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2010 progress report
January 20th this is the pens the pigeons will be put into, one cock and one hen per pen they will be let out to be fed and watered but will return until they lay there eggs so that I know which parents each youngster is bred from. The sections have been cleaned disinfected twice and left all winter, I have put large wood chips on the floor and a layer of hay. The hay will be used buy some of the birds to make nests.
The small door at the end of the section will be opened to allow the pigeons out into an aviary this enables them to get a nice bath and some sunshine on there backs.
The hen sits on the eggs most of the time but the cock will sit on them in the afternoon
Once the two small white eggs are laid they all get out together.
January 23rd Cocks and hens introduce to the pens. There are 8 pens per section with 2 birds per pen each pen is opened to let the two birds out for food and water. Only 2 get out at a time then locked up and the next 2 get out this goes on for about 2 days then I let two pair out at a time.
January 25th I am letting 3 pair out at a time this will increase to 4 pair tomorrow this way they get to know there neighbours thus reducing the risk of fighting.
They only get out to for food then they are returned to there pens and the other 4pr are allowed out for food and water this goes on till all have laid there eggs.
I have introduced wood chips to there box and about 5 days after pairing I put a nest bowl in there box.
January 31st I have my first egg and expect the rest to lay by February 4th. Not far wrong most couples have two eggs now
February 23rd rung the first babies today will ring a few more between now and the weekend. It has been snowing heavily and we have heavy frost.
First white babies are now hatched and soon be time to ring them.
Now March 5th and I have 37 young birds rung, breeding and rearing going well.
With so many youngsters in the nest the food supply has been increased more than two fold I am giving them multivitamins in the water about 5 days a week and electrolytes twice a week. Hormoform is also given every day this is to help the youngster develop well because in four and a half months time they will be having there first race how time flies.
It's now 23 May and the youngsters have been moulting and are now starting to look good.
Flying is a bit limited because of out annual visitor (BOP) hopefully he will move on soon.
It's now 15 June and all birds now off the darkness system, sexes have now been seperated food will be slowley reduced to assist with control of the birds landing and trapping. (entering the loft)
July 8th birds not flying too well at home so sent dropping samples along with throat swabs to be tested after a bit of a mix up I had to send another set for testing, results on dropping came back all clear so I am just waiting on throat swabs to be cultivated and results. July 7th cultivations now back slight bacterial infection so will administer a treatment
July 12th birds now flying over an hour cocks and hens fly seperately trying to get them out twice daily but with the strong west wind this has been limited.
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SU 10 F 632