Congratulations to Greg McKnight and Dick Mellinger on their eq. 1st in today’s Winner’s Cup 325 mile race with their bird AU-15-JEDDS-0152. Andy Skwiat’s bird AU-15-SKWT-0156 also won eq. 1st making this an exciting race! Click here for results.

Both eq. 1st birds flew a speed of 1456.786 ypm arriving at 1:32:30 beating the third place bird by 2 seconds!

AU-15-JEDDS-052 is a straight bred Van Reet named “MCGREGOR” bred from “I DEE CLARE” & an inbred “50” cock son. Interesting enough tidbit, last year’s winner at the 325 mile race Winner’s Cup in Oklahoma was a gr-son of “I DEE CLARE” named “GREG’S PICK.”

The Winner’s Cup is  a five race average speed series and run by Bill Hatch in Milton, Florida.

Thomas Gyselbrecht, founder of Pigeon Paradise (PIPA) responded to an query the Loft Report regarding the discrepancies surrounding GFL-1164-10, a pigeon currently listed for auction on PIPA.

Dear Mr. Lesofski,

We will make a statement online soon (in the auction) about this situation.

The parents of GFL1164 are not there anymore, so a DNA test can not be done.

PIPA offers, as only auction website in the world, DNA with all the young birds it sells, and so the 3 2015 YB in the auction of Mike Ganus will be with DNA certificate. As an extra PIPA asked Mike just before the start of the auction also to do DNA for the children Mona Lisa, because of their high potential value.

Those feathers are now in the lab and they promised the results should be done before the end of the auction. As soon as we have the certificates, we will publish them online.

Best Regards
Thomas Gyselbrecht
Zaakvoerder
Namens PIPA Holding

Pedigree posted on PIPA.

Picture posted on GFL’s website. *Update: March 7, 2016 – link to this picture no longer works or picture was removed.

Capture from www.ganusfamilyloft.com

“Untouchable” (GFL-1164-10), as of this post, has a high bid of 2500 EU by bidder ‘Spring Flowers.’

Sponsored by: NORTHWEST JUNIOR FLYERS

Can the kids count on you? This auction is our main fund raiser; the auction supports our Loaner Loft Program. We currently have 31 lofts in use and we have 4 in major need of repair. We use the money from this auction for free race shipping and free medication for members that may need assistance. We use some of the money to make repairs to our building at the Cummington Fairgrounds. This also funds out annual pigeon show in August that is welcome to all kids. Our auction will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2016, both young and old birds can be shipped. Your generosity will be what carries this next generation of pigeon flyers along.

The loaner loft program was started 10 years ago to help junior flyers that could not afford to have the skill to build their own coop. If you ever hear someone say that this sport is dying or going away hey are very misinformed. Please come to the auction and see the love and dedication our kids have for this sport!

The address for this event is: Burgy Bullets Snowmobile Club, 12 Laurel Rd., Haydenville, MA. For more information contact, Tim Tessier – Home (413) 296-4359 or Work (413) 586-6611 OR email: timflorence@precision.com.

When mailing birds (not before march 22, 2016) send to one of the following:

Time Tessier
Box 325
Chesterfield, MA 01012

Moe Litchfield
Box 444
Hinsdale, MA 01235

Mike Ciaburri
171 South St. Box 637
Hinsdale, MA 01235-0637

We need to know if you are donating pigeons to the auction by March 8, 2016, please call or email Tim by this date! Quality race birds have already been donated from the Texas Shootout, CL Gage.

Thank you to everyone that donated last year and hopefully there will be more people this year to help support this great youth program!

On March 5, 2016 a Skyline Lofts, owned by Pat Gazaway, posted a collage of pictures questioning the genetic validity of the blue bar yellow eyed cock named ‘Blazing Comet’ ( GFL-839-10) posted on Ganus Family Loft’s (GFL)website under the ‘Mona Lisa’ / ‘Creator’ tab. The picture of ‘Blazing Comet’ shows his parentage as ‘Creator’ (NL 0182011-11) and ‘Mona Lisa’ (GFL-487-06) both pearl eyed pigeons and arguably two of Mike Ganus’ most influential breeders.

Speaking with Mike Ganus by phone, when asked if it is possible for two pearls to bred a yellow eyed pigeon was not sure if it was or wasn’t possible because he is not a geneticist or student of eye sign. He went onto say that ‘Mona Lisa’ has always been bred in an individual breeding pen.

Prior to the that call, the Loft Report reached out to several well know pigeon geneticists and fanciers versed in the eye sign theory and asked them if it is possible for two pearl eyed pigeons to bred a yellow eyed pigeon?

Joe Carini, known for his study and seminars about the eye sign theory, said “No. The pearl eye is totally recessive. The lowest rung on the genetic scale.” Eye sign virtuoso, Bill Curtis, said “No, it is not possible.” Bill ‘The Book’ Richardson when a bit further with his explanation to the question and said, “Yellow eyes are a dominant trait, and pearl eyes are a recessive trait. If all of the grandparents of a pigeon have yellow eyes and all of the parents have yellow eyes, then the yellow eyed grandchild will be a dominant yellow eye and that is all they will breed in that generation. Otherwise it is possible for two yellow eyes to produce a pearl. Pearl eyes are a bit different, as a pearl eye is recessive from the start. When mated to a yellow eye they can produce pearl or yellow assuming the yellow is not dominant. When mated to another pearl, they can only produce pearl.”

When informed that several geneticists and eye sign experts had been consulted he was uncertain how a mistake could have been made and was almost certain that ‘Blazing Comet’ was a son of ‘Creator’ and ‘Mona Lisa.’

Later in the day, Mr. Ganus called back and explained he reviewed his website, something he admitted he has not done in almost five years, and noticed that the picture of ‘Blazing Comet’ was a place holder for another pigeon’s picture, a blue bar pearl eyed cock band number GFL-839-09 affectionately named ‘Mustang.’ This two pigeons have the exact band number and same parents but from two different years and different eye colors. He went on to explain that when his web designer was creating his page he incorrectly posted the picture of ‘Blazing Comet’ , a pigeon that does not exists, in the space designated for the picture of ‘Mustang’ (GFL-839-09); a simply mistake.

The picture of ‘Blazing Comet’ has since been removed from the GFL website and the picture of ‘Mustang’ has been rearranged to fill the space.

Earlier this week, questions were raised about the correctness of GFL-1164-10’s pedigree; a pigeon that is being offered on the PIPA.be auction site.

Mike Ganus won the 2016 final South Africa Million Dollar Pigeon Race in February of 2016, taking home $150,000 US for first place.

