Free pigeon fancying quarterly
No: 1 / 2015 Wydanie nr: 2
25 March 2015 rok.
The world of racing pigeons
THE WORK OF A CLOCKSETTER - how do we know who won? S. 8
( M.P )
PROPER EXAMINATION - an important factor of flight success. S. 21
( Jarosław Kuś )
TRAINING PIGEONS S. 17
SUMMARY OF EXHIBITIONS S. 19
COMMON LOFT REPORT S. 7
ADVICE
COCCIDIOSIS
S. 5
- a new approach to the problem. ( Jarosław Kuś )
ARTICLES
HOW TO PLAY THE YOUNG - Young pigeons obfuscation
( Piotr Knap)
S. 4
www.morelbartosz.pl
Carrier Pigeon Lofts
Base pigeons come from fanciers such as: • Ulrich Lemmens • Bart Geerinckx • Bart & Nance Van Oeckel • Houben JLN
More birds include: • Rens Van Der Zijde • Sakis Minovgioudis • Chris Hebberecht • Jelger Klinkenberg • Ivo Renders • B & F Verdeyen • Benny Stevennick • G & C Koopman • H & A Klaas • Daniel Poussart • Jelle & Paul Roziers • Jos Thone • Pieter Veenstra • Leo Heremans • Marc De Cock • Stockx Luc • Pollin Marc • Jung-Jupid • Vandenheede F & J • Thibaut-Boons • H & F Sander • Robert Grochowski • Arek Buttner • Jaworscy-Michalak • Tomasz Wiczling • IKD Łepuch
Bartosz Morel ul. Stawowa 1 42-450 Łazy POLAND Mobile: +48 534 723 004 e-mail: b.morel@golebiraj.pl
www.morelbartosz.pl
INFORMATION - INFORMATION - INFORMATION - INFORMATION - INFORMATION - INFORMATION
Dear Reader, is also information on our partners' common lofts.
We present to you yet another issue of our quarterly journal. After the December issue of the Polish edition we have heard many kind words. This gave us strength and motivation to keep up the good work. The effect of this work has been an increased number of copies of the Polish edition 3,000. As from this issue, the quarterly will also be available online for English speaking Readers, so that those following our actions from abroad (31 countries worldwide) will also able to enjoy reading about events taking place in Poland, as well as about Polish breeds.
As we mentioned before, our quarterly is available online in English. Just visit our website to read or download the pdf file. If you would like to promote your loft or company, we will gladly write about you - feel free to contact us. In the meantime, enjoy this brand new issue of our quarterly.
The current issue presents exceptional breeds, the work of clocksetters and tips from our expert. You will also find an article on darkness method with regard to young pigeons and information on training methods of top Polish fanciers. There
Good flights!
World Pigeons Sport Team Świat Gołębi Sportowych
Contact details: Phone no. : +48 570-936-456 mail: golebiesportowe@gmail.com
Korekta tekstu: Przemysław Wiktorowicz Phone no.: +48 570-93-64-56 e-mail: golebiesportowe@gmail.com
Ewa Szaniewska
Piotr Kwiatkowski Phone no.: +48 721-53-53-90 e-mail: piotr.iconstudio@gmail.com
ARTICLES
NEWS | Common Loft report ( str. 4 )
| How to play the young - Young pigeons obfuscation ( str. 4 )
| Summary of exhibitions ( str. 19 )
| The work of a clocksetter ( str.8 ) | Team Suffner Loft - The fraternal trio ( str.12 ) | Krzysztof Węglewski - Homing pigeons from ( str. 15 )
INTERVIEWS | Jarosław Radzięta - friendship, pigeons and success ( str. 14 ) | Training pigeons ( str.17 )
ADVICE | Coccidiosis - a new approach to the problem ( str. 5 )
INFORMATION
| Proper examination - an important factor of flight success ( str.21 )
| Dear Reader ( str. 3 )
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Young pigeons obfuscation
HOW TO PLAY THE YOUNG Many fanciers have heard about darkening young pigeon lofts but did not have a chance to try this method out. There are as many supporters as there are opponents. Many fanciers after mastering this method get fantastic results, and the method itself is gaining popularity despite everything. However, to do it right you need to have a solid knowledge of the topic. This is why we decided to refer to an expert and present tips for breeding in a darkened loft. Below, you will find information on how Piotr Knap, a top fancier and young pigeon flights expert, manages his birds. What exactly is the darkening process and how to conduct it properly? You basically begin darkening from the 15th of March and end it on the 21st of June. The day needs to last 10, and maximum 11 hours. Night, on the other hand, needs to last at least 13, but preferably 14, hours. In the morning, we open the blinds at 8 a.m. and close them at 6-7 p.m. , to again open them the next day at 8 o'clock. This is the routine until the 21st of June. From the 22nd of June to the 1st August we do nothing, just leave everything as it is, without darkening, or lighting. Only after the 1st of August until basketing before the final race do we introduce lighting, i.e. the lights must be turned on at 6 a.m. and remain this way until 10 a.m. . For the rest of the day, until 6 p.m., natural light takes over (it is not a bad idea to introduce an electronic timer switch to fully control the process), which is influenced by weather conditions. In the evening, from 6 p.m. Until 10 p.m. we again introduce artificial lighting, which causes an opposite of what we have mentioned before: the day is about 16 hours long, whereas the night only about 8. We have to keep in mind that certain pigeons are genetically predestined to lose one up to even 4-5 flying feathers (single cases) despite darkening. In a whole group of birds these will be single cases - they should not be cause for concern to a fancier. The base for success in flights with pigeons raised in such way is their training - the earlier we begin, the better. First, brief training sessions can already be done when young birds first get on the roof. I can definitely say that the more training the better and, of course, we will have to take into account both time and money that we are going to spend, but the end
result - the end of the season - will be more than rewarding. Every failure in keeping birds using this methods is almost entirely a fancier's fault. Lack of success lies mainly in wrong keeping, failing to adhere in part or entirely to the rules mentioned above, or simple lack of proper health care. mediocre pigeons, through proper training and properly conducted darkening and lighting can perform very well in flights. Extensive training, unfortunately, does not bear such good results when it comes to old pigeons; in this case, they need to show their character and skills. It is not uncommon for fanciers to get great flight results with birds raised using darkening method and, at the same time, lose many yearlings in old pigeon races. I am certain that this is not related to them being kept in a darkened loft at a young age. As I mentioned, even mediocre birds (and these, unfortunately, dominate our lofts), when properly kept, go very well through young birds' flights. This is due to proper training and full set of flight feathers on the wings. Add mild weather conditions during the season and using the natural, widowhood or “sliding doors� method, and near the season's end you will be left with many more birds than usual and many prizes. As we all know, they cannot all be great fliers, which is best proven during old pigeons' races. Every fancier needs to understand it and be prepared for significant losses. After the flight season has ended, young birds kept in this way deserve a lot of peace and quiet. This is why loft flybys a r e n o t recommended - even forbidden! Pigeons are to use the aviary, take baths and receive high quality food to help with fathering. All this will help you be certain that the feathering process will be without complications. I wish everyone all the best and top fliers!
