nothing stops one from having Blinds, Heaters or fans, sliding panels etc... Personally I feel that it is better for the birds to come into form, then into super form naturally. I further believe it to be very hard for a bird to hold form for a long period of time ... average I'd say 8 weeks and you'll be doing well. Spring onwards, but I seldom race till May anyway. But you will see via droppings if birds aren’t resting etc. at night. But All lofts need fresh air and to be dry! Did have sliding panels once to control the air flow in winter … felt it was not only burdensome etc. but birds fared far better with a natural climate change over night. Will have to get some photo’s done and let you all pass comments, good and bad.

Yeah ... watch out they don't start mating and laying eggs lol.