Secrets of Animal Navigation

Taken from the National Geographic

June 1991, Vol. 179, No. 6

Written by Michael E. Long

Pictures by James L. Amos

Despite frosted lenses placed over its eyes to deprive it of visual landmarks, a pigeon will still return to the vicinity of its loft.

Biologist Klaus Schmidt-Koenig supervises the release of pigeons in a field near Tubingen, Germany. In pioneer work published in 1958, he first documented the existence of a time-compensated sun compass in homing pigeons.

FOUNDATION CHARITY AUCTION

Robert and Steven Rotiroti successfully ran a Foundation Charity Auction for the benefit of Toronto Sick Kid's Hospital at the Vandorf Community Hall (Ontario, Canada) on November 13th, 2010.

This event was supported with a LIVE-ONLINE by Choicepigeon.com and 100% of the proceeds raised (less auction expenses) was donated DIRECTLY to the Toronto Sick Kid's Hospital. Robert and Steve raised about $10,000.00.

Approximately forty birds were donated by local and out of area flyer's including birds from:

Tony Alves, Rotiroti Bros, Big Andy, Chris Mitsiou, Jim McInnes, Ken Foster, Steacy Family Loft, Ron Hastie, Bruce Mathers, and Mario Rea.

Robert writes, “This is a great way to get a positive outlook on our great sport. This is the first year that my brother and I are going to run the auction, and we plan on running it every year from now on. The pigeon sport teaming up with charity can be very key to our success in getting GOOD NEWS into the media and into the public eye.

Not to mention, that thanks to the doctors at the Sick Kids Hospital my brother Steven is still here with us today and able to run this auction. At birth my brother suffered a brachial plexus injury. This injury has affected my brother's life drastically. When my brother was born there were complications to his delivery, his left shoulder got stuck. The standard procedure when this happens is to break the baby’s collar bone and yank them out by their arms. Now when the doctor went to break his collar bone he messed up horrible and instead broke his collar bone and damaged several nerves on his spinal cord. As soon as my brother was delivered he was immediately put into an ambulance and rushed to sick kids, just after his arrival at sick kids he entered cardiac arrest and lost all his vital signs, he was revived by Dr. W. Clark and his staff. The injury that my brother suffered at birth has left him with no use of his left arm, but thanks to the staff at sick kids he has learned to accomplish his everyday tasks even with his disability. But my brother and many of the other patients at sick kids don’t let their problems slow them down, Steven has a little motto that he says every-time anyone offers him help when they see him struggling with something, he says "everything you can do, I can do better, I can do everything better than you" this is the attitude that all children should have and by you donating to the Sick Children’s Hospital of Toronto we can help fund the research and treatment that these kids need.”

Steve is currently Special Events chair for the Up North Combine and has done an exceptional job in this position.

Past sports promotions

Pigeon racing

How Do Birds Navigate Long Distances?

Birds have navigated long distances since ancient times, when Egyptians first used homing pigeons to carry messages. Birds' navigation skills have intrigued researchers, and approximately 150 years ago, they hypothesized that birds traveled by Earth's magnetic field. Other theories include an acute sense of smell, visual cues and genetics--and it is possible all of these theories are true.

Navigation by Smell

While people used to believe birds did not have a well-developed sense of smell, researchers have recently discovered some birds use their olfactory sense to navigate, according to the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. For instance, European starlings with damaged nerves that deteriorate their sense of smell are less likely than healthy birds to find their way home.

Genetics

Migratory birds are born with some navigational skills, according to Smithsonian National Zoological Park. That they fly in the correct direction for the correct length of time during the first migration shows they have an innate navigation system. In an experiment described in the book "Bird Migration," garden warblers kept in a controlled, unchanging environment still knew which direction to fly for migration--proving, for many birds, navigation during migration is a product of genetics.

Magnetic Beaks

In 2004, biologist Cordula Mora at the University of North Carolina led a team of researchers studying birds' navigation. They attached small magnets to their beaks and found this impaired their ability to navigate, leading researchers to believe pigeons have magnetite in their beaks that guides them. They may also have a magnetic compass in their eyes, according to Mora. This means birds can position themselves according to Earth's magnetic field.