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a new approach to the problem
COCCIDIOSIS Pathogenesis.
extremely fast, creating fungi colonies that the organism is not able to combat effectively and the toxins are introduced into the blood stream. Combining parasite tests for coccidiosis and mycological tests for candiidasis confirms the
Pigeon coccidiosis is one of the most common health issues. Basically, coccidia oocyst occur in 99% of carrier pigeon flocks in Poland. This is why it is a problem that almost every fancier faces and, as a result, a problem that has tremendous influence on optimal flight form during the season. Coccidiosis development cycle is quite complicated and makes it this much harder to effectively combat the disease. It is an intracellular parasitic disease caused by protozoa of Eimeria spp. genus. The severity of infection depends on numerous factors, such as: -strain of the parasite; -amount of consumed oocyst; -location and depth of proliferation in host's tissue; -age and overall health of the birds; -immunological status; -quality of of food.
joint occurrence of both pathogens in 75% of cases.
Development cycle
Acute form
Infected birds expel coccidia oocyst with the stool. The oocyst excreted directly into the environment does not pose an immediate threat. In order to acquire infectious capability it needs to transform into their contagious form, that is, sporulate. This process requires adequate temperature (in this case over 20 degrees Celsius), proper humidity and oxygen access. In these conditions, the oocyst reach its invasive form within one to two days. At this time, consumed by birds, they can continue their development cycle and lead to pathological changes in the intestine. Oocyst can survive up to two years outside a host.
It is a relatively rare form of coccidiosis. Its main feature is the so-called “bloody diarrhea�. It gives liquid stool - the stool is brownish with possible blood clots, and the birds seem dejected.
Chemical coccidiostats in combating coccidiosis In pigeon keeping we most commonly administer one of the three currently used coccidiostats. Amporilium - the least efficient, it is present basically in unregistered products imported from the Netherlands. Amporilium's activity is connected with the product's simulation of thiamine (vitamin B1). What it does is basically compete with the parasites for thiamine absorption. The coccidiostatic effect can be hampered by high quantity of thiamine in food. Amprolium is effective basically only against the first generation of schizonts, which are a developmental form inside the organism, therefore it is more efficient in prevention rather than treatments. It can only by effective after long periods of administration and can lead to deficiency of B1 vitamin.
Subclinical form The subclinical form is most commonly present among pigeon population and it does not manifest external symptoms. Despite the appearances, it is particularly dangerous as the breeder does not realize the full scale of the threat. In effect, the infected pigeons produce mediocre or extremely bad flying results. Gradual development of the diseases causes an imbalance of natural flora and may lead do dysbacteriosis. Even slight damage to the intestine can lead to a significant drop in flight performance, caused by improper digestion and impeded nutrient uptake. These changes occur partially due to atrophy of intestinal villi, responsible for absorbing the nutrients and are an additional area of the intestine that is colonised by symbiotic bacteria. Intestine villi increase the area of the intestine 70 times. The next step of the cycle is changing the structure of the stool, which becomes wet and lacks compact texture. What is more, the developing coccidiosis encourages growth of pathogenic bacteria and candida yeasts, which results in enteritis. A particularly dangerous condition is candidiasis, which penetrates the damaged intestine endothelium
Sulfachloropyrazine - it is still a quite popular active agent. Unfortunately, in the case of pigeons, it can lead to severe side effects. It has a very strong nephrotoxic effect, particularly on birds, and has great negative influence on flight form, even with the correct dose and administration period (3-5 days). Therefore, its use is very risky during flight season. Moreover, it cannot be administered to birds that are suspected of abnormal kidney function (polyuria, stool with characteristic water particles). In such case, sulfachloropyrazine can under any circumstances be administered.
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COCCIDIOSIS Unfortunately, it is a common practice to administer coccidiostats in failure of detecting other pathogens, in presence liquid stool caused by kidney dysfunction. This can lead to drug induced kidney failure. This is why any diagnosis needs to be consulted with a veterinarian with knowledge of pigeon-related diseases and their treatment. Toltrazuril - a modern medicament for combating coccidiosis. Unfortunately, contrary to popular belief, it has similar side effects to those caused by sulfachloropyrazine. It is, however, more efficient and requires shorter treatment period - three days of administering the correct dosage leaves the birds free of coccidiosis. This makes it the best choice for strong cases of coccidiosis in the off-season. Administering this drug during the racing season can cause a significant decrease of flight form that can last for several days after administration.
