Electric-man
186 posts
Mar 26, 2007
1:02 PM
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I was gonna try some salts today in their bathwater. How much and what were the benifits, and is it ok for the breeders as well as the flyers? Can't remember all the benies and the rpdc(sp) isn't working yet!
Val
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Santandercol
909 posts
Mar 26, 2007
1:35 PM
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Val,
I throw a small handful(2 tablespoons)in a gallon or more of water.It helps to keep the mites out of their feathers.Can't hurt the eggshells in the nest to be a bit softer from the moisture in the breeders feathers as well.
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Kelly
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Electric-man
187 posts
Mar 26, 2007
2:45 PM
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Thanks Kelly, seems like your always there to answer my questions. I have gained a ton of respect for your knowledge, and your willingness to share it! Thanks again!
Val
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fhtfire
863 posts
Mar 26, 2007
8:00 PM
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I also use Epsom salt during my comp prep...After I worm them...I will give them a dose in the drinking water to clean them out...they get the squirts for a day..but it gets all the crap out of there system...you can actually see how that they feel much better after a dose of the salt.
rock and ROLL
Paul
Last Edited by on Mar 27, 2007 8:33 AM
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Santandercol
911 posts
Mar 26, 2007
8:24 PM
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Hah!!A pretty sizable portion of my knowledge about pigeons was picked up right here Gracias de Tony's fine website and everyone who contributes.
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Kelly
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Electric-man
189 posts
Mar 26, 2007
9:12 PM
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Amen brother, gettin smarter all the time, I hope!
Paul, hope I can call on you later this summer and you can give me the skinny on comp prep! I will put them up for the FF if I have anything going by then. I'm trying to take it one step at a time right now!
Val
Last Edited by on Mar 26, 2007 9:34 PM
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CSRA
74 posts
Mar 26, 2007
9:14 PM
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I agree with fhtfire
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motherlodelofts
1643 posts
Mar 27, 2007
12:19 PM
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Be carefull to not over do it guys , the birds can be poisioned with it.
Scott
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ArlenS
46 posts
Mar 27, 2007
1:01 PM
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Does anyone know the science behind dosing with epsom salts in prep for a fly? Administering something that gives them the runs and could mess with their hydration and electrolite balance just seems counterintuitive to enhancing athletic performance. Or is the idea to break them down along with resistance to the roll? Why do they need to be cleaned out? Are you convinced it usually is beneficial? Thanks.
Last Edited by on Mar 27, 2007 1:06 PM
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motherlodelofts
1645 posts
Mar 27, 2007
1:39 PM
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They break them down with worming and then hit with epson salts , it is kind of a dble edge sword though as it normaly burns them out , normaly qaulity isn't tip top either , but that is probably depending on how close to edge you get them.
When it come's to the qaulifing rounds it can get a little tricky if you get them to good , because it is harder to bring them back to re peak in a fairly short time span , and yet if you don't qaulify you are going no where anyway.
My self I use a more natual influence of feed changes and stress , it takes longer though , a good example is my kit now.
I worked em hard because I wanted to see what they were made of , I took them fairly close to the edge and could tell that they were close to falling into peak ,I then backed them off as it served to purpose to take them on over and it would do more harm then good.
Scott
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fhtfire
864 posts
Mar 27, 2007
2:39 PM
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I only use Epsom salt for one day...just after the morning feeding they drink after they eat and then I dump out the epsom and give them fresh water. Scott is right..you do not want to hit them with to much. After worming it just cleans out the system..of the dead worms and bad feelings. You for sure do not do it days before a fly. I usually worm my birds about 10 days out and then the salt a couple days after. It is more to make them feel good and be in the best shape possible...it is just one of many things done to make the birds be at there best health wise before a fly. I don't use it when they are broken down...I use it before I start my heavy flying and getting them in shape. Anyway....it all depends on your birds too and what stage of fitness they are in and how far out from the fly. i would never do it right before a fly...because then it could bite you on the ass. It just cleans them out and make them feel good.....it doesnt make the poop extra runny....it just makes them poop a little more for a day. It works for me and is just another tool in the shed.....it is a combination of a lot of things that makes them come out good...but like anything you do..it can burn you...
rock and ROLL
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Santandercol
915 posts
Mar 27, 2007
7:46 PM
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Paul or Scott,
Do you only use epsom salts after worming?I've been using it almost everytime they get a bath.From what you've said it seems this is not a good idea.
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Kelly
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motherlodelofts
1647 posts
Mar 27, 2007
8:42 PM
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Kelly , I don't use it at all , useing it in the bath is a little different as it isn't thier sole source of water consumption , but don't use dangerous level in it either.
I only worm every couple of years here also as it isn't a major problem here.
I'm just not real big on anything other than dry clean loft,clean feed , and clean water , this seems to serve me well , although also I try to also keep and acidy envirement which bacteria can't survive , plus it is rare that I bring in an outside bird.
I thought that I had a little something going on a bit ago, but it seemed to work itself out without treating.
In short I don't do stuff such as worming unless I think that there is a need , wormer is a poison .
Scott
Scott
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fhtfire
865 posts
Mar 27, 2007
9:51 PM
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Kelly,
I use it in the bath every now and then...I use the bath salt mix that Foys has...it has conditioners and stuff mixed with the salt. As for feeding Epsom salt to the birds it is fine. It is a mild laxative...you use 2tsp for Human Kids under six with 8oz of water for the "hung chow"...so it can't be that bad for the birds. I only worm twice a year.....once before the fall fly and once before the W/C. I only give them the Salt for 1 day...and it helps get the poison out of there system.
Again, worming is just one thing that I do to make sure that the birds are in TIP TOP shape in every way. Scott is right...worming medication is a mild poison...but I tell you this...after a worming and Epsom salt...the birds just act better....like they feel great! Again...I only do it twice a year and that is not very often. Again...it is just a tool that can be used or not used...I choose to use it. I also throw Red Cell in the mix about a week before the fly...some do not like red cell....some use Red cell to actually tweak the birds...I use it to just give them some extra vitamins...just to make them feel good....I mean...I give Gatorade for a couple days for my prep...ACV...and I also use Pro Bio...and after the worm...the Epsom..I follow with one day of meds..just to knock down anything that they may have...again...it is just in the name of making sure the birds are at there best physically. I have yet to use meds since I have had my birds except the twice a year in comp prep.
I only do the Worm...Epsom....and Red Cell before the big flys...I do not do it any other time...only for the big comp preps. With the things I do...combined with good feed, good feed schedule...fly time and clean loft....really makes the birds perform
Just look at it this way..these birds are athletes...you give athletes the best food possible...best supplements...and vitamins before a competition....remember..the birds can't talk and tell you that they are not feeling well.
Just remember that everyone preps there birds different and do different things...or the same things at different times....just try and see what works....What may work for me may not work for someone else.
rock and ROLL
Paul
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Santandercol
916 posts
Mar 28, 2007
6:16 AM
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Thanks Guys,
Appreciate your advice.Looks like I'll be able to break these birds out any day now.Haven't seen a BOP for several days and the redwings are nesting in the hedge now.The lord will protect us from evil!!!I do beleive in the Roller Gawds.True.
Kel.
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