Big Team Flyers .

Only health, fit and conditioned birds, with mental fitness win races. Papers don't fly. Nor over training.

Daz wrote:

Big team flyers! You mean Big team losses surely. Bred to lose I fear.

yes its what they say generally when asked ,why else would one breed so many its a no brainer eh

Here big team fliers are usually retired European tobacco farmers. They have the land, the money, the lofts. One is a translator for Ad Schaderlackens stories when published over here. They import a lot of birds and sell between themselves. They have fun doing so! Widowhood, double widowhood, dark or light. New meds or whatever they are "up there".! They enjoy the sport!! I have beat them on occasion but hard to do if not in area. 600 miler was ny best win. Then a 350 miler yb race.
More power to them they keep the sport alive here!

Mind I never minded the so Called big Team flyer IF they paid for birdage etc. Made my expense less likewise, others cheaper. They paid (Substisided)the price each week/day on care and time and money.

Three members alone in the last club sent 200 or more each week between them. Yes had some decent results up say 300 miles. They were all in good locations too. Was another few sending 30 - 40 birds each race.
When it came in we paid the Fed-ex number of £'s per season upfront, we had our first ten birds sent free - club ruling - the 20 pence a bird over So they put in the coffers far more than me etc. and others. So a few quidies were gained.
I think - personally - it becomes a dear game for them. But it was within their' means, and they were happy. - Mind I think they were more unhappy than me and others like were when they didn't win. Or achieved an excellent result!
M! I bought good farm feed at far less a price. The ET purchased and already paid for. (Mind I bought deep litter every month, so was a mite dear than could have been) Didn't waste time and money training. So, all in all, a very cheap and cost effected sport.

I had great pleasure in watching and seeing to my birds. Also, when I raced, I did very well, considering flying against 29 members. 7 National winners, within our club and fed.

I sent 67 birds last week and won 20 I think . We have a lot of birds and at present spent about 120 pounds a week but again that's my choice. Not saying we would win as many with a small team but we would still do ok as we try very hard every week . I have always said if we all flew 20 birds it would be boring and probably a lots of clubs would fold , we keep the club going us so called mob flyers which I suppose we are yes but again it's not to send 67 to win it's because I love sending different birds we buy or get in because we just love it and we love beating the top flyers when we do .. as the dick who was once on this site . Each to their own haha can't believe I have quoted that knacker haha . Nevermind as long as I enjoy it

Good for you!

Would think it far harder and far more work to keep a large team healthy and win with them than a small or moderate team.

If you enjoy keeping a large number then good for you, nothing to do with anyone else, if others feel it is an advantage ( it does have both an advantage in some ways but not in other ways) then they have the option of increasing their numbers.

You pay the piper and therefore call the tune.

Just enjoy what is left in the sport in the manner that suits you.

Regards.

As 'Peel Bros said. Very true. Mind I will say, on he flip side, many big senders are bad losers so to speak.
It is as Peel Bros say, 'each to their' own.
Most I ever sent was 15 ... a while back.
But you know, I was more than pleased sending say 6 -8 and getting in top six placings when sending First time in the basket birds as yearlings or older.

Mind I also got great joy just wathing the pigeons around the garden. Could sit for yonks doing so ... Mind I also believe I learnt a lot via doing so.
Often heard, and believe that is nigh top of the list for a success 'Observation'.
some - obviously - see in minutes what others won't in a life time.

Will also say Peel bros' that If I had the same attitude as you, obviously I would have fared better, or less. It is the enjoyment that is paramount in my mind.
yes - of course - the dreams and thoughts of improventment next season. Toting up what was, perhap detrimental and waht was a way forward.

Great joy to see 'Plans' come of, and disappointment when failed.
But if i was a big team flyer, then that side wouldn't be relevant.

Thanks for the comments lads . At the end of  the day I don't criticise flyers who send 6 or 10 or whatever   its their choice. A few years back the big flyers where sending double what we where but over the years we got bought more and more as some do and we made in our eyes a lot of money for them and we wanted to obviously try them so to be honest flying far too many but we sort of had to , so we could try them all , but going back to my first comments we love racing pigeons   its our life and I have gone without so i can race my birds and I like nothing better than winning,  I suppose we are bad lovers as well because after putting a lot into them we want a lot back if you can understand that.  Because 120 is a lot of money lol. Maybe one day we will cut our numbers but for now no. Thanks again

In all honesty, I believe that one has to do what they are contended with. Contend with etc. Different goals, but goals are set what ever the price of numbers.