parasite. An effective dose is 10mg/1kg/month. Carvacrol is not easily soluble in water, so all aqueous extracts and infusions of oregano do not apply. Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon aldehyde) - depending on the concentration its functioning mechanisms differ. In small doses, cinnamon aldehyde combines with DNA and enzymes inside the cells, impeding the parasites'
Phytotherapeutics - plant substance as natural coccidiostats Garlic (aliacine) - shows the ability to penetrate the cell membranes inside the parasites where it blocks cellular enzymes, thus obstructing the basic metabolic pathways and causing death of the parasites. It stimulates secretion of
development. In larger quantities, it causes the cell wall to lose integrity (doses unobtainable by ingestion). The dose used in phytococcidiostats is 10mg/1kg/month. Chelidonium (sanguinarine) - sanguinarine is an alkaloid digestive enzymes, improving digestion processes. Unfortunately, it is very fragile and its quantity is not constant within the source material. So it is advisable to use garlic with high concentration of aliacine (such as Polish garlic). The product cannot be old since the concentration of aliacine decreases in time. Because of low concentration of aliacine products such as garlic oils and powdered garlic are basically useless - oxidation of aliacine occurs rapidly in these. Keep in mind that only substantial dosage will be effective; 23 garlic cloves per 80-100 birds will produce negligible effects. Oregano (Carvacrol) - the Eimeria spp. sporozoites require the calcium channels located in the cell wall of the protozoan to function properly, in order for active invasion to occur. Carvacol distorts the functioning of these calcium channels, thus impeding the parasitic capabilities of the
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COCCIDIOSIS that disturbs the structure of cellular DNA. The result of combining sanguinarine with nucleic acids (DNA) is disruption of production of many cellular enzymes, which leads to impediment in parasite's development process. Sanguinarine is not easily soluble in water and this is why aqueous extracts and infusions of chelidonium do not apply. Because of possible toxic effects of the plant, homemade chelidonium formulations is inadvisable and involves considerable risk. One of the ready-made concoctions that are a mixture of phytococcidiostats is trichocox. It contains therapeutic doses of the plant material substances mentioned above. Clinical trials that I have performed showed a rapid decline of the number of coccidia oocyst in the stool of infected pigeons. The average decline of the number of coccidia oocyst after three days of treatment was at a level o 80% and, after 7 days of treatment the number of oocyst returned to normal. Research was also conducted during the race season, on birds from lofts that had been fighting the problem of recurring coccidiosis. The medication was administered with food in doses of 10ml per 1kg, two days after each race (Monday, Tuesday). Each week, the birds were tested for the presence of coccidia oocyst and through the whole flight period there was no indication of an increased number of oocyst in the stool.
in environment as an important factor in conducting proper treatment. Disinfection in flocks that have problems with coccidiosis is extremely important. We have to remember that no coccidiostats are able to eradicate oocyst from the pigeons' environment. Research conducted using strong coccidiostats confirmed that the time needed after treatment for the pigeons to resume excretion of coccidia oocyst was just a few days. It is highly probable that secondary infection occurred, which lead to recurring release of oocyst with the stool - and indicator of probable presence of coccidia in the birds' organisms. This is why, in recurring coccidiosis, proper disinfection is so vital. It is easier said than done, mainly due to a small number of disinfectants available on the market. An important factor is lowering the moisture in the loft, since for the invasive form to occur proper temperature and moisture are required. Without these two, the oocyst will not become pathogenic. This is why coccidiosis is the most problematic in warm and wet weather, from spring to autumn. Birds living in lofts with concrete floors, which keep the moisture, are particularly exposed to recurrence of the disease.
Recuperation after acute coccidiosis. Due to many possible complications mentioned before it is extremely important to take notice of possible bacterial and fungal infections in the gastrointestinal tract. A particularly troublesome scenario is atrophy of intestinal villi among pigeons in an advanced stage of coccidiosis. There are currently products available on the market that stimulate growth of the intestinal villi and promote normal flora and contain butyric acid derivatives. The picture below shows cross section of intestine with damaged villi (left) and after administration of butyric acid glyceride. Disinfection of lofts and limiting the number of oocyst
Veterinary phytotherapy specialist Jarosław Kuś
NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS
what's new with our partners?
Common Loft report Centrum Rogowo Miejska Górka Pabianice Since we wrote the article, many new common lofts have appeared in our country. Today, we come back to our partners to check on what has been going on in their premises. We are pleased to inform that we have provided media coverage & sponsorship for several events: CL Kurznie - in World Pigeons Sport we will write about the loft that gives the best flier;
Time relentlessly flies by - we are on the verge of a new flight season. A large group of fanciers puts together couples with the sole purpose of sending them to be part of common lofts. We have decided to visit ones that we described in the first issue of our quarterly. In the December issue we wrote about following common lofts (CLs): Kurznie Kuźnica Małopolska Giewont
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Common Loft report first contestants. There are still some places available, but the list is filling up pretty quickly. This means an interesting competition is going to take place.
CL Małopolska - articles in WPS will cover lofts from which the winner of the final flight and the Ace Flyer will come from; CL Kuźnica - we will describe the lofts of the winning birds in each flight, as well as the lofts of final race winner and the best flier; CL Centrum - as in previous cases, we will describe the loft of the final's winner and best team. Apart from receiving prizes, each loft will have the opportunity to present itself in our international quarterly. In the meantime, let us check each of the lofts separately.
CL Centrum – the construction is being finished and the list is filling up fast. This is surely due to the organiser's professional approach to his enterprise and experience in flights. Mariusz Tosik is still awaiting submissions, but make haste - the time is running short and it is definitely worth becoming part of this. Even though it is a debut we think and we are not alone in this - that this is going to be one of the best common lofts in Poland. CL Kuźnica – here, progress is the most visible. Bartosz Morel has done tremendous job in assembling the new, magnificent loft. Great guaranteed prizes and extensive marketing helped close the list very quickly. The loft will accept about 1200 birds from several different countries and continents. Without doubt, CL Kuźnica can boast of the most international “crew” out of all Polish common lofts. The list is filled with the names of all top contemporary fanciers in our country. CL Kuźnica has undoubtedly become an interesting arena of competition, not only in Poland, but worldwide. We are delighted to cooperate with Bartosz.
CL Kurznie – this intimate loft maintains high level at all times, and it still is waiting for submissions. The spring here is calm and steady, the lofts are awaiting first contestants and all necessary products for raising and flight periods are being gathered. CL Małopolska – The organisers have their hands full with final preparations and construction of the loft. To provide pigeons with more living space and comfortable conditions a decision has been made to expand the loft. A pigeon transportation cabin has been purchased recently and test of a new clock system are underway. The new system will allow direct uploads of the scores to the website. Backup list is still open. Let us remind you that each participant can send in details regarding their lofts. These will be posted on the website under the “participants” menu.
CL Pabianice – the oldest of Polish common lofts. Mr & Mrs Młynarczyk are experts in preparing such an enterprise. This is why everything here runs like clockwork. The number of contestants, as always, is high, however the list is still open. As you can see, there is a lot going on. Common loft managers shifted into overdrive before the approaching season. All this to ensure top-class competition. We keep our fingers crossed for the success of all the projects. Be sure to check out the next issue of our quarterly to catch up with what is new in each of the common lofts.