Statement from PIPA regarding GFL-1164-10:

Regarding the questions that have arisen pertaining to the linage of GFL1164-10 based on an erroneous photo overlay on Mike Ganus website – the only pedigree ever published and authenticated by Mike Ganus signature for this pigeon is posted here and stands correct. However GFL 1164 cannot be DNA certified because the parents are deceased.  We do believe Mike Ganus made an honest mistake and the affiliated pedigree in the auction is the correct pedigree.  Regardless, we also believe having GFL 1164 in the auction has become a distraction to the auction of the remaining quality pigeons and in consultation with Mike Ganus we have made the decision to pull GFL 1164 from the auction. Thank you for understanding.

Picture posted on GFL’s website.

Pedigree posted on PIPA.

The last bid on GFL-1164-10 was placed by ‘Spring Flower’ for 2500 EU on March 6, 2016.

Ipigeon is honored to announce to all of you, the Auction of all US Bred SAMDPR birds.

A Very Special Thank You to Frank McLaughlin, the Administrators and the Owner of the SAMDPR for this outstanding opportunity. Frank All The US pigeon sport thanks you for your tireless work for the sport here in the US!

These birds are being shipped right here to the US. They will be professionally photographed then posted for two full weeks on Ipigeon. To keep up with the dates for the start of this auction please go to www.samdpr.com for updated details.

For the convenience of our foreign buyers please email us at Fredsloft@aol.com for registration codes if there is an issue with registration. As it is already set up to ship any of these birds to auction winners all over the world.

Again this is one of the greatest auctions that has ever taken place! Thank all of you in advance for participating.

Fred Smeltzer

 AU Convention Website

December 7 – 10 

Ontario, California 

 IF Convention Website

 November 3 – 5

College Park, Maryland

Click image to visit McLaughlin’s website.

Hello Everyone,

Hope all is well and your breeding season is going smooth. McLaughlin Lofts has been planning and building to be ready for the upcoming season. Our focus is always more on your pigeons than our own pigeons. The priority now for the next 3 months will be the exporting all the USA pigeons to the South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race. I am pleased to announce that this season of exporting should go smoothly with McLaughlin Lofts being the only approved exporter to South Africa.

Shipping Dates to the South African Million Dollar Race

McLaughlin Lofts will make 3 separate exports to the South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race. We will make the very first export in the world on May 15th, again on June 13th, then onJuly 7th which will contain the last pigeons to arrive in South Africa for the 2017 race. For more information including entry fees, prize money increases and guarantees please Click Here.

By entering the Million Dollar Race the entrant has next to nothing to lose if their team of pigeons is lost before the final race. Please forward this Newsletter to all your friends and contacts that may be interested in entering the Greatest One Loft Pigeon Race in the World.

Please ship pigeons to me starting in April. Contact me if you’d like to ship you pigeons sooner. Many feel the longer they spend at McLaughlin Lofts the greater the chance of success. I will need the pigeons at least two weeks prior to the export date. I will collect all entry fees and keep you updated every step of the way. I guarantee the South African Million Dollar will be the most fun you have ever had racing pigeons. McLaughlin Lofts continues to give you the best chance to win the Million Dollar Race. To view the Million Dollar Race website Click Here. To print an entry form that can be sent with the pigeons Click Here.

Ipigeon Auction of USA Million Dollar Race Pigeons

Starting the end of April for two weeks only, USA pigeons that competed in the 20th Million Dollar this past February will be sold on Ipigeon. These pigeons are in USDA quarantine and will photographed early April and posted online late April. Ipigeon.com will start with the top 148 USA pigeons including the race winner. The remaining USA pigeons that competed in the Million Dollar will be sold later this year.

This is an opportunity to buy the very best pigeons the USA fanciers have to offer. These are pigeons that have the genetics, guts and determination to finish as well as score in the most competitive one loft race in the world. These USA pigeons have become the pigeons to beat in the Million Dollar Race.

We will not allow visitors during this time so, regretfully, everyone will have to see the Million Dollar Pigeons on Ipigeon only.

Changes at McLaughlin Lofts

McLaughlin Lofts now has a dedicated office space outside our home and our new employee Meredith will be working weekdays. Meredith will be a huge asset, allowing me to spend more time tending the day to day with the Million Dollar race, import pigeons and our own pigeons. I am excited to welcome Meredith to our team!

In addition, we recently added space for an additional 350 pigeons. I expect a record USA entry into the Million Dollar Race this year and the pigeons will get my attention and care many times daily. After shipping the winner and all the successful USA pigeons for the last several years McLaughlin Lofts wants to continue the USA domination in South Africa.

Importing

McLaughlin Lofts has fast become the #1 importer in the USA. We are bringing monthly, and many times twice monthly, shipments from Europe. Our December import was one of our largest ever and we were the only importer to continue monthly shipments throughout the holiday season. We also use the #1 facility in Holland and the #1 facility in Canada. Do not try to save $5 and have your pigeons go missing for months or arrive in terrible condition. After working with McLaughlin Lofts you will quickly realize why all the top fanciers send their pigeons through us. For more information on what we do please Click Here.

The South African Rumor Mill

Every year I get asked questions on the Million Dollar Race and many are based on past rumors.

1. White flights in the Million Dollar Race? It seems that white flights are just fine in the new location. I saw beautiful perfectly white flighted pigeons at basketing.
2. Hens or cocks are better in the Million Dollar? For years the rumor was blue hens dominated the race so everyone entered blue hens and blue hens dominated the race. Then for the last 5 years we saw numerous cocks at the top of the race results. Send your best and do not worry about sex or color. A great pigeon is a great pigeon no matter what.
3. Where was the Ganus winner bred? This one has been asked by many. The Ganus winner was bred in the USA and waited in the flight pens with all the other USA pigeons. Some believe there is an advantage to breeding pigeons in South Africa but it’s a rookie mistake that has been proved wrong. Northern hemisphere pigeons similarly to pigeons raised in the USA and Germany stay on the northern hemisphere clock and their molt looks like USA pigeons in February. Southern hemisphere pigeons stay on the south hemisphere clock and are starting their body molt right about the time of the final race in the Million Dollar. With that said, pigeons bred in North America are at a big advantage.
4. Older/Younger, Trainer out/Locked in, Loft Flown etc.? For years rumors claimed that the Germans train the pigeons before shipping to South Africa. I have researched and found that German pigeons arrive young to South Africa. The Million Dollar trainers feel that pigeons trained out prior to arriving at South Africa get lost when they encounter some adversity. There have been great pigeons in the race that were trained or loft flown before going to the Million Dollar and great pigeons that went to South Africa at 6 months old. There have been just as many successful pigeons that went to South Africa as two month old pigeons.

