LES J. PARKINSON'S
NEWS-REPORTS-ARTICLES
After my return to these pages last week I had a call from George Mainwaring saying that he was glad to see me back; there is always one somewhere! It then dawned on me that it was 36yrs since my first article appeared in the BHW when Ernie Harbourne always encouraged me to keep it going. Considering the old style of the paper the people concerned have done a good job over the years making it into one of the best pigeon magazines in the world. Probably I like many other scribes had likely not expected to last so long because at the end of the day there are only so many ways you can write things about the sport at any given time of the year. I have mostly enjoyed my writing, that’s why I only managed a few weeks away. I say mostly because at times it becomes hard compiling a report of interest. On the other hand we have met and written about many good fanciers in the sport and I treat the sport as a learning curve at all times. It has also crossed my mind about the fanciers we have met and become friends with. Would this have happened if it was not for the writing? No matter what, we always meet new people who become friends so I suppose it is a case of swings and roundabouts. When I am talking to fanciers about the way forward most still prefer to have a paper copy as compared to the modern days of computers and web sites.
Feeding
I had an email from Mick M regarding feeding so as in these cases I sent it along to my resident on such subjects, Chris Knowles. If I ever have queries I know that Chris has a good head for systems and in fact anything to do with feeding because he does a great deal of research. There are times when I wish I had the time to research the sport more but there are not enough hours in the day. “Hi Les. No, I have never answered this question from this fancier. With regards to squeakers moving onto solids, it starts when their parents make the transition from feeding crop milk, to feeding grains soaked in the crop supported by water at around 6 to 7 days old. They will usually pick up small grains themselves if supplied in the nest box at around 16 days old but are in a position to be weaned from parent/parents from about 23 days onwards, depending of the view of the fancier. With regards to feeding peas, I do not think that the use of maple peas is a good idea unless fed at around 5 - 10% of the mixture. The brown skin of maple peas contains quite an amount of anti-Trypsin compound which, interferes with the digestion of protein. Trypsin is an important enzyme produced in the pancreas and released into the intestine where it is involved in the digestion of protein. Too large a percentage of maples in the feed has a significantly negative effect on the digestion of protein. Other types of peas, dun, blue, green are O.K. as part of the varied protein supply. Fish meal pellets are also a beneficial source of protein. I know that the above is not in keeping with "older" thoughts on feeding but it is my belief and practice and I hope it helps.” Thanks Chris as always my reliable source of information.
Rene Van De Weyer
Every now and again I get an email form Julien Foets, who is the man at the lofts of Rene Van De Weyer. We see these stars arriving on the scene in Belgium who don’t last for very long because they are paper stars and not long time achieving stars in the racing world. This loft has been around for many years and we have seen super stars made in the area where Rene lives but they have not been as good as this fancier. I have always asked the question about some of the superstars from the continent but publicity and sales rule the day. However I do make my views known when I am talking to many fanciers and even when we are in Belgium there are many of those fanciers who query the quality of some so called champions. I believe that there is a report somewhere on this loft so I am not going to double up and spoil the report. What the result shows is that this is probably the best middle distance racing loft in Belgium for the last 15yrs and maybe even longer. When you see the performances of these pigeons you can understand why Rene Van De Weyer wins so many awards. I will include three photos that I have not seen in the report and the reason is because their exceptional results are on them. Going back to the report on this loft, it was Jim Barton who put the majority together and he did a good job of it. Anyway there are fanciers who have raced these pigeons over the years and Carl Turner is one that I know of. Carl he had a few good ones that put up many good performances but just as they were making their mark in the world of pigeon racing Carl left the sport. No doubt there are a few fanciers who are winning with the Rene Van De Weyer pigeons. Why not send me a few photos and details on your winners from this line. It has just crossed my mind and I ask myself the question, the number of times we have been to Belgium “Why haven’t I been to visit this loft?”
Breeding
The stock birds at Crewe have mostly gone to nest and the ones that I have down the side have also built some good nests. This year I have as always used the nest felts as a base but I went to the local pet shop and bought a couple of bags of treated clean straw that they have made the best of. I haven’t used much apart from a few tobacco stalks and nest felts for many years but as we all know we make changes because we think it is a good idea at the time. One thing is for sure the pigeons like the change so lets hope the young they rear are as happy of the parents that are rearing them.
Les J. Parkinson. Elimar, 11 Rushton Drive, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 ONJ. Tel/Fax; 01606 836036. Mobile 07871 701585 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. web-site www.elimarpigeons.com