Navigation by Sight

Mora states that, during migration, birds also travel by visual cues, including the stars, sun, moon and landmarks on Earth as learned behavior. For instance, if indigo buntings cannot view the night sky when they are young, they fail to learn critical navigation skills for migration. Wind can blow birds slightly off course, but those traveling over rivers stay on course by following the river, according to Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center.

Wind Patterns

Smithsonian National Zoological Park states that wind direction is seasonal, and during migration season, it tends to blow in the direction birds are supposed to migrate--which makes it an ideal guide. Birds may recognize wind direction when it ruffles their feathers, causing them to feel with the sensory receptors beneath their feathers.

By Ashley Hayes, eHow Contributor

updated: May 31, 2010

www.ehow.com

OREGANO - A NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC

OREGANO, is effective against many bacteria, fungus, salmonella's, and E. coli. It helps in digestion, kills some staphylococcus and streptococcus species, and generally boosts the immune system. Oregano, like other antibiotics can be over used. It should be followed up by probiotics.

I use a provided dropper and add 12-15 drops to a shot glass of oil or Red Cell vitamins, and mix into feed 2-3 times a week. However, don't rely on my measurements - Do your own research on this powerful NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC.

Purchase a health book or video today, and eliminated the guess work! Vet's for Fanciers, Edited by Dr. Zsolt Talaber would be a good start.

Pigeons help Big Brothers take flight

This article first appeared in the 'Barrie Examiner' on Monday, January 6, 1997. Written by Ian McInroy.

INNISFIL - Pigeons from across southern Ontario came to roost Sunday for area Big Brothers. Members of the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union and their birds homed in on the 400 Flea Market to raise money for Big Brothers in Barrie and Midland. About 400 birds were displayed during auctions where some of the pigeons were sold to members for as much as $300, said Mike Taylor of Huronia Pigeon Racing Promotions, which hosted the event.

FANCIER - Mike Taylor, of Huronia Pigeon Racing Promotions, looks over one of his birds at a fund-raiser Sunday for area Big Brothers. Some pigeons live to be almost 20 years old and exclusive birds in European clubs can fetch upwards of $85,000.

Club member David Booth, of Lefroy, who has been a "fancier" for 25 years, says young and old alike can find pigeoning very satisfying. "It teaches kids how to handle animals gently and encourages them to be responsible. They have to feed them and water them: same as a dog or a cat. They have fun watching them fly and handling the babies." But things can get a little more serious at times, he adds.

"Everyone gets very competitive when the racing begins." Voyo Radoman, of Orangeville agrees. He is publisher of the Canadian Racing Pigeon News and has been an avid pigeoner for 14 years. "For most of us it's intense competition through our feathered friends."

An average race is 400 to 600 kilometres but the final race of the 1997 season is about 1,250 kilometres long. It will begin in Radison, Que., on the east shore of James Bay and end when the birds return to home roosts across southern Ontario.

Participants at Sunday's event raised $1,200 for Big Brothers in Barrie and Midland.

HOLD ON - Werner Vahle, of Bradford (left) helps daughters Nicole, 10, and Sandie, 6, (right) with one of the family's pigeons at the 400 Market.

Past sports promotions
Pigeon racing

Missing the Ad Boat

Corporate businesses recognize the importance of using their fleets to promote their business. This exposure is critical. Review each transport during the off-season to ensure full potential.

Decals & signs should include large picture of Racing Pigeon (keep it simple), Identify the organization, and affiliated National Organization, their phone numbers, and websites. And if possible a supported Charity or Cause. These vehicles can do much more than transport pigeons to race points.

Stupid Pigeons

Spend the holidays with family and friends.....the stupid pigeons will be just fine!

... 'this is a day for the blind to see and the deaf to hear'

Association of Pigeon Veterinarians

Association of Pigeon Veterinarians

National Avian Disease Task Force for Pigeons and Doves

Position Statement:

"The  Association of Pigeon Veterinarians, after careful review of the documentation of the Avian Disease Research Committee of the American Pigeon Fanciers' Council, and the implemented studies of the National Avian Disease Task Force for Pigeons and Doves, and consideration of the data from the United States Communicable Disease Center (CDC), we do affirm and testify that to our knowledge, the raising, keeping and the exercising of pigeons and doves represents no more of a health hazard than the keeping of other communal or domestic pets."

