2013 Jan Feb Bulletin-1 - American Show Racer Association

The vast majority of us need to cling to stories like these in our hobby right now. It has been 13years since our current champions have been beaten in head to head at a national, and that showno signs of letting up. That can be a bit daunting for some….but don’t let it scare you off.Someone among us will raise up to win against all odds. Maybe from your loft, or your friends. Itdoesn’t really matter at this point does it? Good grief, every other loft in the country combined isan under dog! But, it will happen- sometime, at some national, and when it does that show racerwill be everyone’s bird because it will inspire the entire association and be remembered for yearsto come. The gentle giant will have fallen, and that beautiful new champion will be OURCinderella pigeon. Maybe it will happen San Bernardino. See you there!A Tail Feather TipA. Many fanciers have discovered the benefit of adding bleach to their bird’s drinkingwater. It keeps the water germ free for up to twelve hours. Make sure the label saysSodium Hypochlorite …6%. Anything else could be fatal. Recommended dosage is 1/4 thteaspoon per gallon.B. Great grit. Pigeons need grit to maintain a healthy digestive system. Many are likekids who won’t eat their vegetables. Add a handful of crushed oyster shell and a coupledrops of anis oil to a bowl of clean grit. Don’t worry about “fresh” grit as stone is one ofthe oldest things in the world. Just be sure it is clean and then keep it clean. A pinch ofiodized salt will top it off.C. A bath once a week will keep a pigeon clean and comfortable. A teaspoon of of 20Mule Team Borax in the bath pan and you will not only have a happy pigeon, but onethat is free of lice and mites.D. Over feeding, a side from poor sanitation is one of a fanciers worst enemies. An oncea day of a good and clean feed is all that is required to keep a bird in top condition and itnot only reduces the feed bill, but prevents waste. This obviously doesn’t apply to birdsfeeding youngsters.40