What's the difference....

[Diamond Dave]

Between a widowhood cock and a cock on roundabout.....

[king]

Between a widowhood cock and a cock on roundabout.....

He may not find his hen at home when he returns

[Diamond Dave]

But the motivation to race home is still the same. So no difference.....?

[Andy]

But the motivation to race home is still the same. So no difference.....?

I have never raced roundabout. But I would say that there’s quite a big difference during the week from what I gather. The roundabout seems to benefit the hens more than the cocks. So better for those wanting to race their hens.
The motivation for my cocks is as much their section and their boxes as much as their hen. By moving them into different sections during the day while exercising and trapping the hens can’t do the cocks any good. They must stress during the time locked away from their boxes. My widowhood hens have their own section and aren’t flown out at all during the old bird season.

[goose1]

But the motivation to race home is still the same. So no difference.....?

The motivation will soon be lost if a roundabout cock keeps coming home to no hen. That's the difference. Obviously true widowhood the cock races home to a stay at home hen.

[Murray]

I think the roundabout is very good for big youngsters and yearlings. It keeps them keen and focused.
I suspect old birds get fed up with the system fairly quickly. A widower is better in his box resting and undisturbed.

[Diamond Dave]

Not sure if you would still call it "roundabout" but what if you raced the sexes on alternate weeks so the partner is always home.....
Would there be much difference between a wid9whood cock and a roundabout cock then.?

[Wiley]

Never been keen on roundabout...but total widowhood different case. With this to keep motivation you must have a few flirt birds or spare birds of either sex.

I think we make too much into the birds care what's at home, I disagree, apart from something is at home.