MY 65 YEAR LOVE OF PIGEONS BY JIM EMERTON.
As a toddler i was mesmerised by the sight of some red Sweet Williams flowers,and fell in love the colours,sights and sounds of nature. At 3 years of age,the introverted ,sensitive boy was introduced to pigeons by his father at Skegness,Lincs. Since then i have held a profound love for the humble beauty of the pigeon. By 5 years of age we had Priests,Rollers and other fancy breeds to let out,fly and manage. A pencil blue race strag would ignite my curiosity in the racing pigeon. The fascination would endure for 63 years. By 55 i was living as a countryboy in the idyllic village of Skendleby,flying a kit of rollers from our 3 acres of Post Office grounds and menagerie of all creatures great and small. Life was free,joyous ,and the rural life intoxicating. My desire for racers grew as i became obsessed by competitive speed. I started to evolve into a rugged young shooting man too, and later enjoyed wildfowling adventures with Kenzie The Wild Goose Man-a famous Wash wildfowler and Tv personality. My scholastic interests became so strong that i would later train as a Kew horticulturist and science teacher,with degree courses and 11 years as a student in sciences and arts. Real pigeon racing was post 76 onwards at Sycamore Cottage Holtby with success from 71 to 879 miles with my own strain of birds. Mother died at 92 years in 2005. My parents were the genesis of my psyche and success in life! 12 years ago i started to write special features for the mags,and for Mensa of which i am a prolific writer. Now as an author of 8 books on Amazon, my lifes work and global travels and colourful life are expressed in books and other literature. May i thank all the great people who have graced my fascinating life in love with nature and the beautiful pigeon.
Jim Emerton Author/Poet/Philosopher/Mensan.
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THE SELECTION CRITERION.
Selection theories are often born of false belief and prejudice. Some men have an insight into a good bird,that may be linked with experience. This can help with nominating pigeons and the selection of stock.To me ,i go on one factor.I have boiled it all down to the need to be in the clock at Barcelona International. Every bird that does this must be good and have potential for breeding. This is my only real selection criterion,and it works for me. However,whatever flicks the switch for you.
Jim Emerton.
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HUMAN MEDICINES USED ON PIGEONS.
Jean needed a serious session of antibiotics culminating in Trimethoprim. Many drugs and supplements are applicable to man and birds,and other sporting animals like dogs and birds. Wise to swat up on the science behind the conditioning of an olympic athlete. I like substances proven by good science to be safe and effective,not quack,so called natural remedies of dubious origin. Much of the goodness for a bird is seated in the way it utilises day to day nutrition. What they eat is up to you-the selection of ingredients is crucial.You are the governor my friend.I think we have peaked with the foods and supplements applied to our birds.
Jim Emerton.
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MY LOVE FOR YOU.
I will love you til the end of time,when you will be forever mine. No words can touch my soul, the feelings that you made so whole. When the stars come out to shine,their tears to shed on a love that was mine, i will feel the power of the sun,the rain,in every sweet refrain. On wild horses we did ride,as spirits one divine. We lit the flame of earthly dance,of joy and love,and sweet romance. We are spirits entwined in one, until our earthly life is done. This is dedicated to Jean by
Jim Emerton.
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TRUE VALUE OF A PIGEON
The true essence of a bird is if it races or breeds to satisfaction. I like beautiful birds in the hand or eye,yet reject these factors in favour of results. You should examine things on a deeper level than commercial hype and looks. Many people fall for pretty looks in people or pigeons,and place a value on a bird by this fact or money cost. It is the same with strain names at premium cost. It is a commercial racket-all racing pigeons are from a mixed bunch of origins and all different. We have set the bar of selection high-in the clock at Barcelona International over 700 miles,then it is a good one,regardless of type or colour. Marco Wilsons dark cock is the best racer in the UK in a generation-i use his young at stock.
Jim Emerton
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GREENS FOR PIGEONS
In nature wood pigeons eat kale,clover,cabbages,rape etc. It is good and natural to feed racers sprout stalks,chickweed,lettuce and other palatable greenstuff. It will trigger contented natural behaviours in the stock and be a natural source of vitamins and minerals,perhaps aiding with digestion.In, long and marathon races most birds will forage in the wild-wise to let them do it at home as well. Budgies and canaries relish greenfood too,and pigeons will eat some animal protein.
Jim Emerton.
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