CL Giewont – after a tremendous success in the first season Janek Boheńczak had no trouble completing the list of participants. The list has been full for quite some time and the organiser has come up with many interesting solutions for the future. We also encourage you to contact mr. Boheńczak regarding modular lofts he manufactures, which is an interesting solution for pigeon fanciers. CL Górka – the owner is patiently awaiting spring and
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how do we know who won?
The work of a clocksetter
working in this profession in Gdańsk and Katowice, who are also active fanciers. Despite being from two different parts of Poland, they get on the same page in regard to many issues. A clocksetter begins his work with preparing the season schedule. His duty is to input configurations of calculating methods of competitions, selected by a particular club for a given season. Poland has got two officially accepted result calculating programmes. First one was created by mr Wojtasiok, the second - by mr Siedlaczek. The possibilities provided by calculating programmes are endless.
It is the dawn of new flight season and everybody is doing everything to ensure their birds are best prepared for flights. Chip rings have been bought and pigeons - coupled. Club and section meetings are also a thing of the past and everyone is waiting and preparing themselves for the first race. Preparations are also under way among our clocksetters, who are responsible for the end results. They are waiting for first submissions from the fanciers. The submissions need to be - and this is a common theme in every case - readable and without corrections. In our description of the work of clocksetters we had great help and insight of people
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The work of a clocksetter completed and the time comes for the first race, the tension becomes more visible among fanciers. At times they try to put pressure on clocksetters to compile the results as quickly as possible. However, this is good neither for the fanciers nor the clocksetters. Such situations can cause some nerves, especially during first few races. For an actively playing clocksetter there is no greater motivation than curiosity - how did his pigeons do during the race? And although some fanciers think that only one phone call will not cause any harm, when several of them come up with the same idea it can become a distraction. Therefore our sincere request: please be calm and patient during the season.
Such flexibility allows for creating new and new classifications, and in turn enhances flight and competition experiences. Although the programme has many different functions, we have to remind you that the data will not submit on its own, and the process is arduous and timeconsuming. This is where a clocksetter is needed. If you consider the fact that one clocksetter is responsible for several clubs, with even a few thousand pigeons on several dozens of lists from each one, you can imagine how monotonous this work may be and how much focus and patience it requires. To facilitate clocksetter's work, it is good to segregate the pigeons according to the generally accepted scheme: (country of origin)-(division)-(year)-(pedigree number), e.g. PL-0123-15-12345 or DV-0123-15-1234.
A clocksetter is bound with his club and with us, fanciers, all throughout the season and only after the final printouts of post season lists are available can we say that his work has been finished.
As we can see, a clocksetter's work begins long before the beginning of flights. Our interlocutors claimed that this is when most of the work is done. When we receive a printed copy of the list, it is vital to immediately check it for any errors and, if such occur, report it to a clocksetter or a person responsible for contact.
To all fanciers and clocksetters: we wish you all the best and may your contacts be fruitful.
Author: M.P.
It is becoming a common practice to give out assignment lists printed straight from an electronic clock, together with manually compiled lists. This applies only to fanciers in possession of the ESK system. When the lists have been
In cooperation with clocksetters from Gdańsk and Katowice divisions.
“Centrum” Common Loft WELCOME We encourage fanciers to participate in CL-CENTRUM. Additional prizes include articles, published in World Pigeons Sport quarterly. Organizer: Mariusz Tosik Sobki 43 97-425 Zelów POLAND Mobile: 664-025-923 e-mail: kontakt@wgcentrum.pl
Media patron:
www.naszegolebniki.pl/wgcentrum 9
The exclusive representative of ROPA-B products in Poland
Sponsors of Common Lofts:
Kuźnica ( www.wgkuznica.pl )
Czersk ( www.wgczersk.pl )
Talent Quatro ( www.2015.talent-quatro.cz )
Slovakia Ts Race ( www.slovakiarace.sk )
Gołębie Odrzutowe Pigeon-Slavkens Rudziczka 125 48-200 Prudnik, POLAND
Mobile: +48 696-888-908 e-mail: sklep@golebieodrzutowe.pl www.golebieodrzutowe.pl
TEAM SUFFNER Carrier Pigeon Lofts Team Suffner Ul. Wiejska 74 47-316 Odrowąż POLAND Mobile: +48-602-427-514 Mobile: +48-692-482-840 e-mail: teamsuffner@wp.pl
http://suffner.dobrahodowla.pl
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The fraternal trio
TEAM SUFFNER LOFT
We would like to present to you a loft that can be characterised by all of the features mentioned above. Team Suffner comprises Denis, Marcin and Norbert Suffner. They belong to 0254 Krapkowice club, which is part of Opole-South Combine. Krapkowice club in the 2015 season will have about 100 active participants. The division of duties in the loft is strictly set. Denis takes care of everyday keeping activities, such as feeding, flying, trainings, etc. Marcin and Norbert, due to frequent travels, are responsible for weekend cleaning of the pens and performing their “winter upgrades�. Their adventure with pigeons began with the father, Norbert, having his first birds as a kid in the 1970s. Denis and Marcin helped with breeding from their youngest years and the professional loft is dated back to the year 2006, when they introduced pigeons purchased from the late Henryk Kostorz. At that time, Marcin was a student of University of Opole, where Jerzy Kostorz was teaching. As they both admit, some of these birds are currently in the breeding loft, which only confirms their breeding value.
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The loft that is currently used by Team Suffner for flights has been put above utility rooms, an original idea of the Team. Over the years, it has been upgraded so that right now it has a corridor, approximately 100cm in width, adjacent to the compartments. Adult pigeons come inside via one landing board equipped with four antennae pads. Upon entering the loft, they choose a compartment, where they have their cage. Widowers are divided among three compartments. Widows, similarly, also have three compartments in which they live. At the end of the corridor, there is an isolation chamber for pigeons that have been rendered suspicious. Beyond this isolation chamber there is a place for young pigeons. Those enter the loft through a separate entrance equipped with two four-field ESK system antenna pads. After entering the loft, young birds also have a choice: beyond the corridor there are two compartments. The corridor adjacent to the compartments of young birds is wider (150cm). Young birds have a spacious aviary facing south at their disposal. This lets a lot of sunlight in. The aviary can be divided so that it is either available for one compartment, for all compartments or is divided in such a way to provide each compartment with a piece of its own. The breeders have been placed in garden lofts, each one consisting of three compartments. Each compartment has its own aviary, and
each of the aviaries is placed on a grate approximately 50cm above ground. .
