bertie
194 posts
Apr 21, 2008
12:21 PM
|
I really need some good advice, but then that is the only kind I get here. Now I've buttered you all up!
I only have 6 squeaks now and nothing else in the air. I want to get them out but seems like it is pretty calm in the mornings but then in the early afternoons the winds come in, big wind. I know the squeaks will sit out and enjoy being in the great out doors but what if they aren't in by the time the wind comes up am I going to lose my only babies?
Bert :*(
Last Edited by on Apr 21, 2008 12:22 PM
|
maxspin
216 posts
Apr 21, 2008
12:30 PM
|
Bert,
Make sure that they are really, really, really hungry the first time out. I always hold the feed the day before first release. Call it a success if they trap in only being out 5-10 minutes. Remember the longer you wait the stronger they will be on the wing, and the longer and higher they will go on the first flight.
I assume that you have had them out on the settling cage, and they are trapping well when you call them in.
Keith
|
tucknroll
22 posts
Apr 21, 2008
1:07 PM
|
Bert,
Rule of thumb never fly your young birds in a stiff wind. The key to getting rollers to roll correctly is to establish the correct flying pattern and speed of flight. If your kit develops bad flying habits like low rake and one wing flying or a gyrating action of one end up and the other down like a dinner plate than you have ruined your kit. Rollers that fly with thier wings in a bent position are not flying relaxed and they are either bucking wind or resisting. The wing should be straight out and relaxed in order to develop correct rolling. If you can fly early a.M that would be the best time to fly the youngsters. They will be more willing and will feel exuberation to be put out to exercise. They will also lift better than in the afternoons with all the down winds that become present at the end of the day.
The training of youngsters is the easiest thing to accomplish and yet some make it difficult on them selves. Remember the feed can is your only control over them. Training youngsters starts at time of hatch and in the stock loft where they are reared until weaned. Imprinting and repetitive habits by you are the most important. For instance if you wear a ball cap to go out to feed them they recognize who you are and what you represent to them always where that same ball cap also whistle when your feeding all your birds not just the kit birds alone. Basically in a nut shell you are to them the groceries or at least the one who supplies them with the groceries. Being consistant is a key to ease of training so they understand what you expect from them. At the age of the picture you have posted here with your question that youngster if put out on the landing board would rather be in the kit pen than out.Youngsters find refuge and security in numbers and the kit pen is thier security blanket along with thier kit mates. The sooner you get them out and coming to your call the easier it is on you the manager. If your consistant they will trap and come to your call even with a full crop of feed. You will eventually have to lock them out in order to play them about the kit box roof. Throw a few seeds on the landing board so they will fly down to it and play them about the loft roof just to keep them moving on your command. Remember they imprint on thier surroundings and everyday things. Such as water dispensors feeders etc. So often times if they hear the rattle of the feed can the whistle that you have instilled upon them before and at weaning age they will be at your beckon call.Keep a couple of old nuturing hens in with your youngsters to show them how to eat and drink that will assure you they are being well cared for and the slower ones will learn from them sooner. Thier is alot more information on training youngsters but this will give you some insight as to how I do it.
|
flo
77 posts
Apr 21, 2008
1:22 PM
|
Good Luck Bert. I had success with only 3 squeks. they are rolling now ( by themselves-lost 1 due to flying too high and winds picking up but it's ok). Keep them hungry, train them hard (take the advices from the other guys). Most important rule....do not scare them until they are taking short flights. If they are born to fly, they will take off higher and higher eventually day by day. Once you feel they are comfortable, go ahead and flag them. If you keep them hungry, they will trap sooner or later. Then it will just be repition for them.
Great Luck to you Bert...you should do fine.
flo
www.blacked-out-loft.webs.com
|
bigwilly
526 posts
Apr 21, 2008
6:18 PM
|
Hey Tucknroll. That was some real good advice. Just thought I would share that with you. Also, welcome to the site
Last Edited by on Apr 21, 2008 6:19 PM
|
WaTtS UpP
611 posts
Apr 21, 2008
6:53 PM
|
SCARE THEM UP WITH A RAG
----------
Watts uppp homeboy
|
tucknroll
23 posts
Apr 22, 2008
12:49 PM
|
Bigwilly,
Thanks for the compliment and the welcome. Just a quick tip of advice when shagging a kit of young rollers. When and how soon to shag them is very apparent if you flag them and they scatter about the air you have flagged them to soon. If you have the flying type that are willing you will not have to flag them they will take to the air soon enough. It is to you and your advantage if they are within 3 to 5 days of the oldest kit member to the youngest kit member in age.
|