I asked my good friend Zandy Meyer, former Director of the Million Dollar and champion pigeon racer, what he thought was best. Zandy told me if he knew what was best he would tell everyone. If there was one system that allowed more pigeons to finish the series and be successful in the race he would let the world know. More pigeons being successful and finishing the series only adds more profits to the race organizers. Zandy explained in the final result each year you will find every possible age, trained, loft flown, etc. He felt this is a genetics race and you need a super pigeon. Nothing else really matters.

Bottom line is send your best. January hatch, May hatch just send the best pigeons you have to the Million Dollar. You can bet your competition is sending their very best. You also have little to lose by experimenting. Should your pigeons get lost before the final race you either get a free entry for the following year or a $1000 refund on paid reserve pigeons.

Million Dollar Race Suggestions

If you want an advantage in the Million Dollar you must do your part.

1) Vaccinate your entries for PMV at weaning and 2 weeks later vaccinate for salmonella. Time permitting, vaccinate again for PMV and again for Salmonella. By doing this your pigeons will have some great immunity to both PMV and Salmonella. I did well this year and my babies were vaccinated for both PMV and Salmonella. Besides, they received their boosters in South Africa along with all the other entrants.

Last season I vaccinated about 500 pigeons here for PMV on arrival. I will do the same for your pigeons this year should you not be comfortable with a syringe or do not vaccinate. Please let me know if you vaccinated prior to shipping the pigeons to me.

2) Do not try to save $50 on shipping when entering pigeons into the Million Dollar Race. Spread them out in the boxes so they have space and do not overheat. I have seen some crazy numbers in small boxes. As a guideline: no more than 2 in a two-bird box, no more than 5 in a four-bird box, and no more than 10 in a no partition eight-bird box. Pull all the partitions from the boxes to add more space and air for travel. Less pigeons in a box is always better. Think big picture.

Ship your best to:
Frank McLaughlin
395 Whitman St.
Hanson Massachusetts 02341
Cell (781) 820-8327

I will let you know when they arrive. Best of luck with the upcoming season!

Your pigeon friend in Massachusetts,

Frank McLaughlin

Cindy and Alex Beiche

By Alex Bieche
acbieche2@gmail.com

Back in the 1930’s, you could buy a new car for about $500 bucks. “What a deal,” you might say. Not rally when you look at how many years it took you to come up with that money. Today that same $500 bucks is not even a good down payment on a new car purchase.

What am I really getting at, and how does this all relate to the cost of pigeon flying today? It should be quite simple to see that it is not the amount of dollars spent on an item, but rather the buying power of the dollars you make for that given year.

Yes, we complain how high everything is but forget to mention that we are not making 50 cents an hour, any longer. I came across some interesting facts just to show how far we have really come in the last 100 years.

Here are some U.S. statistics for the year 1903: the average life expectancy in the U.S. was forty-seven years; only 14% of the homes in America had a bathtub; only 8% of the homes had a telephone; a three minute call from Denver to New York cost eleven dollars; there were only 8,000 cars in the U.S. and only 144 miles of paved roads; the maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph; Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California. The average U.S. worker made between $200 and $400 per year; a competent accountant could earn $2,000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000; more than 95% of all births in the U.S. took place at home; sugar cost four cents a pound; eggs were fourteen cents a dozen; coffee cost fifteen cents a pound; and most women only washed their hair once a month and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

All of these facts are not only interesting but should make it very clear that, yes, our hobby of racing pigeons does cost more today, but the good news is that today the majority of Americans have more available funds for vacations, hobbies and luxury items in general.

If you still think flying pigeons is too expensive, try golf at $20 to $100 per game. My club dues, in California and AU dues for a whole year cost me less than playing one time at a fancy country club. You say you have some extra bucks join a hunting club and see what your dues are. We went bowling and out to dinner the other evening. Not much left of that $100 bill.

A pigeon clock that normally lasts a lifetime cost about $150. That is, of course, a used timer. A new fancy model cost up to $1,000. If I purchasing your own clock is too much, several clubs even have a clock rentals.

Yes—hobbies do cost some money but they fill a need and enjoyment in our everyday living. It is no secret that people in general live longer when they have a purpose in life and something to live for. Yes—a good hobby could also fill all or part of that need. The other side of the coin would be to stay home and do nothing. And, yes, you are in fact saving money by doing that. If that’s what makes you happy….so be it.

Click to view site

Granger, Indiana – Mike Ganus, owner of Ganus Family Loft (GFL) has relaunched a new website with more bells and whistles then his old site which was plagued by inconsistency and lack of updating.

Pigeon connoisseurs  on visiting his new site will find it easy to navigate and chalked full of updated pictures of his loft, inside and out, as well as an abbreviated breeding list, for sale section (under construction) and top race results achieved by his loft or bloodlines. Be sure to turn your volume up or down, depending on your preference,  when loading his new page you will hear the crowd explode as his pigeon clocks in to win the 2016 SAMDPR.

Check it out, it won’t disappoint.

Anti-Doping Regulations of the KBDB 

PRESS RELEASE 05.28.2015

The Koninklijke Belgische Duivenliefhebbersbond  (KBDB) find it useful to so-called Red List drawn up by the Actual Society Veterinarians with a special interest racing pigeons, to clarify Article 2 of the Anti-Doping Regulations of the KBDB “publishing on its website.

Although it should be clear that this list is not in any of the KBDB way to connect, let alone its liability at any submissive how then can compromise, it is possible that this list contributes to a better understanding of the rules to curb the use of forbidden products at Racing pigeons as issued by the KBDB, better known as the “Doping Regulations”.

Actual prepared by the Association of Veterinarians with a special interest in racing pigeons. In order fanciers as much information as possible regarding the “Rules to curb the use of banned substances in sport pigeons” as issued by the KBDB have undersigned found it useful, subject to all reservations and without any prejudice, called “RED LIST” identifying alleging an attempted clarification of this document recorded related substances.

It is crucially relevant to note that the lists of prohibited products NOT -LIMITATIEF are and no liability in respect of undersigned may entail.

Further, it is important to note that this list is in no way the KBDB can connect, let alone its liability at any submissive manner whatsoever in the compromise can bring.”

Prohibited ingredients (not exhaustive)

A. List banned substances *

If a component

-either naturally can occur in pigeons (body)
-either can be found as a result of the contamination of food, be employed decision limits whose values are significantly higher than the values that are found in the body constituents or constituents brought about by contamination of food. Therefore be relevant only significantly increased semiquantitative readings seen as the
administration of a prohibited substance.”