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TEAM SUFFNER LOFT 6th in 2405, at 326 km;
7th in 4296, at 232 km;
11th in 3284, at 360 km;
15th in 3284, at 360 km;
17th in 4252, at 142 km;
and so on;
Descendants of this couple are put in flight from the very beginning. To confirm this, take notice of PL 0254 13 2462, which was awarded the Best of Young Pigeons of Club 0254 in 2013. Out of 6 competitions: 7th in 3840, at 132 km, 7th in 1336, at 232 km, 37th in 3299, at 140 km. Pigeons from this couple over the last few years have come more than 50 times in the first 30. In 2014, a bird of 9280 in the competition organised by “Dobry Lot” magazine, in the Old Pigeons Ace category was on 16th position. R. Puttman's birds are also showing promise. They are parents of the 2nd flier in the A category of Opole-South Combine, coef. 16.59. The past couple of years have been a lucky streak and a time of constant progress. In 2013 season, Team Suffner won everything there was to win in young pigeon flights. They became champions of the section with the best 6/6 flier in the section and the best Combine flier with 5 competitions. 2013 season was also the year of debut in in the Polish Championship of “Dobry Lot” bulletin. In this Championship, in teenager category, the Team win the Champion title in the Young Ace Flier category and Champion of 3 young in 3 competitions. They also are 4th in the Young Ace Flier and Young Pigeons categories. In 2014 old pigeons proved that the work that had been done was not in vain. Team Suffner Denis won the Yearling Pigeons Championship and also became Combine Champion in C category. The team is also in possession of 3rd and 4th fliers in, respectively, 9 and 8 competitions.
The breeding loft comprises 15 couples. Additional 20 couples, “surrogates” , whose sole purpose is to raise the offspring of the “basic” pigeons. This breed is about 100 pigeons strong, divided into two teams. The first team, SUFFNER DENIS, devotes to flights around 50 yearlings. The second team, SUFFNER NORBERT & MARCIN, also devotes around 50 birds to flights. In this case, however, these are the remaining adult birds Currently, the breeders are in possession of birds from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Polish pigeons are limited only to the Kostorz breed. A pigeon that particularly stands out is the bird from the already mentioned 2006 purchase from the late Henryk Kostorz. The bird, no. 9280, coupled with a 2007 female, PL 0268 07 5863, had numerous race-winning offspring. The bird is called “CHARPAGAN”. What is most important for the breeders, the pigeons from the 9280 x 5863 combination repeat their results over and over. This combination gave, among others, a beautiful dark hen (PL 0254 08 5822) that came:
This season, the greatest focus is on health. Everyone agrees that only a completely healthy pigeon can win the flights. This is why all required medical tests are conducted regularly throughout the year. All year round, food and products used in by Team Suffner come from Prima company. They fit perfectly in the preparation and flight programmes. Also the breeding pigeons receive Prima food and products, they perform very well and the young birds are full of vitality. Each Champion title required a lot of work and preparations, this is why each title is a significant motivational boost. There are plenty of fanciers who want to be champions and everybody does all in their power to win.
1st in 4705 birds, at 360 km distance; 1st in 2264, at 525 km; 1st in 2485, at 235 km; 2nd in 1617, at 525 km; 2nd in 3320, at 364 km;
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INTERVIEWS - INTERVIEWS - INTERVIEWS - INTERVIEWS - INTERVIEWS - INTERVIEWS
friendship, pigeons and success
JAROSŁAW RADZIĘTA He has had years of experience and knowledge of the subject. M.P.: How did your beginnings look like and how did the results change throughout the years? J.R.: My pigeons first flew in 1998 and from this year until 2005 they flew in third in the club in young birds category. This happened only once. In 2005, I purchased pigeons from Tadeusz Pałka and in 2007 I started getting results: 4th in A category, 1st Vice Champion in B & C categories, champion of M category, GMP 1st Vice Champion. And in the following years I won one of the top awards in each category, including Wilcza Common Loft. There, I was 6th in the whole country.
We would like to present a fancier whose example proves how important friendship is in life. Its role has also had significant influence on pigeon keeping and life of Jarosław Radzięta. M.P.: Let us begin with a short presentation of your loft. J.R.: My name is Jarosław Radzięta, I'm a fancier in Lubań club, Jelenia Góra combine, Pieńsk section. My loft was established in 1997. I built it by myself, following directions of my fancier friend, Tadeusz Pałka. I set up a garden loft with a corridor and compartments for classic widowers, complete widowers, together with a breeding loft and young pigeons loft. Exits are south-west bound with aviaries on the outside. M.P.: According to you, what defines flight success and how do you treat the results that you achieve? J.R.: Successful flights are not all about the birds getting back first or second. I enjoy the fact that my birds come back to the loft in the first place. I always wonder: will they make it? Will they beat the weather? Obviously, we would all like to win, but not at all cost. I believe that every fancier who puts heart in keeping his birds deserves a credit. During the flight season I pay particular attention to my birds' health. I also provide them with as much peace and quiet as they need and tend to them systematically. Equally important are food and medications that I use.
M.P.: Now that we know how your loft looks like, let us talk about your pigeons. What birds are your base and what criteria do you have in choosing them? J.R.: My pigeons come exclusively from Tadeusz Pałka, two times Polish champion in A&B categories. My breeding couples are after such pigeons as DV-02906-02-2060 and 1271, 1360, 2067 and 1726. These are all pigeons from wellknown fanciers: Vandenabeele or Sanders. In bird selection I follow the advice of Tadeusz Pałka who has very deep knowledge of the subject, both in theory and in pratice. He knows how to couple the birds so that they give good fliers.
M.P.: Would you like to add anything to sum up our conversation? J.R.: Yes, I would like to thank Tadeusz Pałka from the bottom of my heart, for everything he has done for me, his support, friendship and strong commitment to my loft. I wish every beginning fancier had a chance to meet such a great teacher and friend. M.P. : Thank you for your time. J.R.: Thank you very much!
