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Preparing 800 Milers

 

 

PREPARING 800 MILERS

by Jim Emerton

Now this is a specialism for the rare fancier and pigeon. Forget strain names and commercial hype, as the innate potential lies in the individual bird, and a tiny percentage of birds can cope with Barcelona International, hence the paucity of fanciers and birds who chance their arm in the UK and Ireland. It is extreme, and in the top echelon of endurance pigeon racing. However the more the merrier and is common into northern Holland. To achieve it I recommend maximum feeding from the egg to the 2 to 4 yr old stage. Every attention is given to the orientation and navigation of each individual bird, and all yearlings need 4 to 500 miles as a stamina test. As old birds give them a 10 to 12 hrs on the wing after rich feeding in the build up races of fats/carbs and proteins. Follow this with total loft rest of 3 to 4 weeks say, then a little pipe opener of about 120 miles before basketing day, the birds having been out in all weathers to sharpen and harden them up. I like Chevita, Vydex and Rohnfried supplements as they all are good conditioners. Book a week’s holiday, light the blue touch paper and wait, and wait, and wait some more.

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Elimar- February 2014