“Important to know is that certain plants or fungi in lower or even higher concentrations may contain substances, which appear on the list below. Although only exceptional concentrations
of these substances to a positive analysis lead, it is set in any case recommended such plants and fungi to be administered to racing pigeons.

Every lover is and remains responsible for the (extracts) plants and fungi he administers his
racing pigeons.

The same applies to the products which may contain these plants or fungi: the lover (and only the lover) is and remains responsible for the products it administering to his pigeons.

A non-exhaustive list of such plants and fungi can be found below. Most of these plants and fungi are also toxic and thus can be a serious cause welfare problems.”

1. Corticosteroids

The following list is not exhaustive;
Aclomethasone
Amcinonide
Beclomethasone
Betamethasone
Budesonide
Ciclesonide
Clobetasol
Clobetasone
Clocortolone
Corticosterone **
Cortisone **
Cortivazol
Deoxycorticosterone
(Desoxymethasone)
Desonide
Desoximethasone
Dexamethasone
Dichlorisone
Diflorasone acetate
Diflucortolone
Flouroprednisolone
Fluandrenolide (Fluandrenolone,
Fludrocortisone (Fluorocortisone)
Fludroxycortide)
Flumetasone (flumethasone)
Flunisolide
Fluocinolone
Fluocinolone acetonide
Fluocinonide
Anti
Fluocortolone
Fluoprednidene
Fluorometholone
(Fluprednisolone)
Fluticasone
Halcinonide
Halobetasol
Halomethasone
Hydrocortisone **
Isoflupredone
Meprednisone
Methylprdnisolone
Mometasone
Paramethasone
Prednisolone
Prednisone
Triamcinolone
Triamcinolone acetonide
Triamcinolone hexacetonide

Any corticosteroid or metabolite indicative of the exogenous administration of
corticosteroids has been fully prohibited, even if not explicitly mentioned in this list.

2. Bronchodilators including B-agonists

The following list is not exhaustive;

Acefylline
Aformoterol
Albuterol
Aminophylline
Bambuterol
Bamifylline
Bitolterol
Carbuterol
Cimaterol
Clenbuterol
Cromolyn
Diprophylline
Anti
Dopexamine
Ephedrine
Epinephrine (racemic Epiniphrine)
Etamiphylline
Ethylnorepinephrine
Fenoterol
Formoterol
Ipratropium (bromide)
Isoetharine
Isoproterenol (Isoprotorenol)
Levosalbutamol: levabuterl
Mabuterol
Metaproterenol
Orciprenaline
Pirbuterol
Procaterol
Propentofylline
Proxyphylline
Ractopamine
Repro Terol
Rimiterole
Salbutamol
Salmeterol
Terbutaline
Tiotropium
Tulobuterol
Zilpaterol

Each B-agonist or bronchodilator, or metabolite indicative of the exogenous administration of bronchodilators or beta-agonists are completely banned, even if not explicitly mentioned in this list.

3. Anabolic steroids

The following list is not exhaustive;

17-Alpha-Hydroxy Progesterone
Androstenediol **
Androstenedione **
Bolandiol
Bolasterone
Boldenone **
Boldione
Calusterone
Clostebol
Danazol
Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone
Dehydrochlorotestosterone
Desoxymethyltestosterone
Dihydrotestosterone **
Dromostanolone
Drostanolone
Epiternbolone
Estranediol
Estrone
Ethinylestradiol
Ethylestrenol
Fluoxymesterone
Formebolone
Furazabol
Gestrinone
Hydroxytestosterone
Melengesterol
Mestanolone
Mesterolone
Methallenestril
Methandienone
Methandriol
Methandrostenolone
Methasterone
Methenolone
Methyl (-1) testosterone
Methyldienolone
Anti
Methylnortestosterone
Methylprogesterone
Methyltrienolone
Metribolone
Mibolerone
Nandrolone (NT) **
Norandrostenediol
Norandrostenedione
Norbolethone
Norclostebol
Norethandrolone
Normethandrolone
Oxabolone
Oxandrolone
Oxymesterone
Oxymetholone
Para Metha Dione
Progesterone **
Prasterone **
Prostanozol
Quinbolone
Stanozolol
Stenbolone
Testosterone **
Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG)
Tibolone
Trenbolone

Any anabolic or metabolite meaning the exogenous administration of anabolic steroids is banned completely, even if not explicitly mentioned in this list.

4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The following list is not exhaustive;

Acemetacin
Alclofenac
Ampyrone
Antipyrin
Anti
Apazone
Azapropazone
Benorilate
Benoxaprofen
Benzydamine
Biphenamine
Bromfenac
Bufexamac
Carprofen
Celecoxib
Cicloprofen
Cinchophen
Clonixin
Deracoxib
Diclofenac
Dimethyl Sulfone (Dimethyl)
Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO)
Dipyrone (metamizole)
Eltenac
Etodolac
Etoricoxib
Felbinac
Fenbufen
Fenclofenac
Fenclozic acid
Fenoprofen
Fenspiride
Feprazone
Firocoxib
Floctafenine
Flufenamic acid
Flunixin
Flurbiprofen
Indomethacin
Indoprofen
Anti
Kebuzone
Ketoprofen
Ketorolac
Lornoxicam
Lumiracoxib
Meclofenamic acid
Meloxicam
Mesalamine (mesalazine)
Metamizole (dipyrone)
Methoxyphenamine
Methylsalicylic acid
Mofebutazone
Nabumetone
Naproxen
Niflumic acid
Nimesulide
Noramidoperine
Oxaprozin
Oxyphenbutazone
Phenylbutazone
Piroxicam
Pirprofen
Propyphenazone
Proquazone
Rofecoxib
Salicylamide
Salicylic acid
Sulindac
Suphone)
Suxibuzone
Tepoxalin
Tiaprofenic Acid
Tolfenamic acid
Tolmetin
Anti
Vedaprofen
Zomepirac
Mavacoxib
Robenacoxib
Cimicoxib
Acetate salicylic acid

Any NSAID, or metabolite indicative of the exogenous administration of NSAIDs is completely prohibited, even if not explicitly mentioned in this list.