Jarosław Radzięta's contact information: Phone no: +48-881-742-409
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ARTICLES - ARTICLES - ARTICLES - ARTICLES - ARTICLES - ARTICLES - ARTICLES - ARTICLES
Homing pigeons from
KRZYSZTOF WĘGLEWSKI Category “B” - 2nd Vice CHAMPION Category “C” - Vice CHAMPION Category “D” -Vice CHAMPION Category “M” - Vice CHAMPION Category “GMP” - CHAMPION Top old cocks: 2,4,10. Top old hens: 1,4,6,7,8. Top yearlings: 1,2. “A” Category 2nd flier - coef. 168.12 “A” Category 3rd flier - coef. 193.88 “B” Category 4th flier - coef. 56.37 “C” Category 2nd flier - coef. 25.12 “C” Category 4th flier - coef. 31.61 “M” Category 4th flier - coef. 54.58 Top season races: 1,1,1,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5,6,9... etc.
“I started keeping pigeons when I was just a few years old and right now this love has been strong ever since. In 1998 I took interest in homing pigeons and I started testing them on my own in flights . I started by selecting basic pigeons from fanciers from my club. A turning point, both in my life and in pigeon keeping, was the year 2003. It was the year that I tied the knot, built my house and new lofts, and joined the Polish Carrier Pigeon Breeders Association. In 2005 I began obtaining pigeons from top fanciers from Poland and around the world, and cross them with selected pigeons from my loft. I started getting good results almost immediately, but the real deal was the year 2009. Since then I am regularly on top of the ranking boards both in the club and the combine...” - in this brief way Krzysztof Węglewski describes his loft. His success is a result of the owner's personality: perfectionism, devotion and faith in his abilities, and in the birds, combined with hard work and excellent conditions that the birds are kept in. Only in the 2014 season this gave some pretty amazing results: CLUB: Old pigeons championship, “OPEN” category - Vice Champion Old pigeons championship, SERIES category - Vice Champion Category “A” - CHAMPION
COMBINE: “A” Category - 4th leader coef. 1017.86 “B” Category - 12th leader coef. 17.49 “C” Category - 4th leader coef. 106.41 “D” Category - 4th leader coef. 1641.76 “M” Category - 22nd leader coef. 325.09 “GMP” Category - 6th leader 2424.41 pts. Best old hen Third yearling hen flier. Continued
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article...
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KRZYSZTOF WĘGLEWSKI AREA: “C” Category - 32nd leader coef. 106.41 “D” Category -32nd leader coef. 1641.76 “GMP” Category - 26th leader 2424.41 pts. POLAND: Vice Championship of 10/10 Selected Pigeons of “Złote Skrzydło” portal “GMP” Category - 162nd leader (2424.41 pts.) As you can see, the results are impressive. For Krzysztof, it is important that everyone knew that such results would not be possible without exemplary pigeons. We asked about the source of his birds: The old line - the base of my loft is a cross of breeds of two top Polish fanciers: Wiesław Werecki (Zduńska Wola Club) and Grzegorz Gwizdak (Lewin Brzeski Club). Combining birds from these two fanciers gave birth to a brand new breeding line, selected in terms of homing and flying and passing the desired traits to its offspring. The breeds used to build this line were: Meluemans, Hermes, Wójtowicz, Poloczek, Van Loon, Vandenabelle, Janssen, Schellens. My current loft is based on a combination of the old line with pigeons from fanciers such as: Grzegorz Fornalkiewicz
(Jurgowiak, Janssen, Verbruggen, Van Dyck, Van Loon, De Klak), Adam Markowski (Klump, Drapa, Horemans, Janssen, Schellens, Vandenabelle), Jerzy Małuszyński (Van Dyck, Koopman, Jos Jossen), Stanisław Czarny (Janssen, Meulemans, Horemans), Roger Lismont (Verbruggen, Grondelaers, Engels, Vervoort) Single birds introduce to refresh the bloodlines: Kajdzik Tomasz (the “golden couple” line), Włodarczyk Tomasz (Jos Thone), Pielesiak Leszek (Van Dyck, Lismont Roger), Rudecki Włodzimierz (Niewiak, Worzała), Chruściel Krzysztof (Janssen, Meulemans, Vandenabelle), Mielczarek Andrzej (Janssen, Meulemans, Vandenabelle), Patorski Cezary (Raymund Hermes). Please follow the next issues of our magazine, in one of them you will have a chance to read about Krzysztof's loft. Until then, follow his website very carefully, as well as his pigeons in two of the Common Lofts: CL Kuźnica and CL Centrum. Krzysztof is also available for a talk on the phone and will gladly speak to each one of you.
Krzysztof Węglewski Phone no.: +48-601-349-394 http://weglewski.dobrahodowla.pl kweglewski@op.pl
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Training pigeons
Flight season is not only about the Saturday basketing and Sunday flights. It is also hard work throughout the week and long before the first race. We have asked top Polish fanciers about their opinion on the role of training in preparing birds to the season and throughout it. We also asked about the ways they conduct training in their lofts and if they train their birds in between seasons.
Piotr Kowalewski - Wrocław Club Training is important in pigeon breeding, especially in case of yearlings. Most of all, it adapts them to flight method, which is vital. Training is also important to young birds. It allows them to get used to the basket, teaches them to return home and develop a sense of direction. The relationship is simple: the more training sessions the pigeons undergo, the better they perform in flight. I begin training my birds about three weeks before the flights. I systematically increase the distance from 5km to 35km, in order to adapt them to widowhood method. I also train the birds during the season, mainly to get the pigeons back in shape in case of decreased performance and to avoid monotony.
Jacek Smorawski - Odolanów Club I believe that proper training is vital for an appropriate beginning of a season. It helps the birds stretch their wings, improve endurance and develop a sense of direction. It is particularly needed in case of yearlings, since they need to be accustomed to the widowhood method. In short, we could call that the birds' baptism of fire as adult pigeons. To train pigeons before the season means staying ahead of the fanciers who fail to recognize the importance of training. Presently, the breeding material at fanciers' disposal is very good and well-
balanced, and the number of available food, supplements, etc. often make minutia decide on who wins in the beginning of the season. During the season these differences become less visible. Two weeks before the season's inauguration, depending on the amount of time available and the weather, I try to make the birds take as many training flights as possible. I begin first session at a distance of 1520km and steadily add distance until I reach 50km. I see no point in training birds at longer distances before the season, it is a waste of time and resources. The direction of training flights depends on the direction of first races. It is preferable if training flights were done together with one or two more fanciers with lofts at a considerable distance from each other. I deliver my pigeons to training spots with a budget trailer of my own design. I used six replaceable baskets from a cabin that has been long gone at some junkyard. Filling the baskets with birds takes up about 10-15 minutes of my time and I do it by driving the pigeons away through the same entrance they are let out for weekly flights. It is important, since I do not have too much free time, plus the pigeons are less prone to accidental feather damage and stress. The technique of catching young pigeons also applies to old birds. It is a different story with catching pigeons for a race. Here, each bird is caught separately, which allows to assess its condition. During flight season, if there is time, I take the pigeons on Thursdays to fly at a distance of approximately 30-40km. This does not apply on weeks preceding a marathon race - then the training session is omitted. For pausing pigeons, those that have not been basketed mainly yearlings, I also try to perform simulations by letting them on a short training flight. I find it an excellent way to keep the birds in the loop.
