I learned a hard lesson recently that I am sure many others have experienced already.  My husband from the beginning told me to only get attached to the breeders and not the flyers.  I tried to do that until I got to know my "Rooftop Wittie". This bird has entertained me as well as caused me more stress than any of the others. He is one of our best flyers, but has a rebellious streak. One day, Byron took the birds out on a familiar toss. Rooftop that day did not come come in until late that afternoon. This was not like him at all.  Byron took the team out again two days later and Rooftop was missing. I held it together until Byron walked through the gate and then I lost it. I prayed that day for a miracle, but he didn't come home. The next day came and I tried to be stronger, but it was hard to pass through the race sections and not see him on his favorite perch. Later that evening when Byron was looking over the birds, he got a surprise.  Rooftop flew home.  When Byron told me the news , I ran out of the house to go see my boy.  He was visibly shaken and a little thinner, but unharmed. The next day, Byron told me that I had to make a decision. He said, "You can stock him now or let him become a Champion". It was a hard decision, but after my talk with Rooftop, I decided to let him be the bird he is called to be.  He was allowed to rest for two days and then sent out on a toss again. The team smoked it and Rooftop was on the front line of flyers. He landed on the board, looked back briefly and walked right in the loft. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Ikester is one outstanding looking cock!  He has two different colored eyes and has the confidence of an eagle.  He stands proud like his grandfathers'  "IKON" and "SUPER CHAMPION".  He was purchased from Mike Schmidt's Speed Shop Loft.  I told Mike that I would have never let this one get away, but he's mine now!  Both of his parents are GFL birds.