5. Narcotic analgesics

The following list is not exhaustive;

Acetominophen
Acetophenetidin
Acetylmorphine
Alfentanil
Alphaprodine
Anileridrine
Apocodeine
Apomorphine
Betaprodine
Buprenorphine
Butorphanol
Carfentanil
Codeine
Conorphone
Dermorphin
Dextromoramide
Dextropropoxyphene
Dezocine
Diamorphine (heroin)
Diethylthiambutene
Dihydrocodeine
Dihydrocodeinone
Dihydromorphine
Diphenoxylate
Dipipanone
Anti
Diprenorphine
Ecgonine methyl ester
Epibatidine
Ethoheptazine
Ethylmorphine
Etorphine
Fentanyl
Fentiazac
Flupirtine
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphinol
Hydromorphone
Ibuprofen
Isomethadone
Isopyrin (Ramifenazone)
Levomethadone
Levomethorphan
Levorphanol
Lofentanil
Meperidine (Pethidine)
Meptazinol
Metazocine
Methadone
Methyldihydromorphinone
Morpheridine
Morphine **
Nalbuphine
Nalorphine
Naloxone
Naltrexone
Nefopam
Oripavin
Oxycodone
Oxymorphone
Phenazocine
Phenazone
Phenazopyridine
Piminodine
Propiram
Propoxyphene
Remifentanil
Sufentanil
Suprofen
Tenoxicam
Tramadol
Valdecoxib
Zicotinide

Each opiate or metabolite indicative of the exogenous administration of an opiate is completely prohibited, even if not explicitly mentioned in this list.

6. Analgesics

(Antipyretics) This list is exhaustive;

Acetanilid
Bucetin

The above substances, metabolites, which point to exogenous administration of these substances, or molecules with the same effect are prohibited. This list may be modified or supplemented annually.

7. Means with an effect on the nervous system including caffeine

This list is exhaustive;

(MDEA)
(MDMA)
(Methylenedioxyethylamphetamine)
(Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
Acebutolol
Acetophenazine
Adinazolam
Adrafinil
Adrenalin
Alphadolone acetate
Alpidem
Alprazolam
Amantadine
Ambenonium
Amfepramone
Amfetaminil
Amineptine
Amiphenazole
Amoxapine
Amperozide
Amphetamine
Amphetaminil
Anilopam
Anisotropine
Arecoline
Arsenic
Atomoxetine
Atropine **
Azacyclonal
Bemegride
Benactyzine
Benapryzine
Benperidol
Bentazepam
Benzoylecgonine
Benzphetamine
Benztropine
Benzylpiperazine
Bepridil
Biperiden
Biriperone
Bromantan
Bromazepam
Bromocriptine
Bromophenethylamine
Bromperidol
Brotizolam
Bufotenine **
Buphenine
Bupropion
Buspirone
Butaperazine
Butoctamide
Butylscopolamine
Caffeine**
Camazepam
Canabis
Capsaicin **
Captodiame
Caramiphen
Carp Hedon
Carphenazine
Carpipramine
Cathine (norpseudoephedrine)
Chlordiazepoxide
Chlormezanone
Chlorphentermine
Chlorprothixene
Citalopram
Clidinium
Clobazam
Clobenzorex
Clocapramine
Clomipramine (Clomiprimine)
Clonazepam
Clopamide
Clorazepate
Clothiapine
Clotiazepam
Cloxazolam
Clozapine
Cocaine
Cropropamide
Crotehamide
Cyamemazine
Cyclo pentamine
Cycrimine
Delorazepam
Demoxepam
Deserpidine
Desipramine
Desoxyephedrine
Dibenzepin
Dimefline
Dimethylamphetamine
Dixyrazine
Dobutamine
Dopamine
Dothiepin
Doxapram
Doxepin
Droperidol
Duloxetine
Enciprazine
Ephedrine
Estazolam
Etafedrine
Etamivan
Ethyl Loflazepate
Ethylamphetamine
Etifoxine
Etilefrine
Etizolam
Etodroxizine
Famprofazone
Fenbutrazate
Fencamfamine
Fencamine
Fenethylline (Fenetylline,
Fenfluramine
Fenozolone
Fenproporex
Flunitrazepam
Fluopromazine (Triflupromazine)
Fluorophenethylamine
Fluoxetine
Flupenthixol
Fluphenazine
Flurazepam
Fluspirilene
Furfenorex
Gepirone
Glycopyrrolate
Heptaminol
Heroin
Homatropine
Homophenazine
Hordenine Norepinephrine **
Hydroxyamphetamine
Hydroxyephedrine (oxilofrine)
Hyoscyamine (Atropine isomeres)
Iprindole
Iproniazid
Ipsapirone
Isocarboxazid
Isometheptane
Isometheptene
Isopropamide
Ketazolam
Lenperone
Leptazole (Pentylenetetrazole)
Levophacetoperane
Loprazolam
Lorazepam
Lormetazepam
Loxapine
Maprotiline
MDA (Methylenedioxyamphetamine)
MDEA
MDMA
Mefenorex
Mefexamide
Melperone
Meparfynol
Mepazine
Mephentermine
Meprobamate (Meprobromate)
Mescaline
Pemoline
Metaclazepam
Metaraminol
Methamphetamine
Methylaminorex
Methyl atropine
Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)
Methylenedioxyethylamphetamine
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Methylephedrine
Methylbufotenine **
Methylhexaneamine
Methylphenidate
Methylpseudoephedrine
Mexazolam
Midazolam
Mirtazepine
Modafanil
Molin Done
Moperone
Morphine
Morphedrine
Mosapramine
Naphazoline
Neostigmine
Nialamide
Nicotine
Nikethamide
Nimetazepam
Nitrazepam
Nomifensine
Norco Caine
Norfenefrine
Norfenfluramine
Nortriptyline
Octopamine
Olanzapine
Oxazepam
Oxazolam
Paraxanthine **
Paroxetine
Pemoline
Pentetrazole
Pergolide
Phendimetrazine
Phenethyl Line (Phenetylline)
Phenmetrazine
Phenpromethamine
Phenylephrine
Phenyliprazine
Phenylpropanolamine
Pholedrine
Picrotoxin
Pimozide
Pinazepam
Pipequaline
Piperidione
Piperidolate
Pipradol (Pipradrol)
Piracetam
Prazepam
Procyclidine
Prolintane
Propylhexedrine
Protokylol
Protriptyline
Pseudoephedrine
Scopolamine **
Selegiline
Sertraline
Sibutramine
Sumatriptan
Synephrine
Theobromine **
Theophylline **
Tofenacin
Tramazoline
Trazodone
Triazolam
Trihexylphenidyl (Trihexyphenidyl)
Trimipramine
Tropicamide
Tuaminoheptane
Tybamate
Venlafaxine
Viloxazine
Xylometazoline
Yohimbine
Zimeldine

The above substances, metabolites, which point to exogenous administration of these
substances, or molecules with the same effect are prohibited. This list may be modified or
supplemented annually.

