Our practice has been to medicate the young birds as little as
possible to allow them to develop their own immune systems. Upon
arrival the new arrivals will be be quarantined to insure no diseased birds are
introduced into the loft. The birds will only receive natural
additives such as: vitamins, garlic, apple cider vinegar, glucose, probiotics,
electrolytes & nourishing tea in the water. Only sick
birds will be medicated in quarantine and if not recovering in a reasonable time
they will be dealt with in the usual manner. However, if the unthinkable
should occur, that is, a mass outbreak of some disease, we will be prepared to
use the appropriate treatment. All birds will be vaccinated for PMV.
The darkening system will be used. Darken hours will be
from 5:00 pm to 6:00 am. Birds will be on darkening for the months of May
and June. Because of work commitments birds will be exercised once a day
during the week and twice during the weekend.
Training will begin in late June. Normally the birds
will receive the following training tosses: 3 x 8km, 2 x 15 km, 2 x 30km, 2 x 50
km, 2 x 80 km and 100 km before the first race. Additional tosses
may be required if the birds are not homing quickly from any of the release
points. Once racing begins the birds will only receive a couple of 80 km
tosses before the 400 km and 500 km races because of the 2 week rest period.