Passed as a unanimous resolution of the Association of Pigeon Veterinarians at the Second Annual Avian Veterinary Symposium of the National Avian Disease Task Force for Pigeons and Doves, July 26, 1986, St. Louis, Missouri.

David Marx, DVM President

Norman, Oklahoma

John Esposito, DVM Vice President

El Paso, Texas

Roger Harlin, DVM Secretary

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Kathy Fryar, DVM Treasurer

Willis, Texas

Everett Bryant, DVM Recording Secretary

Storrs, Connecticut

Printed in the American Racing Pigeon News

Volume 107, Number 3, June 1991

CRPU Forum

The Canadian Racing Pigeon Union is currently having a problem with it's FORUM pages. They are aware of the problem and are diligently working on getting the site up again.

Canadian Racing Pigeon Union

I'm sure the Board would like me to apologize for this inconvenience on their behalf.

Thanks and enjoy the Holidays,

Mike - TCC Loft

Wendell M. Levi

Wendell Mitchell Levi, Author of Encyclopedia of Pigeon Breeds, and The Pigeon. Foundation books in any serious Pigeon Fanciers library. "The Pigeon" was the official textbook for training U.S. Signal Corps Pigeoneers, World War II.

Portrait reproduced from original painting by E. A. D'Ancona

Personalities that have made a difference in the world of pigeon racing

Selection

Get rid of the bad ones, sell the good ones, and breed from the SUPERS, per Ad Schaerlaeckens.

Twenty words or less TCC Loft series

The New AU and You

This article first appeared in the American Racing Pigeon News, Volume 107, Number 12, March 1992. In times of recession, many hungry businesses go back to the basics when promoting and doing business. Simple ideas with a little leadership and 1/2 dozen volunteers can have a major impact in your local market. I know I'm asking a lot to have you read this very long Blog, but please indulge me. Thanks, Mike

Pigeons in the Mall ?

Publicity Writer

Bob Phillips

Box 218

153 E. Columbus

Lithopolis, OH 43136

I would like to take this first paragraph to introduce you to Ron Logsdon, a first year flyer with the Lancaster, Ohio Pigeon Club. I asked Logsdon to write in his own words his experience of setting up a very successful Mall Show. I would hasten to add that pigeons had not fared to well in the past with the local newspapers. This then is Ron Logsdons story and how he put on a splendid Mall Show reaping a bountiful windfall of publicity in the local news papers. The show also gained new members for the club plus enlightened the public.

Pigeons in the Mall? You're kidding right?? No way!! It'll never happen!! You outta your mind!! Fat chance!! & Good luck!! Are they gonna be flying around inside the mall?? Are you gonna set up a race track for them to race on?? These are some of the comments I heard when I first brought up the idea of having a pigeon show in the local mall.

It was at our November meeting that I made the motion that we see about the local mall letting us put on a show. I was immediately nominated to spearhead the project which I was all for. Since I brought it up I naturally should be the one to pursue it. No problem for this flier, I don't feel that I should just be a dues paying member. Every member should get involved in one way or another with promoting our sport and educating the public on all the misinformation they generally receive about pigeons.

This show had a two fold purpose:

1) Educate the public

2) Attract new members

I feel we accomplished both targets, the jury is still out as the show just ended but time will tell just how well we really did do. I have been reading with much interest this past year all the Updates stories about trying to bolster the number of fliers. With every Update I became more and more interested in the plan proposed by Steve Lawler called Project 2000. The attempt to DOUBLE the size of the AU. It sounds like an awesome task but with all the aids available from the AU it should be one that we could very easily reach. The Spring issue got my interest while the Fall issue got me charged.

