THE RACING PIGEON.

Auckland Star, Issue 38, 14 February 1929, Page 14

THE RACING PIGEON.

LOFT EQUIPMENT.

TOPICAL JOTTINGS.

Now that the breeding season is concluded, fanciers would be wise to dispense with nest boxes and stack away where the weather cannot warp the wood. The benefit of a loft without permanent nest-boxes is shown by the fact that birds show little inclination to breed when accommodation is not provided for nesting. Where the loft arrangement has made it necessary for permanent fittings, then nest-boxes should be closed up, and moulting feathers taken away each day, otherwise the birds will use them as a foundation for a nest in some odd corner. The provision of a bath once or twice a week is also beneficial in preventing the inclination to nest. One of the best methods to avoid continually soaking the floor of the loft,- is to provide a shallow tin tray in which a thick layer of sand is sprinkled. In the centre of the tray can be placed a shallow galvanised bath, allowing from two to three inches of water for the birds to splash around in. To prevent feather lice, a very weak decoction of quassia chips can be made, and enough put in the water to give it a slightly bitter taste. The birds will spend an hour or so daily in bathing, and several hours in arranging their plumage, all of which is beneficial exercise. Quassia chips may be purchased at any chemist's, and sixpennyworth will serve for months of use. The decoction is made by pouring hot water over a small handful, and leaving it overnight, after which it is strained and bottled. This can be poured into the water as required. The use of a thick lnyer of sand on the floor of the loft is a great saving of labour, and provided there are 110 cracks, it will last for a period of several weeks, only requiring a raking over. This overcomes the arduous task of continually scraping the loft floor. A grit box is an essential to any loft, and it should be made so that the birds cannot scatter the grit around. Finely crushed sea-shell, small broken limestone, ordinary house brick, and charcoal will provide a mixture most suitable for keeping racers in a healthy condition. The use of patent tonic pills for the young birds now racing is a practice to be depreciated, and generally speaking does- not benefit any young pigeon, as they are at best merely a whip to stimulate a jaded system. There may be a reasonable excuse for their use in the very long distance races, where a championship is at stake and the prize of some consequence. The continued use, however, will ruin the constitution of an old bird and render it useless as a stock bird. Topical Jottings. The United Pigeon Fanciers' Club holds first junior table show for young birds, at Christchureh, this week. Mr. C. P. Bradford will judge. The Foy Harrisons imported by Mr. N. Hanson, Fpsom, now have progeny racing well in the Northern Racing Pigeon Club, and already have a first and second prize to their credit. This strain was evolved by Mr. M. Foy. of Sydney, from leading birds from the loft of Mr. G. Harrison, Yorkshire, England, well-known as one of the most famous of English fanciers. Mr. F. Coster's "Lady Port" is descended from the Port line of racers evolved by this fancier from birds containing the Barker, blood. They are well-known in the shop pen and at the long distance race-points. It is understood that several pure Gurneys are in Auckland, descendants of Mons. Gurney's "Bronze Excellence," "Masterpiece," etc. "Quill," c/o "Auckland Star," would like particulars of their pedigree for the information of readers. The New Plymouth Poultry Club is arranging for interesting addresses by prominent members during flie autumn and winter months. There will also be papers on racing and fancy pigeons. Particulars of the racing pigeon championships at the various North Island Shows, to be held from March onwards, can be obtained from the secretary of the North Island P.P. and C. Association, Mr. T. Robertson, Palinerstoii North. A list of show dates will shortly be published.