8. Synthetic hormones and growth promoters

(prohormones, gonadotropins, blood thinners and all relatives)

The following list is not exhaustive;

Adrenochrome
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Aldosterone
Altrenogest
Amidephrine
Amisulpride
Amitriptyline
AMPK activators
Anisindione
Aromatase inhibitors
Chlormadinone acetate
Clomiphene
Coroxon
Delmadinone acetate
Diphenadione
Efaproxiral
Erythropoietin (EPO) and any erythropoiesis stimulating substance
Growth Factors
Growth Hormone (GH) (growth hormone, and any growth hormone releasing factor)
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Haemaglobin analogues
Insulin and related
Levothyroxine
Myostatin inhibitors and related peroxisome proliferator activated receptor δ (PPARδ) agonists
Raloxifene
selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and other anti-estrogen substances
Tamoxifen
Toremifene
Oxygen Carriers (oxygen carriers)
Octacosactide
Tetracosactide
Buserelin
Gonadorelin
Deslorelin
Peforeline
Pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG)

Each synthetic (pro) or to promote growth hormone or related substance or metabolite meaning the exogenous administration of these substances is completely prohibited, even if not explicitly mentioned in this list.

B. Manipulation

The products which are capable of the endogenous or exogenous concentration of substances in urine, manure / spring to change, with the aim to change the integrity of the sample (such as, but not exhaustive, diuretics)

The following list is not exhaustive;

(Methylclothiazide)
Althiazide
Amiloride
Aminoheptane
Aminomethylbenzoic acid
Amisometradine
Azapetine
Bendroflumethazide
Benzthiazide
Brinzolamide
Bumetanide
Chlormerodrin
Chlorothiazide (Chlorthiazide)
Chlorthalidone
Cyclothiazide
Drospirenone
Ethacrynic
Ethiazide
Flumethazide
Flutoprazepam
Fluvoxamine
Furosemide
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydroflumethiazide
Indapamide
Mefruside
Meralluride
Merbaphen
Mercaptomerin
Mersalyl
Methazolamide
Methyclothiazide
Methylchlorthiazide
Metolazone
Piretanide
Polythiazide
Probenecid
Quinethazone
Spironolactone
Torasemide
Triamterene
Trichlormethiazide
Trometamol
Xipamide
Acetazolamide
Addendum

Non-exhaustive list of plants that contain substances banned and at markedly elevated non-physiological semi-quantitative measurement values may result in a positive case. Most of these plants are toxic.

Belladonna (Atropa Belladonna)
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum)
henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
datura (Datura stramonium)
kola nuts (Cola acuminata – Cola nitida)
Guarana (Paullinia cupana)
Klokbilzekruid (Scopolia carniolica)
Maté (Ilex paraguariensis)
Capsicum
mushrooms of the genus Amanita
Anadenanthera
Theobroma
Poppy or poppy (Papaver)
Willow (Salix alba) and all plants that contain salicylic acid
meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Be sure to “Like” the Loft Report Facebook page! 

Frank McLaughlin, Carter Mayotte, Mike Ganus and Drew Lesofski enjoying a successful completion of the 2016 Ipigeon Auction in Las Vegas, NV.

Click image to read original email

Drew:

It was brought to our attention that you had posted something on your Loft report about the new Ganus Family Loft website.  When I looked at what you posted I saw that you had used the banner from our website.   I make to make it perfectly clear to you – our website specifically states that NOONE [sic] can use any image from our website without our permission and this includes you.

I am forwarding this email to our legal counsel whom we have recently hired to represent and protect Ganus Family Loft interests.  Please consider this a warning.

Thank you.

Debra Ganus

This email was received from Debra Ganus, wife of Mike Ganus owner of Ganus Family Lofts (GFL) Sunday April 10, 2016. Her email is referencing a post made, tilted Ganus Family Loft Relaunches Website, on the Loft Report on April 1, 2016 promoting GFL’s new website and design.

Guess this means Mike isn’t sending me any birds for the IF Convention.

Drew Lesofski

Click to visit Museum website

Obscura Day is an annual event and this year the American Pigeon Museum is a proud participant of this year’s worldwide celebration of discovery.

Join curator Jessica Nguyen and Museum staff on Saturday, April 16 for a behind-the-scenes museum tour, homing pigeon release and fancy pigeon show.

This is a great opportunity to promote the sport to your friends and relatives and have fun all at the same time!

DETAILS:
Saturday, April 16; 9:00am – 12:00pm
Ticket Cost: $7
Photography is encouraged! Tag #atlasobscura & #obscuraday

The American Pigeon Museum – click to visit site
2300 NE 63rd
Oklahoma City, OK 73049

For further information about this event, please click here.

Cindy and Alex Bieche at the US Capitol.

Submitted by Alex Bieche
acbieche2@gmail.com

It’s well into the breeding season. If you love breeding season as much as I do you probably study the bloodlines of different families, as well. During the San Francisco Convention I had a chance to talk to the Herbots Brothers, of Belgium, about the Schellens pigeons. In conversation he mentioned that the Schellens, Grondelaers and Stoces pigeons all go back to the Janssen’s “Blue of 1948.” This struck me as incredible.

I asked if he would send a pedigree showing this information so I could study it in detail.

This pedigree shows the pair to be best birds the Janssens ever had. In searching through more paperwork I also found that the Engles pigeons also go back to the same pair. One of the two Engles foundation cocks is a direct son of Schellen’s famous “De Fenomenale” cock. This line comes to Schellens from the Stoces hit pair of 1961.

The pedigree shows Stoces received the mother of this pair from Grondelaers. She was also bred from a daughter of the “48 Cock.” This hen was mated to a Huysken Van Riel Cock, also of 1961. Further studying the lineage shows the birds were passed back and forth by Grondelaers and Stoces. The connection was that Stoces was the loft manager of the very wealthy Grondelaers. Schellens and Engles both used this same family and exchanged their best to come up with their own line, by adding the Verbruggen pigeons, in the later years.

Engles and Verbruggen are known to exchange pigeons often to keep the winners coming. It’s truly amazing how some of the best families we have today all go back to the same source. I was sharing this information with the one and only Hank Vernazza. There are not too many flyers in America who don’t recognize this name. The man is true legend in our sport.

In conversation he mentioned that his famous “Red Hen” was down from possibly the same original 1948 Janssen pair. We agree that I would send a copy of this pedigree to him so he could see if there was any connection, and then get back to me. A couple weeks later I received a call from Hank and he said that he still has all the original correspondences letters from Pete Deweerd, regarding the “Red Hen.” After receiving all the information I asked Hank if I could pass this information on to my readers. The answer was most definitely!

Pete Deweerd was retained by Hank to find the very best pigeons the sport had to offer. Not only was the “Red Hen” purchased by Hank but also included was her mother, the “Blue of 1957.” This hen was a direct daughter of the “Blue 48.” Vanderflaes had originally purchased her from the Janssen Brothers. After using her for himself he was willing to let her go. Hank went on to say that although having paid for her, the hen was never delivered. In those days it was much harder to buy outstanding cocks. No one wanted to let them go for any price.