So, here it is November and I'm in charge of putting together a show in the local mall that some people are doubting that it will happen. The first order of business is to reserve one of the three AU display booths for our show. I figure on having this show in January as the birds are fully feathered, not in training, most fliers have them separated and they just have that full plump good look about them. I got a display booth reserved and mailed to me (the booth was not in use since early December and I was the first to ask for it, I find it hard to believe that it was going to sit idle for over 6 weeks, some clubs are letting a golden opportunity go by them). The winter time to me is the ideal time to have a show. Our show is over with and now other clubs are scrambling to get a kit. I have to mail this one direct to Texas for them to get it in time for their show. So I have the booth, the blessing of the members to spend up to $100 on the show, so now its full steam ahead with all the coordinating and time for me to put on my PR hat.

First stop is the local mall. It was amazing to me putting this show together just how giving everyone was. I coordinated all the plans for this over the phone. Never once did I have to have a face to face meeting with the mall people, it surprised me. After hammering down a firm date for the show I then moved onto the media for coverage. I send out a news release a month in advance of the show to 7 area papers for some public service advertising. Much to my surprise, one of the papers started running the ad upon receiving it and ran it the entire 4 weeks for free. I also contacted two of the TV stations but never heard from them and no one ever showed up to cover the show. Next step was for me to set up a time schedule for the members to show and to also lay down some rules of my own. There was no problem getting members to show and everything came off without a hitch.

We all tried to show our most colorful birds. Bringing Grizzles, Reds, Silvers, Whites and white flighted and splashes birds. We even had a single cage for showing a rooftop bird. We trap birds from downtown and this little wild bird was for the publics comparison of a common rooftop bird to a true racer.

We started the show on a Friday and ended it on closing of the mall Sunday night. We had 5 tables to work with which was more than ample. We set up the AU display on the front table which is a real eye catcher. The local Sears store in the mall let us use a TV/VCR combination TV in which we ran the short and long versions of "MARATHON IN THE SKY".

We set up cages to show a total of 8 racers and the single for the wild bird. We showed with two fliers every 4 hours with each flier bringing 4 of his own birds. That way it should be less stress on the birds. Supporting the show was a map I made of all our race stations back to our town using pins and thread pointing out the miles raced for each race station. We also had a training basket, countermarking device, countermarks (we would let kids use their finger as the birds leg and snap a countermark on it to show its use and then let them keep the countermark) leg bands, baggies with feed and grit, a timing clock, the 1991 band list out of the Update, all the literature that came with the display booth, some of the members brought along their trophies and diplomas to show with their birds.

All in all, I think it was one great show. The local newspaper came to my loft the Monday before the show and did a front cover story on me and my birds with color photos and that appeared in the Sunday paper the last day of the show. The reporter doing the story took home with her the 60 minute version of "Marathon in the Sky" and wrote an excellent story to go along with great color photos. I did the coordinating of this show myself and if I can do it then YOU can do it. People are really interested in our sport if we give them the chance to ask about it. Its not hard to put one together, as a matter of fact, I had fun doing this one. I can't wait for next year.

PIGEONS IN THE MALL?? You Bet.

Your scribe will add the following information to this article. I know we will not have the final results of this mall show for some time however, I can tell you this we have three new prospects that we didn't have before the show. We also have two flyers that had left the sport 25 years ago considering returning and one new member as a result of the show.

The Fairfield County 4-H Group invited us to join with them in a Mall Show the first weekend in February. Like Ron Logston said we are ready to do it again only this time we are going to add more fancy birds to the show.

Use the "American Racing Pigeon Union" link on the right hand column of this Blog site for more promotional ideas and support.

Past sports promotions
Pigeon racing

Vincent D. Snyder

Vincent D. Snyder the passionate sports Editor-Publisher

of America's leading pigeon

sport magazine in the 1950's and 60's 

"The American Racing Pigeon News"

Personalities that have made a difference in the world of pigeon racing

Greater Chicago Centre

Spectators watch disappearing flock of pigeons released in connection with Rheem Mfg. Co. Sales Promotion event.

Considerable interest and newspaper publicity was given the Rheem Co. annual sales promotional meeting held at Hotel Moraine on the Lake at Highland Park. One of the highlights of this affair was the release of 150 homing pigeons, each band number being registered with each salesman. Pigeons were obtained from cities along the Fox River Valley and the pigeon arriving in the best time merited the lucky band number holder one of seven prizes: a color TV, couple of suits of clothes, radio and stereo sets, etc. Arrival times were telephoned to Mrs. Ruzek, who in turn called the advertising group at the hotel and bedlam prevailed. In addition to the salesmen receiving prizes, the dealers who placed over quota orders (being contacted direct from the hotel by telephone - over 50 special phones being specially installed), received free trips to Florida and the Bahamas.

