PIGEON INJURIES

A pigeon appears to have an amazing pain threshold and will quickly repair itself from minor injuries. Bruised legs and wing joints tend to fix with rest and minor race injuries are frequent. Leg breaks are common collision problems and may need a sling support by the fancier to offset healing distortion if left. I do not like wing injuries-bones and tendons and muscles which may end a birds career. Wild birds may fend very well minus a foot, or with line and bumble foot. I stitched up many a gaping crop and the birds raced again. Simple injuries by falcons tend to heal ok. Sometimes it is compassionate to cull the affected pigeon, but think first. A 6 year old bird, veteran of many races will be fortunate to escape injury and many become wing stiff due to tendon damage - always disconcerting to see a dropped wing on a favourite!

 

Jim Emerton

 

 

ROUND THE LOFT TRAINING

Some 39 years later we still do well letting the birds fly themselves fit around the loft-old and young and what a joy to see. To observe the natural behaviour of a colony of pigeons is a scientists dream and teaches you all you need to know about pigeon psychology and behaviour. If you are confident with July races in mind, no road, extra training is required and the ybs. may disappear for say 7 hours to come back with mud on their feet-handy for later marathons, if your area is suitable, loft flying plus the race prog. obviate the need for the lazy/disabled or elderly to be hammering up the road in a van. With clever feeding you can expect to win some of the sprints as well. I abhor to witness birds locked up in stuffy lofts when they can have the freedom of the skies-reflects my rural and wilderness formative years in Lincs. and The Wash and deserts.

 

Jim Emerton