PeteDerby wrote: Wed Apr 01, 2026 10:49 pm
Ok, I’m understanding this more now. Here’s the question then - he’s loft flown with the rest morning and afternoon since he got hit, flown the same as the rest. He has a little trouble landing having half of his tail feathers missing from the strike, but otherwise kept up fine.
Do I put him in tomorrow’s training toss (18miles) or do I wait until his tail feathers grow back? What’s on my mind I don’t want to jump him straight in to his first ever race at 120miles when he’s got a full tail or however long they take to grow. First race is 18th April 60miles.
To be honest Pete, 120 miles is f^ck all. If he's good enough he's good enough
When we flew in the Worcester Fed their first race (Both OB and YB) was from Frome (106 miles to us) and there was no option shorter than that
Can't ever remember struggling for returns - far from it
Ok, that’s yet another new one for me. I was only planning to train these yearlings to 22 miles. Can I jump them to 80-120 miles from that?
The other question about this hawk attacked cock then is is it fair to race him with half of his tail missing? If not, how long will it generally take him to replace the feathers?
My worry is that, bit like pike that will pick out the prey fish from a shoal that’s not quite swimming right, a peregrine might single him out with his weird tail?
Normally pete first week nothing grows but 2nd n 3rd week you see he's tail growing bk but I say be close to 4 weeks than 3 weeks before it's back ok but if its nearly back he should be OK they do use tail during racing but it's only ever opened when landing pal ,
Yes if a bird is exercising well and trained to 20 miles we'll I wouldn't be scared to put him in at 160 miles on a forgiving day ,,120 miles nose wind cold probably harsher than 180 miles warm wind up bk side.
NeilA wrote: Sat Apr 04, 2026 9:14 am
We had to jump ours from 116 to 310 last year in the nrcc
This year we have a 156 the week before although I believe it when I see it after last year
Neil, Anthony,Mike et al, thanks for the advice. I’ll keep loft flying him and on the 18-miler with the rest but wait until he’s got more of a tail before racing him for his first time.
Shame to break the celibacy Neil. If you show hens won't you be going back to w.hood.... ?
Should you try it under race conditions before changing things.
I wish I could give you some advice Neil but can't help thinking its best to stick to the original plan and give it a chance.
I had my first 2 chucks today - 1 at 7.00 am when it was just 7 degrees and 1 at 1.30pm at 13 degrees.
Both from the 18 mile spot. Only cocks today and both back to the hens.
All safely home with no dramas thankfully -trap left open Neil but I was back before them on both occasions. Weren't quick and had a couple of late comers but all very encouraging.
Just think they either see falcon or something disturbed em ,,yrs ago 10 tosses 9 be perfect now its more like 5 from 10 tosses but do think later in season yb training ain't as tough as old bird training now
Think it's like us seeing a lion pal we would do anything to get away we definitely would not fly towards it ,I think birds just go off route until there safe and then cut in towards home
I'm sure you will have them right by the time of the 1st race, probably take mine tomorrow am then see what comes back with returns, if I have a good trainer then they'll go on the wagon tomorrow night for another training toss Wednesday morning.
NeilA wrote: Mon Apr 06, 2026 7:10 pm
Must be nice to have that trainer option Dave
The trainer here goes 11am
Bit hard with work but plenty of all ages seem to make use of it
think 22 members sent 550 pigeons today think they had good returns, the trainer is around 36 mls. Most club members gearing up for the early races & NFC BICC. Yes be good with the training option, at least I'm here for returns on the Wednesday & not worry about getting stuck in traffic on the way back.
PeteDerby wrote: Sun Apr 05, 2026 11:02 am
Neil, Anthony,Mike et al, thanks for the advice. I’ll keep loft flying him and on the 18-miler with the rest but wait until he’s got more of a tail before racing him for his first time.
It'll give him opportunity to rebuild any dented confidence too
Fingers crossed with him.
Thanks Mike. I’ll report back if and when I race him. If I can get him home from a couple of races then push him out to France as a 2 year old I’ll be happy that I’ve given him a chance.
