Ally Mac
94 posts
Apr 04, 2006
12:39 PM
|
I am awaiting 12 new stock birds, they are a gift with one condition. I have to take 3 old birds which are 91, 92, 92 rung. They are to end their days with me and I have just to look after them which wont be a problem. They are however old stock birds of Dave Moseley's which he moved on several years ago.
I am in the process of turning my loft into pure Moseley birds and am wondering whether it would be worth trying to get a round or two if possible from these old birds. They havent been bred from for a couple of years.
All advice appreciated.
Al.
Last Edited by Ally Mac on Apr 04, 2006 12:42 PM
|
motherlodelofts
717 posts
Apr 04, 2006
12:43 PM
|
of coarse it would be worth it Ally , I have a couple of old retired birds here that I might try here once it warms up.
Scott
|
MCCORMICKLOFTS
461 posts
Apr 04, 2006
12:46 PM
|
Sure. What is the worst that can happen? You get nothing. But what if they hit? You get something. Time is free when you already are raising birds. If you have a few extra holes or room in an extra loft, slam the old with a young one and let them do their thing. Add some vitamin B12 to the water. If any of them are hens, Jedds here in the states sells Hen Fertility Pills and I have three friends who have made barren hens lay again.
I bred from a hen which was off of a 1981 cock bird three years ago. Her father was like 22 years old when he hit. He is still alive too, oldest pigeon I know of cranking close to 1/4 of a century old.
Brian.
Last Edited by MCCORMICKLOFTS on Apr 04, 2006 12:46 PM
|
Mount Airy Lofts
183 posts
Apr 04, 2006
10:42 PM
|
Al,
I breed out of mostly old birds. I don't see a problem giving them a try. Cocks usually are good for as long as their genes will let them but hens usually would go barren at 12 years old. There is a late '85 bred that I was gonna use but passed due to I didn't want it to croke under my care. I have a great son out of him all ready. This '85 is still filling eggs this year without missing a beat. I'll have to ask for a round or two.
To get the most out of old birds, I hardly ever let them raise their own round. Most would only see the egg stage. I would pump as many eggs out of them as possible. That seems to work out for both of us - the bird isn't stressed and I get alot more fertile eggs. The key is to let them sit on those eggs for a week before candling to see if they are good.
Here is what I have found about cock birds that are on their last leg. If he is hitting and missing or missing competely, try waiting till the temps drop alittle. It seems the cold will kick him into filling eggs. Don't know why but this has happen more then not in some of the older stock that has gone barren or infertile. They usually will only have good eggs super early in the season or super late in the season. In barren hens, I would only see a round early in the year. Which ever the case, it is still worth a try.
If you know you have a dud, you can still give it a go at it with a Promising younger bird. I have tried acouple of old birds to only get one young in a season. That is one more then I had. If they don't lay any good eggs, it'll switch off their eggs and let them foster. I have heard this will stimulate the birds to put out fertile eggs. Altho I to my knowledge, it has not worked on my birds.
Thor
|
Shaun
330 posts
Apr 05, 2006
11:17 AM
|
Hi, Al. What happened with the youngsters you bred from Dave's on loan birds over the winter? Haven't heard from you in a while.
Shaun
|
Ally Mac
95 posts
Apr 05, 2006
12:27 PM
|
Thanks for the advice chaps, sounds like I will give it a shot. Spoke to the chap that sent the birds tonight and he thought pretty much the same, give them a go but use feeders if possible. I will give them some multi vit etc first to get them into good shape.
Hi Shaun. The youngsters from Daves birds are starting to come on quite well, some are puting in some good rolls already, one rolled down infact. It wasnt from any great height, about 50', just when the kit was released, unfortunatly it did it 2 days in a row. It has had a few days rest and some extra feed so I will try it again soon.
I certainly like what I am seeing so far. I have passed on most of my other birds, keeping only 4 Dexter yearlings and 4 of the best of my several purchases. Its great to have a loft filling up with Daves birds.
Hows your breeding going. Are you still flying Daves or have you paired them up also? If you start running out of space down there put me first on your list for Moseley!!
Hope all well.
Al.
|
Shaun
333 posts
Apr 06, 2006
3:31 AM
|
Al, I'm breeding loads from the Masons at the moment, but still flying Dave's four.
I see bird flu seems to have hit Fife in Scotland. Maybe it won't be long before all our birds have to be locked up.
Shaun
|
C.J.
80 posts
Apr 06, 2006
4:07 AM
|
When they become of no use anymore it will be quite obvious the eggs won't hatch. as long as they are proven birds why wouldn't you use them as stock birds. Someone gave you a great gift appreciate and use it to the fullest of your and its ability.
C.J.
|