If one has 24 pairs, and hasn't the drive, zealousness to achieve, I don't pesonnally think it matters a jot how many they have.
But having said that aim and goals - though different, all lead, or should to an enjoyment. If not, then why bother!
I think maybe twice I had 24 pigeons or more. But then then two things come to mind. I was more han happy testing and working out a 'Way forwaRD, OR an improvement. Does that mean any success would be greater that the big flyer? Of course not. For he has put in a lot more time and effort -- Mostly that i had. I would know any of my pigeons from far a field in the air. Like wise most will.
Had a swallow or two at least most seasons. But a swallow here and there doesn't make a summer ... Or does it! Did for me. Maybe because thoughts and a trial had come together. So different aims and different enjoymnets level are met to make one happy. If not, then they leave the sport I guess. Or at least racing. Maybe have tumblers and tipplers etc.
Any number two .. always a pauper lol, But Peel Bros spend more in a week than I have ever in an whole year. Outside buying the E.T. like.
Never mind the money though. You can't buy success! It has to be a system you want and enjoy. One that Mr basket has sorted and left you good birds that like the system.

Would I change what I did if I could, now afford to do so?

I would change some bits true. Not the numbers though.
I might well decide - well would, to get the birds that look good in my eyes. An added enjoyment there I feel.
Would love to get Red Grizzles and reds. Red Pied and mealies. as such.
Would try again, maybe, in asking any of them coloured strays that drop into their lofts, and ask the owners if I could have them! 12 pairs would give me ample of youngsters. Yes too many - or more than I have ever had soo lol.
But then as yearlings! They would maybe get two tosses. One 20 miles another 50. That would be it. Never again as old birds! 2 hours of flying in race season and they would be shut down. Better resting than wasting energy.

One loft would be 'Only out saturday or if in a race.
Would have two seperate lofts, maybe three for different expeirements.
Any reported first off would be offered as a gift... If not would collect as I nigh always did ... Gives one a loft visit and the wife a couple of day out - if far away. if not then back late in the day.
testing my self, and testing the pigeons.

For i firmly believe many so - called well bred birds sit on church roofs. Indeed A youngster from an expensive bought in pair meets another of same qualities. Culls, or caplable for throw backs - to get one started.

Love the colours like most do. Pleasing too to the nieghbours. And best of all hardly ever reported. their kids etc. or the fancier may take a shine. Indeed can't off hand recall one ever being reported! J.MO and would be dream.
So I believe it show different ways please ifferent people. Enjoyment come in any shape or form i guess. Never a need to blame the pocket I believe. Make plans etc.

Its a fact that numbers don't count if you don't know what your doing.  You could have 200 and top flyers will still beat you

peel bros wrote:

Its a fact that numbers don't count if you don't know what your doing.  You could have 200 and top flyers will still beat you

True to a degree etc Ray must always take ones position into consideration I suggest at times. Now, remember that flyer I talked about here who had won 6 of 12 Fed races there on the south route plus also another 6 other positions in the top 20 with the one bird clocking scenario we have local. Turns out they had their first race from the north at the weekend because the borders were closed down south & guess what my house is looking rather safe/good with my little side bet as such, as he finished down with the also rans for the first time there as I expected. End of the story     shortest flyer there hardly flew 30 miles on the day     in the race & I ask the question     why would you even bother as such     .
*****

Not going to mention names but we had a flyer in our club who sent a lot of birds , same as myself or even more and he had the cattle believe me but he still couldn't win a race because his management was all wrong . Like i said good birds but not a good flyer

Truth there Ray. Another fact is 'Its not getting the top, but staying there'!

many have a season or two, then nowt. Many make excuses and pack then.

I always quipped 'if have a decent bird, 'They did well in spite of me.

Will say though, a big team on open loft stands a good chance of having good one on the day. how good ... well that's another story lol.