First published in The American Racing Pigeon News

February 1966

Past sports promotions

Pigeon racing

Multi-modal Orientation Cues in Homing Pigeons

How homing pigeons displaced into unfamiliar territory find their way home has been the subject of extensive experimentation and debate. One reason for the controversy is that pigeons seem to use multiple cues. Clock-shifting experiments show that experienced pigeons use the sun as a preferred compass; when it is not available they rely on magnetic cues.

That pigeons can home successfully while wearing frosted lenses suggests that landmarks, while not an essential navigational cue, are important in the final stages. The sensory basis of the “map” or position finding system is probably equally or even more complicated. When conditions around the loft are suitable, pigeons may use olfactory cues to find their way or might use some feature of the earth's magnetic field for their navigation.

The Wiltschkos (1989) showed that pigeons raised without free access to ambient odors are not disoriented when anosmic while their siblings raised with free access to the prevailing wind were disoriented. Similarly, sibling pigeons from two lofts in Lincoln, Massachusetts. were well oriented or totally disoriented when released at magnetic anomalies under sunny skies depending upon which of the two lofts they had been reared in.

All of these experiments and many more suggest that pigeons use multiple and redundant cues to find their way home. Further, there is the suggestion that which cues they adopt may well be influenced by the characteristics of the area around the home loft in which they were reared.

read more about the experiment results, and the materials and methods used @

Oxford Journals

Charles Walcott

Author Affilations

Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Seeley G. Mudd Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-2702



CHARITY RACE

The Tillsonburg & District Racing Pigeon Club held their annual Peterborough Young Bird Charity Race August 10, 1996. This year the club was able to present a cheque for $800 to the Tillsonburg Kiwanas Sport Club. The money will be used for training and developing local athletes with disabilities.

The Tillsonburg club challenges other clubs to raise money for a charity in their area. This type of activity puts a positive face on our hobby. This effort was not all work. The club had disabled persons present on basketing night and at clock knockoff. The club members had a great time explaining our hobby to the disabled kids and their parents. The video MARATHON IN THE SKY was loaned to anyone who wanted to see it. It was well used and many good comments were received. Above is a photo of some of the club members and kids present on basketing night.

Submitted by Nick Oud

Canadian Racing Pigeon News

October/November 1996

Past sports promotions
Pigeon racing

Why Supple Feathers And Not Supple Wings?

A conversation between Pierre Dordin and Jules Dehantschutter

Supple wings are certainly a quality; it was particularly appreciated by Doctor Bricoux whose excellent strain "gave their wing". We are much less categorical than Dr Bricoux. In our loft, some hypernervous birds refuse to give their wings. Those which, to top it off, shy, not to say wild, not only hold them in but withdraw them. (Our colleague Fabry from Liege calls these pigeons "ticklish" and they are his best).

We have often come across such birds among great champions in long-distance racing. On the other hand, we have never seen an ace pigeon whose features were bad looking.

 The Road To Success

By Jules Dehantschutter

Benefit Children's Hospital

The fanciers of Washington, D.C. conducted a charity race for the benefit of the Children's Hospital. Shown above in front of the hospital, left to right: George Abrahams, owner of Reeves Restaurant who donated the trophy to the winner; Frank Baldwin and Curtis Heflin, owners of the winner of the race, Mr. Heflin is holding the winner; Mr. Fiddler of the Children's Hospital receiving the check of proceeds of the race from Art Schlick of the Capital City Club.

Picture taken from the Racing Pigeon Bulletin

November 7, 1966

Past sports promotions
Pigeon racing

Suppleness and force of the wing-beat

We require from a long distance pigeon a sufficient wing-span and joints as supple as possible. We know that there are exceptions to all rules but we are convinced that suppleness of the wing and force of the wing-beat must be at the basis of performances of long duration.

Discussed in The Practical Side of Pigeon Racing

by Leon Petit

May 1952

Loft Notes

Accurate loft notes conveniently located in the loft will identify events within the loft that will bring success quicker.

