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FEATURED FEATHERS:
This is Sheba (means 7) my special hen purchased from David Scott of
Crosslanders. When he told me about this hen, I knew that our loft would
be her new home. The first year we bred from her, she and "Sure Pic",
(another CBL bird) produced "HOOT" our 1st Ace Champion YB 2207 in club.
Their children are incredible birds with speed and strength. Sheba's
sire is a son of Golden Mattens and Cinderella and her dam is inbred
Hofken's Best. Sheba was bred to breed winners!!!!!
PIGEON TALK:
Well here we go again! It is hurricane season and GUSTAV seems to be
threatening the Gulf Coast. And behind him are 3 more systems. Nope, this is
not fun. As I write this featured feathers segment, the date is 8/29/08,
three years from the date of "Katrina" the dreaded hurricane in my lifetime
thus far. I'd like to thank all the nice pigeon folks and friends who have
offered their hospitality and concern for us. My heart is warmed and we are
grateful for you and your friendship.
WHAT I LEARNED:
I learned that when it comes to pigeon racing, men and women will
have a difference of opinion. I recently spoke with a fellow Hennie
who is now helping her husband with their race team and there is
some fussin' going on in the coop! I am not surprised because I know
what she is going through. It was a relief to know that I am not
alone. It is no secret that Young Birds can drive someone nuts if
you let them. They are just like children. They want to play and
they are some times too brave which can lead to some troubles. These
behaviors can cause conflict with the masters especially if they are
partners. If pigeons decide to not fly a mile a minute or within the
time frame that a master would expect, the husband will get
aggravated and say, "they must have respiratory or canker" (this is
after one bad training toss) and a wife will say, "they're just
flying"). So a husband will go through the trouble of medicating the
birds and justify it because its before race season and they need it
anyway, right? "Yes honey". is all the wife can respond with. Now if
the birds continue to be undisciplined, a husband will say, "they
must be dumb", to a wife, this is an unacceptable statement. The
wife believes that young birds need to be conditioned from the time
you let them out on the board after weaning. They are already
dependent on you, but you must make them understand that they need
you. (AND THIS DOES NOT MEAN STARVING PIGEONS). My own children do
not ask Dad for dinner, they come to mom. They are already
conditioned. It is important to get these youngsters out as early as
possible to establish good habits and routines. I really think that
pigeon flyers are very protective over youngsters because of the
obvious problem with hawks and the potential opportunity for over
zealous youngsters to fly off and lose their way. This attitude is
with good reason, but the truth is, pigeons are just like our
children. When they learn from their mistakes, they gain valuable
experience. They have to function in the world around them and it is
not all peaches and cream, but if they can go the distance, face the
challenges and do not quit, they will have the potential of becoming
a super crack and make you very proud !