We had our Fed - in days of old when 2000 in each section -. For we split the fed in two results. one for east side and one for the West side. Off course all birds counted in the fed results. So 3 results in fact.
Now Raunds and Corby - hAD 120 Members between them in those days. they would battled for Fed honours in westerly winds. In East winds Northampton scored well. We need 'No wind Days lol. Mind we had more than a few moments.

at the end of the day if "your" happy with whatever you have thats all that matters aint it ,whether you race a few or alot but you do have 3 fanciers in yer team ray (though your the boss) so i guess its easier to race 70/80 ybs and obs eh...i could never manage that lot and besides i dont have the room but like you say spending £120 on yer pigeons is alot and keeps the club afloat eh ...you lads do well up there and always have some very good results each season and long may it continue for you all atb to ya and just enjoy

Agree entiely Oldstrain.
mind if one doesn't enjoy, then they soon pack up I guess.

ray is the £120 divided by each? or diffeent costs to a another person?
you, to take a couple of 'Strays' and get a winner is a good feeling I guess. This often happen in the past. Maybe some times too now adays.

Indeed many a stray was raced in the past and won.

[quote="Daz"]Agree entiely Oldstrain.
mind if one doesn't enjoy, then they soon pack up I guess.

ray is the £120 divided by each? or diffeent costs to a another person?
you, to take a couple of 'Strays' and get a winner is a good feeling I guess. This often happen in the past. Maybe some times too now adays.

Indeed many a stray was raced in the past and won.
But obviously not every ones cup of tea

2 of us pay the 3rd is our helper actually probably more than 120 because we bought a van for him to use as well as train our birds but that's more money because it's there just for the birds

peel bros wrote:

2 of us pay  the 3rd is our helper   actually probably more than 120 because we bought a van for him to use as well as train our birds but that's more money because it's there just for the birds

your happy Ray I'm happy also . End of the day we are our own master & it matters little what others may think I suggest.

peel bros wrote:

2 of us pay  the 3rd is our helper   actually probably more than 120 because we bought a van for him to use as well as train our birds but that's more money because it's there just for the birds

i thought it was a yellow 3 wheeler robin reliant you got for rodney (loft hand)
good luck for the rest of the season lads

If needs be, then it is wise to go ahead Ray.
many roads lead to Rome, and many thoughts and fads on the way.

To be honest, I couldn't for the life of me, see you and partners expeirements with Strays and colours Like I'd love to do. Indeed did to certain extents.

I never got to do the last 'Trials' I posted earlier. Did some, which to me was great fun. To others... well probabably laughed and called me bonkers lol.
So I missed out sadly there and, to be honest saddened somewhat. Yes I had much enjoyment... But time and life styes prevented.

I believe that you and partners have cracked it in so much as doing it the way you want too. Many don't, and some can't. I certainly wish you all the best in the future. You will still ahve to EARN success. But then that is part and partial to the game. Good luck mates.

Sorry peel bros, cannot see the sense in spending all that money and effort on something you realy enjoy and get your monies worth.

Far better going on the booze in a big way, a bit of spiff, cocaine they say is wondrrful along with laughing gas etc;

You could be right out of your mind without a care in the world and a regular hopital visitor.

Regards.

Sorry Misty. I well see where Ray is at. And agree with him. Always said 'if able and no one suffers, do just as you feel'.
Don't think for a moment anyone suffers.
Often used Golf as an example of costs and Pigeon RACING! Also the price for a 'Workingman'!
Some spend nigh £2000 just to join a club. Then £40 or more to hit a ball around a green... 2- 3 times a week. Won't compare starting up costs, as these vary very much and largely.
Soon will be a time when all has past! So one must enjoy whatever they can by any means apprpiate to them.

I don't mind being a pauper in the graveyard lol.
But it was as such for very many years. Now the habit is hard to change, but am slowly. Mind I find much joy in giving to wife/family etc. BUT don't go without now by a long chalk.

Yes, I would if needs be of course. Had to in my times, and many at that! Now I get pleasure in many ways. A happy, contented chappie eh! Lol Yes, I miss the pigeons etc. big time. So Ray, as Misty would agree, make the most of your enjoyment whilst time etc. allows.

Hope the peel brothers see what I mean ??????.

Regards.

MISTY wrote:

Hope the peel brothers see what I mean ??????.

Regards.

his more than likely utterly & totally confused etc Misty I'm  . Just like I suspect when I get on a roll here & talk utter waffle as such, that few could/would understand I suggest. & take care.