Twenty words or less TCC Loft series

SPORT PR

Ready to promote our sport in Central Ontario?

Our National Organization: The Canadian Racing Pigeon Union (CRPU), and leading Combine: The Up North Combine (UNC) and affiliated Clubs Constitutions outlines our promotional mandate.

Canadian Racing Pigeon Union

Section 3: OBJECTS – The objects of the Corporation shall be:

(1) To promote pigeon racing in the DOMINION OF CANADA; and

(2) To promote and hold pigeon races and to give prizes, awards and distinctions to persons and associations, incorporated or unincorporated, which may be interested in racing pigeons; and

(3) To promote the breeding and distribution of knowledge of all matters related to pigeon racing; and

(4) To provide for and procure the lectures, conferences, contests, shows and holding of public meetings, exhibitions, other gatherings calculated directly or indirectly to advance pigeon racing; and

(5) To provide means for registration and identification of racing pigeons, and to promote uniform standards and classifications in all kinds of matters related to racing pigeons; and

(6) To provide a central bureau to deal with all matters relating to lost and straying pigeons and the transfer or other disposition of racing pigeons; and

(7) To establish a central bureau for the collection and dissemination of information and knowledge relating to racing pigeons; and

(8) To render aid and assistance to persons and associations, incorporated, or unincorporated, interested or likely to be interested in racing pigeons; and

(9) To consider and discuss all questions affecting the interests of racers of pigeons and to promote the welfare of racers of pigeons; and

(10) To subscribe to or become a member of or co-operate with any other association whose objects are wholly or partially similar to those of the Corporation; and

(11) To buy, sell and otherwise acquire and dispose of or deal with any goods, wares, apparatus, devices, buildings or other real or personal property which may be requisite for the purposes of, or can conveniently be used in connection with any of the objects of the Corporation; and

(12) To carry on in the same or a modified form and extend the work heretofore undertaken by the unincorporated association known as Canadian Racing Pigeon Union; and

(13) To do all such other things as are incidental or conductive to the attainment of the above objects.

UP NORTH PIGEON RACING COMBINE INC.

1. The object of the Corporation, that is to say, is to provide:

(a) practical economical, transportation of racing pigeons to their point of release for the Corporation;

(b) help promote sport awareness within the Corporation’s geographic area. And it is hereby ordained and declared that the Corporation shall be carried on without the purpose of gain for its members and any profits or other accretions to the Corporation shall be used in promoting its objects.

Past sports promotions
Pigeon racing

Magnetic Beaks Help Birds Navigate, Study Says

No wonder homing pigeons seldom get lost: They may get directions from their beaks. This intriguing idea is raised by a new study on the navigational abilities of birds published in tomorrow's issue of the science journal Nature.

National Geographic News

Researchers say their study proves for the first time that homing pigeons can sense Earth's magnetic field. The findings add to the debate over whether pigeons and other birds chart their flight paths by using a magnetic sense or by following scent clues in the atmosphere. "The question of how [pigeons] might find their way home has fascinated laymen and academics for several decades," said Cordula Mora, a biologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

James Owen

for National Geographic News
November 24, 2004

Selecting Stock Hens

When looking for hens to put into the stock loft, the ones to use are hens that were consistent as young birds. Those that got amongst the leading birds regularly, particularly when the race velocity came down to 1200 ypm and below. It is a fact that the majority of good stock hens, breed their best youngsters in their first year, and many a champion has come from a maiden egg.

Taken from The secret of Speed

by E. J. Sains

Thick Legs

I never knew a good Producer Hen that had skinny legs. None of my Goldmine Producer Hens were big in the body but all of them rated two particular features (1) A tendency if no more, towards depth in keel. They were not deep, in the accepted sense, but the similitude to depth was apparent when handling. (2) They had think legs with no tendency whatsoever towards 'stiltiness'.

Not once, but several times, I had to cut the rings off 6/7-year old Producer Hens because the metal was biting into the skin of the leg. On the other hand, whenever I bred a 'stily' hen with thin legs I noticed that she also sported a somewhat 'swanny' neck.