The one most outstanding trait of this family – according to Hank – was that they never circled. When released, they always headed straight for home. The offspring from the “Red Hen” went on to elevate many lofts in America. The late Jim Calia was one of many who capitalized on this wonderful family. Vernazza, loving the distance races, introduced some top distance families to come up with a family of his own, resulting in the famous “180 Hen” bred by Richard Hersey from the Vernazza stock. I would like to personally thank Hank and the Herbots Brothers of Belgium for sharing this information with all the pigeon flyers of today.

Follow the Loft Report on Facebook today!

The American pigeons that finished the 2016 South Africa Million Dollar Pigeon Race (SAMDPR) are currently up for auction on Ipigeon and scheduled to close May 15^th at 10 pm EST. There are 76 pigeons, including the SAMDPR 1^st Overall Final race winner, “Laura Is A Big Winner Today” bred by Mike Ganus of Ganus Family Lofts (GFL) posted. More are being posted as time permits.

Naturally, the 1^st Overall Winner is attacking the most attention with 103 bids and a current high bid of $50,000 US from bidder “gagi” at time of this posting.  It’s estimated that the SAMDPR winner could sell for over $100,000.00 US.

According to the video posted on Ipigeon, Mike Ganus has “Laura Is A Big Winner Today” at his lofts in Granger, Indiana.  He states on the video, click here to watch the video, “I just received here yesterday….” The video was posted by Mike’s wife Debra on April 13, 2016 to their YouTube webpage.  So far, 546 people have watched the video on YouTube.

To view or bid on any of the American SAMDPR birds, click here.

The SAMDPR is considered the primer One Loft Futurity race in the world attracting thousands of entries from every corner of the world.

Northwest Junior Flyers pigeon auction and fundraiser was held April 3, 2016.

It’s the wonderful time of year again when the kids are having their annual pigeon auction! The money raised will be used to build more loaner lofts and to make repairs on the older lofts still in use. We currently have 31 loaner lofts being used by Junior Flyers today. We will use a portion of the money to reduce shipping costs and buy medication in order to vaccinate all 2016 birds.

R-L; Val Matteucci, IF National Secretary and Treasurer, and Bob Careny auctioning the birds off.

The Loaner Loft Program was started to help junior flyers that could not afford or have the skills to build a coop on their own. Buyers and those who attended help the kids get the opportunity they deserve to participate in this great hobby.

Ed Minvielle’s name will be added to the ‘Person of the Year’ for his role in helping the Northwest Junior Flyers with their annual auction and fundraiser.

The Northwest Junior Flyers would like to thank all our auction bird contributors for their meaningful donations:

Ed Minvielle, Val Matteucci, John Haggerty, Grace Mehl, Kevin Williams, Chuck Houghton, Ron Pairan, 1 & 1 Breeding Station, Ron Deisher, Frank McLaughlin, Mike the Greek, Bob  Carney, John Fincel, Rick Nanez, Ron Steinbrenner, Ken Christopher, Bill Ensign, Sal Rodriquez, Brand and Mike Hogan, Drew Lesofski, Chuck Lopesti, Carroll Hoover, Tom LaDuke, and all those that help out behind the scenes to make this an incredible event for the kids.

Tim Tessier

Written by John Kaiyalethe
www.flyingtigerz.com

Do you know the old saying ‘’actions speak louder than words?’’ Well, the latter saying spoke loudly to me on November 11th, 2013 when all 40 of my breeding and racing pigeons were stolen. I had heard of pigeon thefts in this state many times before, and I listened to the stories but took no action. Besides a simple padlock, I did not bother updating the security of my pigeon lofts. My mistake. There is another old saying, however, that is more important than the first and it is ‘’hindsight is 20/20.” I am confident that the actions I took after the theft will prevent history from repeating itself with a similar incident in my loft, and hopefully with some pointers, in yours as well. If you have not yet secured your loft, please consider some of the following options to protect your hard work, birds and investments.

Dogs

We all know dogs can be great protectors of their home and family. Evolving from the wolf, dogs can be very intimidating and carry all the necessary equipment (powerful jaws with sharp teeth) to make any thieve think twice about stealing your birds. There are many good companion breeds as well as those meant for hunting or protection. The dog’s most important security contribution is the dog’s ability to alert you. Dogs have superior hearing, smell and sight and can often alert you of a theft, even if they are inside the house. If you are considering letting a dog loose on a potential thief, consider the “coyote” rule when choosing a dog. That is, if you think a breed won’t fair well with a coyote confrontation, then that breed should probably only be used as an alert system. Dogs, however, are not for everyone. Living quarters, care, cost and allergies may all be obstacles in keeping a dog as a security system.

Lights

In my opinion, motion sensing lights are the most underrated theft prevention system with pigeon lofts. The options for these lights keep increasing including bright LEDs that use very little power, solar power options and stylish exteriors. With enough lights, it becomes pretty obvious when something is out around the loft. If you don’t see your loft lit up like a Christmas tree, your neighbor might. And as bugs are attracted to lights, thieves are repelled by them. Consider adding this affordable option to your loft.

Location

Location and lights are both the same kind of defense system. They put the thief in an atmosphere they don’t want to be in. If in a rural area, the best location is fairly close to the residency but in an open area as well. Not only will this deter thieves, but it will make the approach of a hawk more noticeable. If in an urban setting, such as my own, it is much more difficult to secure your loft in this matter. At the very least, try to allow a direct sight path to the loft from the residency without obstruction. Again, this will serve you well on race day too!

Motion Sensors

There are so many options out there for motion sensors, from alerting to alarming, motion sensors are very sensitive ways of notifying the breeder of movement around the loft. Most systems have wireless capabilities, mine can reach out wirelessly to 800ft. Being that my sleeping quarters are less than 50ft, it works quite well. The downfall is that they can be TOO sensitive. My sensors pick up cats and raccoons trying to get into the loft, which I found out to be a common occurrence during the night after I installed these. These too can be found at an affordable price.

Door/Window Sensors

I consider these a must have. Where the motion sensor alerts are nice, I use them in alert mode and not alarm mode because there are too many false alarms. They do their job waking me up a few times a night, but the alert is much different than the alarm. With door and window sensors, however, false alarms are near impossible. When the alarm goes off at 4 AM, you can be sure a thief, be it human or bear, is trying to get into the loft. After that, the choice is yours on the action taken to remove the threat. These have the same wireless capabilities as the motion sensors, and mine have an 800ft range. The company I am using offers both types of sensors to be programmed to the same receiver. I have two receivers allowing for eight individual sensors which alert me if there is a thief, and where they are in relationship to the loft (front, back, left, right).