Krzysztof Sobolewski - Prudnik Club (GOŁĘBIE ODRZUTOWE) In my humble opinion, training before the season is extremely important, if not elementary! As most of other fanciers I, too, do not let out pigeons during winter because of different predators. This is why I need to “give the pigeons a swing” before the summer. In march, we let pigeons out for short flights around the loft. For the first three weeks, they are not forced to fly, they are provided with electrolytes for muscle fever and a little something to boost their strength. In the final week of the month, I introduce the flag and force the pigeons to fly until they do it on their own for at least an hour. I think that if flier birds are not eager to fly, then there is no point in regular training sessions. Around the 15th of April I begin taking the pigeons from the loft. First two training sessions are at a distance of 25km, then I move to 50km to finish with 90km. I first release the females and then, after 30 minutes, the males. Because of this gap, the pigeons do not see each other upon returning home but, rather, fly directly to the young birds.
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Training pigeons Only during final training sessions, about a week before a race, pigeons meet in the coops, when the young ones are not there anymore. During the flight season, training sessions are continued until fourth or fifth race, once a week (Wednesday or Thursday). Flights around the loft are done every morning and evening, an hour each: males and females. I think that thorough preparation before the beginning of the season gives results near the end. You don't lose “small points” for the first flights, which has impact on the final overall results.
Krzysztof Węglewski - Zduńska Wolna Club Training is extremely important in any given sports discipline. It is no different when it comes to pigeons. An adequate amount of training before the season helps the pigeons win since the very first race. Training sessions are particularly important for the yearling pigeons that are learning the widowhood method and need to understand the system. Yearlings are to gain points since the very first flights, where distances are not yet great. This is possible only if they are taught to do so before the season. Before the season, I take the pigeons away as often as I can. On average, five-six times at the distance of 20km to 80km. They are all released together, hens and cocks, and after returning home, if it is necessary, they are immediately separated according to sex. If allow the
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females to lay a second egg, then the birds are together until the first flight. This way, the training is made easier, since there is no additional work needed to separate the birds. In this case, I calculate all this so that the first flight is 7-8 days after the second eggs were laid. When they come back, the bowls have already been emptied and the eggs are gone - full widowhood begins. It is important for me to conduct training sessions both on Tuesday and Thursday. Then, for the next 4-5 flights I take the pigeons away one day before putting them into baskets. When catching pigeons for training, I never open the coops nor do I invert the bowls. I catch the cocks from half the coops, then I let in hens and also catch them. For training, I first release hens from the baskets and then, after 15 minutes, the cocks. If I want to present the partners to each other on the day of basketing I make sure that cocks do not see hens upon homing, since I release the partners only after the hens have come back and have been moved to their compartment by my helper. Conversely, if I do not plan presenting the partners on the day of basketing then I let them see each other briefly after the training session, approximately for ten minutes. Later in the season, when 500km flights begin I do not conduct speed and motivational training in the week, especially that we are planning a 4x500km. I return to week training during 300km flights. I also train individual yearlings that pause during 700km flights. It is crucial that they are not put off their stride if they are to fly in following races.
NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS - NEWS
Summary of exhibitions Europe attracted many visitors to the Gdańsk Fair. The choice of birds was one of the reasons that so many people attended the event. The event was - as always - a tremendous success and we hope to be able to visit the fair in the future. For those that could not make it, we have a selection of photographs from Gdańsk. The second event was the 65th Polish Exhibition of Carrier Pigeons, this time taking place in Kielce Fair from 9-11 January, 2015. “Flying beauties” flocked to Kielce from Poland, Belgium, Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Germany. It was without doubt the most significant exhibition for carrier pigeon breeders. The spring is at its fullest, but let us go back a bit. Last year, we attended two great events during which we had the chance of meeting face to face with some of our Readers. The first one was the 2014 International Pigeons and Accessories Fair in Gdańsk. It was the 9th edition of the fair. Taking place on December 6-7, 2014, in the premises of Gdańsk International Fair, it was a special occasion for both organisers and us, World Pigeons Sport. What exactly happened? Read on! The three main events of the fair were: Carrier Pigeons Local Exhibition Northern Poland's Carrier Pigeons Exhibition Purebred Pigeons, Ornamental Poultry and Rabbits Baltic Exposition As in previous years, a pigeon market took place and the visitors could visit several dozen exhibitors. The event
also marked the date of the first release of our quarterly. Free issues were available at the World Pigeons Sport stand. It was a great opportunity to talk about our magazine, among other things; we heard many kind words regarding our job, which only proved that such a magazine was needed on the market. There is nothing that would make us happier! Plethora of interesting exhibitors from all around
Almost 15,000 people visited the fair. It was them, mainly fanciers, who came to the fair to meet up, exchange experiences and purchase new birds and necessary accessories. The event, which showcased the best of the best of carrier pigeons, was organised by the Polish Carrier Pigeon Breeders Association and Polish Carrier Pigeon Breeders Association - Kielce Combine. The exhibitors included also those who came to Kielce from Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic and the Netherlands. From all the pigeons submitted to the competition, the judges selected a group of 41 birds to represent Poland during the 34th Carrier Pigeons Olympics in Budapest. Also, the Poland's Champions in the General Polish Championship as well as champions in particular categories for the year 2014 were awarded. This year's event was accompanied by thematic lectures and conferences. Veterinarian Ryszard Chorąży, ornament poultry and birds disease specialist from the Pigeons Health Centre - West Pomeranian Branch, lectured on pharmacological support in carrier pigeons' training and flights. The problem of increased drug & antibiotic resistance, and modern phytotherapy as an alternative course of action were discussed by Mariusz Krawczyński, veterinarian from the Mazovian Branch of the Pigeons Health Centre.
