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2010 Youngsters
Tuesday 16 Feb saw the first of my eggs hatch hopefully by the weekend I will have almost all of my first round hatched.
I had a pair of birds in box 3 and when I went into the loft on Tuesday their eggs were lying on the floor. (I am using a deep layer of wood shavings (Large) topped with Hay) Both eggs were cold. I decided to put them back in the nest and put the cock beside them. He immediately went to nest. On going to the loft on Wednesday the same eggs were lying outside the nest cold: I duly put them in the nest and put the hen in and she covered the eggs so I left her with them. On visiting the loft on Friday at 8am, I was shocked to see an egg shell on the hay. On looking at the hen and as I approached her, she stood up and to my amazement there was this fluffy little baby pigeon chick in the nest. I did not move her so cannot tell you if the second egg hatched or not but will be watching. I must name this one Houdini as he was the greatest escape artist ever.The second egg did not hatch.
Wednesday 24th Feb, First birds rung today. It is snowing and not looking as if it is going to stop for some time.
Friday 5th March I now have 32 babies rung which includes two white ones. At last the snow which seems to have been here forever is slowly melting away.
March 5th I now have 37 babies rung and they are growing quickly.
Saturday 13 March saw the first of the youngster being put on floor, I find this a good way of weaning them and their parents can feed them what usually happens is parents start to feed any youngster needing fed.
March 25th all young birds put on floor ready for weaning using this method I find soon after any bird will feed any youngster so they are always kept full of food.
Saturday 27th March all youngsters are vaccinated and given other medications in preperation for being shipped up stairs into their own section where they will fly from for the next 6 months, at this time and for the next few days it is important to make sure all youngsters are feeding and getting a drink.
The new modifications have been done to give the youngsters more room and to get them used to how we intend to basket them. New landing boards have been fitted to get the birds to land on instead of on the roof of the loft and we will be able to hand feed tit bits to tame them.
Sunday 28th March all youngsters have been moved to their new section where they can see out for the first time.
April 4th young birds all eating and drinking in their new sections so tonight will be their first night on the darkness system. This will promote the moult so they will not be moulting during the race season and they should be able to go to the longer races in good body condition.
April 8th the youngsters are being treated for cocci which is a worm that affects the stomach.
April 10th the youngsters are now being treated for worms / lice which is a 2 day treatment this will keep parasites from living on them.
The above treatments are to make sure the youngsters are given the best start in life and help them to keep well and fit and get a good nights sleep.
Tuesday 27th April all young birds now out and flying as are the feathers, the darkness method is certainly working but they look like scruffy things. Soon once they have moulted they will look like real racing pigeons.
They get out every afternoon subject to low wind as I have wires round about the loft so I have to be cautious and give them every opportunity to get their flying skills without any accidents.
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SU 10 F 632