Locks

Most thieves know locks better than you and I. How to cut them, how to break them, or how to pick them. However, all of the latter causes a delay and noise which can alert a dog or give you enough time to get out of bed when your motion sensor is alarming. There are locking systems out there in a “V” shape, which prevent bolt cuts from snipping the padlock as well. The storage unit locks use the same concept, by shortening the bar they are hoping there is no room for bolt cutters. Both options are fairly cheap, and worthwhile.

Cameras

In the past cameras with decent resolution were an investment in themselves. These days, however, most cameras are good enough to recognize faces of thieves for a much smaller investment. Most complete systems come with a recording device that allows you to save or review the videos it captured in the previous 24 hours. Recently in a local pigeon theft, the breeder had camera mounted inside the loft. In collaboration with law enforcement, the videos allowed the breeder to identify the culprits. Another nice option with some of these cameras is their ability to transmit through phone or internet services. Many of them can stream live directly to your phone or computer so you can check on the birds while at work or out of town! Something to consider, especially if you have a larger loft where they can be hidden.

Guns

I am in no way condoning violence, and killing a human over a pigeon is a ridiculous thought. This is America, however, and the 2nd amendment is strong. SO, this section is placed here just in case a thief is stupid enough (or smart enough) to be reading this . . . let this be a warning to them. Many pigeon breeders have put a lot of time and money into this hobby. Many business owners and farmers will protect their livelihood to the death, a thief in many peoples opinion, is on the same level. Is it really worth the risk of losing your life over a couple of birds? That being said, many breeders would not hesitate to use their weapons. Urban or rural, a lot of home defense methodologies involve a firearm. So, as a fair warning to the thieves, build a decent loft and join a racing pigeon club. You will be rewarded with many free birds, and you don’t have to put yourself and the breeder through a potentially life threatening incident.

By B.C. Weaver
crac4rud@aol.com

It may seem strange, but there are still many pigeon fliers that have not shipped a pigeon or pigeons by USPS.  Of course, I’d guess the majority have at least received a pigeon in the mail and therefore have seen one of the various kinds of boxes manufactured by two main suppliers.  Like cars, all boxes are not the same and each seems to have its advantages and/or disadvantages.

For those of us that ship pigeons frequently, cost and space are most likely the two most important considerations. Personally, when shipping one or two birds, I prefer the 2 bird box manufactured by Boxes for Birds. It’s easy to assemble, has good dimensions (square inches) for floor space

and is the lightest weight box.  That means it is less expensive to ship!  The  biggest disadvantage is that the price is almost double (Horizon) and that is troubling.

Horizon Micro-Environments is obviously the most used source for boxes in shipping pigeons.  They were the first to be approved by USPS and their boxes have stood the test of time.  Their boxes are heavier, possibly more rugged, have a bit more less floor space, aren’t as easy to assemble, but are much less expensive.  Cost is important, otherwise most of the boxes shipped would be blue and white, and they are not.  Horizon red and white boxes are the most popular.

I dislike writing an article that lacks something new.  No reason to spend time on items everybody considers ‘old hat’, right?   Well, here is something I discovered about Horizon boxes that may interest the most knowledgeable of you.  Horizon manufactures two similar boxes that are very different.  They manufacture the most popular box (carried by ALL pigeon supply houses) that measures 18″ long X 8″ wide x 18″ tall.  Yep, it’s the ‘tall box’, satisfactory for shipping ‘chickens’! This box is everywhere in our pigeon shipments and I hate it.  It’s awkward, weighs too much and not as practical as it could be for us.

Horizon also manufactures a much better box that can save you money on shipping plus has more square inch floor space.  Horizon calls it “the light box”.  This two pigeon box is 20″ long X 16″ tall  X 8″ wide.  It’s almost one pound lighter than the above box everybody buys for ‘chickens” (I guess).  It costs the same as the ‘tall chicken box’ but is cheaper to ship and may permit extra space for an additional bird.

I called the owner of Horizon trying to track down a supplier. Thereafter, I called a few of the ‘popular guys’ he recommended with ‘no luck’.  The only supplier I located stocking this box was FOY’S PET SUPPLIES in Pennsylvania (877-355-7727 orders only). My opinion is that this is the most economical and useful box for racing pigeons and our major suppliers need to address this issue.

Finally, if you weigh your pigeons in the box before shipping you can use “Click and Ship” and save much.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

 ATTENTION WOOD PULP NEST BOWL CUSTOMERS 

www.siegelpigeons.com

 Siegel’s will temporarily stop selling the American wood pulp nest bowls! Babies have been affected in a few instances when hatching in the bowls without nesting materials. We’ve interviewed some of our customers using the American wood pulp nest bowls. The results are a very small percentage of these interviewed have not reported a problem. Those that have been using them without any problems are using nesting materials such as straw, pine needles, sand or even newspaper on bottom of bowls. As long as a layer exist between the baby and the bowl there are no problems. Only problems are when the babies hatch directly in the bowl having skin contact with the bowl. Until we can further investigate the issues at hand with these bowls, we will no longer sell them.

We currently in the process of purchasing European wood pulp nest bowls! We will post a statement as soon as we have those in stock.

Sincerely,

Ed Minvielle

www.siegelpigeons.com

 Sanitary Nest Bowls #390

www.foyspigeonsupplies.com

We have made the decision to suspend the sale of the Sanitary Nest Bowls listed on our site and in our catalog. Then item numbers are #390 thru #394 and this suspension affects only the Sanitary Nest Bowls. All other nest bowls are available, including the Dandy Nest Bowls, a similar paper pulp bowl. We have received information, from a few fanciers, that they have experienced issues with the Sanitary Nest Bowls which may have been the cause of loss of life of very young pigeon babies in the nest. We have been in touch with the supplier of the Sanitary Nest Bowls, and tests are now being done to see if in fact the Sanitary Bowls are a problem or that it is some other issues that have caused the loss of life of some baby pigeons. We have temporarily reduced the selling price of the Dandy Nest Bowls to match the price of the Sanitary Nest Bowls.

www.foyspigeonsupplies.com

Editors Note: Before ordering any paper nest bowls, contact your supply house first to avoid any problems.

Many readers don’t know, or realize, that the Loft Report (tLR) has a Facebook page and a Twitter account. Don’t miss an important announcement or event because you don’t follow tLR on social media!

Click here to “Like” our Facebook page and click here to follow us on Twitter (@theLoftReport1).