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Summary of exhibitions you that we are going to meet next year and we hope to see
During the fair, our stand attracted much attention. The possibility of receiving a free, printed copy of our quarterly met with enthusiasm. We gave out several hundred copies of the magazine, as well as a few thousand of information leaflets. Much to our surprise, the interest in our magazine was so big that at times we could see a queue forming in front of our stand. We are extremely grateful for another round of kind words and all the kindness we experienced. It is also because of this fair that you became aware of our enterprise and became part of it, as the recipients of our magazine. We would like to assure
at least as many of you as during this year's edition! We would also like to extend our gratitude to the organizers of both events. They put trust in a new project and allowed us to present ourselves to you. It was a kind gesture that will not be forgotten. Thank you!
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an important factor of flight success.
PROPER EXAMINATION Examinations are an important tool that allows keeping the pigeons in good shape and, if problems occur, which allows to take proper countermeasures.
eggs in the stool. It is connected with a relatively long period between the moment of contraction and reaching
What tests can be carried out on carrier pigeons, which ones are necessary and which are only useful in certain cases? 1) Parasite test. This is the most common type of test and most of fanciers have carried them out at some point. Parasite tests in the case of pigeons are conducted from different samples, the most common being stool samples. Testing such samples provides quite fast and efficient way of knowing if there are parasites, or, more precisely, parasite eggs (roundworms) or oocysts (cocidia), in the digestive system. Not all parasites can be diagnosed in such way. For example, we are not able to determine the presence of most of the species of tapeworm and the reason is simple: tapeworms do not lay eggs that we are able to determine their presence of in the stool. Tapeworms release segments that look like rice grains and are sometimes visible in the area of cloaca or in the stool. Female tapeworms are rare and, due to a complicated growth cycle and the presence of intermediate hosts, it is virtually impossible for
Capillaria egg under a microscope reproductive stage by the parasite, which means producing eggs the presence of which we try to detect in tested samples. This is why there is no point in testing young pigeons before vaccination and detecting even the slightest trace of roundworm presence is the basis for treatment. Other parasites that can be found in the stool include coccidia oocysts. These are present in pigeons almost always, this is why if the infection is not widespread, there is no need to exercise treatment. Swab tests from the crop are conducted for the presence of trichonomas gallinae (yellow lump). Keep in mind that the survival rate of this protozoan outside of a pigeon's organism is low. This is why a microscopic test has got to be conducted immediately and just after taking a sample from a living bird. A very rare parasite test that pigeons are submitted to is a test for external parasites, either in the form of scrape test or examining the base of the hollow tube to detect Scabies. 2) Bacteriological tests.
Tapeworm segments on a bird the pigeons to contract this parasite from one another directly in the loft. Worm infections. Birds can be examined for presence of worms through a standard stool test. Among pigeons, the most commonly contracted worm is ascadria galli, a type of roundworm. We have to remember that it is not always possible to determine its presence in the digestive system based on presence of its
These tests are becoming more and more popular and give a wide scope of information on potential health issues. In case of pigeons, these are conducted via different swab tests: crop swab, stool sample, cloaca swab or internal organs prints taken during autopsy. The latter is currently one of the most important laboratory tests and, if conducted in a properly set up and qualified laboratory, can shed light on many issues and provide valuable information. The test allows to detect and determine the quantity of bacteria and a selection of proper treatment. Due to high drug resistance of bacteria, treating bacterial diseases without proper tests is very difficult and has a factor of randomness included in it.
Continued article...
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PROPER EXAMINATION Bacteriological tests should always be ordered by a veterinarian. Interpretation of the results should also be the job of a professional veterinarian with practical skills and experience. Keep in mind that many of the bacteria that are part of natural flora are pathogenic, but only in certain instances. Such test must always come together with a thorough interview with the fancier in order to determine particular symptoms or health issues of the whole flock. It is also important to remember that not all pathogenic bacteria can be detected during bacteriological tests. It is not uncommon for the birds to manifest symptoms of an illness due to the presence of intracellular bacteria, such as chlamydia or mycoplasma. Such bacteria will not be detected during a standard test. Bacterial inoculation with antibiogram, antibiotic discs with bacteria growth buffer zones in form of dark spots around the discs. The picture shows discs surrounded with
incorrectly diagnosed and mistaken for various bacterial or parasitic diseases. 3) Mycological tests. Tests conducted to determine the presence of pathogenic fungi. It is in essence very similar to a bacteriological test and these two are most commonly conducted simultaneously, basing on the same samples. Fungal diseases very often go without any noticeable symptoms, this is why a mycological test is necessary for diagnosis. Parasitic stool test can be performed by collection a collective sample from all lofts, or separately from each loft. Bacteriological and mycological tests are conducted by collecting samples from several specimens, usually those in the worst shape. There is no use, though, in testing each bird separately - positive results of one bird render the entire flock eligible for treatment. When a fancier owns more than one loft and the birds are not in contact with each other, such tests can be conducted separately for each loft.
Veterinary phytotherapy specialist
MODULAR LOFTS colonies of bacteria - these are the antibiotics that the bacteria have developed immunity to. This is why bacteriological tests cannot be the sole base of diagnosis; the context, i.e. health issues that occur within the flock, cannot be left out. These are common cases, when test results show no pathogens despite clear symptoms within the flock that would suggest bacterial infection. For example, many cases of swollen joints are assigned to salmonella infections, whereas they often turn out to be micoplasma infections. In such cases, tests are required only to eliminate the types of bacteria that can be a possible reason for infection in a particular case, i.e. salmonella bacteria. Very often I am contacted by fanciers who noticed particular symptoms in their flock, but the tests turn out negative results, or the isolated bacteria do not give such symptoms. In such cases, we need to consider different diseases. It is important to identify all the microbes, since not all bacteria almost always isolated from a pigeon's organism (i.e. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus or E.coli) are pathogenic. Most of them can be the part of natural flora. Treating every instance of these bacteria is a mistake - only careful identification and analysis of symptoms can be indication to starting a treatment. Many symptoms can be mistaken for bacterial infections. Among them are viral infections, diarrhea connected with damaged or improperly functioning kidneys or liver, food poisoning, etc. Commonly, diarrhea related to improper functioning of kidneys are
Jan Bocheńczak
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