Taken from The Strain Makers

by Old Hand

Important Numbers

J.W.E Stam, Pigeon Racing Today & Tomorrow, dedicates an entire chapter on pigeon transportation. He calculates transport temperature, available oxygen, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide within the transport based on air exchange, size, and number of birds being transported. Valuable information for transports parked during hold overs.

"The highest temperature at which a pigeon can remain comfortable is 105 degree Fahrenheit. Above this point it will have great difficulty in regulating its body temperature and will quickly die of hyperthermia. The lowest temperature which a bird can withstand is probably around minus 5 degree Fahrenheit."

Golden Eggs

Never race, sell, or eliminate a hen who lays golden eggs, not even when your friends tell you she has passed her prime as a breeder. The only time a hen with the "Nicking Factor" ceases to be a good producer is when she reaches the age at which she no longer lays any eggs. Neither age nor custom stales such a rare pigeon. Her productive power, like her beauty in you eyes, increases until the time arrives when she has no more golden eggs to donate to your future as a pigeon fancier.

Taken from The Strain-Makers

by Old Hand

Settling Young Cocks into their New Loft

If you have the facilities, the old cocks should be removed and their nests closed up and just the young cocks remain in the loft to select a nest. This eliminates an old cock claiming two nests and saves a lot of fighting. When the newcomers are settled, the other nests are re-opened and their owners permitted to come back into the loft.

Taken from Widowhood Flying

by Mark Gordon

NEW: Secrets of Champions V

Jim Jenner has produced another Champions Series film;

Secrets of Champions V: Many Roads to Victory

DOUBLE DVD! ALMOST 4 HOURS! If you've enjoyed Jim's best-selling "Secrets" series this two DVD set is essential to have in your library.

Price: $69.95 UK Price: £39.95

Jim Jenner visits more than three dozen top lofts in this documentary on pigeon racing. You'll enjoy this DOUBLE-DVD set that is all new for 2011. Packed with information you will enjoy again and again. "Secrets V" features profiles of dozens of top trainers talking about feeding, motivation and other vital tools to win more races.

CONTENTS INCLUDE:

• Loft visits and profiles on individual fanciers.

• The latest thinking on fatty acids & performance.

• Secrets to motivating Widowhood Cocks & Hens.

• Young Bird Sickness and new tips on darkening.

• When & how to add light to darkened young birds.

• The “Sunrise” System of Young Bird management.

• The “Light” System and why some use it.

• The “Pigeon Whisperer” and bird behavior.

• Why the eye may be key to fast homing ability.

Order from PACCOM FILMS

Flashlight

Periodically inspect the interior and exterior of the loft at night. You'd be surprised what's happening when you're in bed.

Twenty words or less TCC Loft series

Potency

Many a good cock produces working sons and daughters, so far as actual racing is concerned. Very few prove capable of siring hens with the 'Nicking Factor' or, if you prefer the term, "brood hens". It is a matter of breeding potency, or genetic domination. A Stud Cock who is capable of siring a Producer Hen guarantees you a long career as a fancier of fame and repute. He projects his power beyond the first generation and, unimpaired, right into the third generation of breeding. What does this amount to in pigeon racing years? Thirty to forty at the least! Who asks for more?

Taken from The Strain Makers

by Old Hand

Settling Mated Pairs

While they are driving, I keep the pairs confined, except for their brief exercise period for food and water. When they are mated, I let out two pairs at a time, then three pairs and even four pairs at a time, taking care not to let out at the same time birds of new matings that were paired together in previous years. Once they are on eggs, you can open up the nest front permanently.

Taken from Widowhood Flying

By Mark Gordon

Fitness and Form

The gleaming white wattles, tightness of feathering, cocks constantly on the move when off the nest and hens with shimmering brightness and trembling tails: these signs are all indicative of good health. Most fit birds have remarkably clean feet which, when handled, give a feeling of warmth, the 'glow' of good health.

Youngsters must look and feel 'tight' and have a distinctly bright wattle and eye cere. The eyes in all fit pigeons should be really bright, glistening almost, yet perfectly dry, and blinking more quickly than a camera's shutter.

Taken from Pigeon Racing by F.W.S. Hall

Printed in 1962