Homing Pigeons 101 - Helpful Tips: Wing Stamps

Larry Davis shared another handy tip for beginners.  It is something that is easy to do, and so practical for any bird that may have stopped on its journey back home.  It is the wing stamp.  It's nothing particularly fancy, but it is powerful in directing anyone to the proper owner contact information.

It is done with a simple stamp purchased from an office supply store. Using permanent ink, the stamp is placed on the outside of the 3 or 4th primary feather, where it will show up easily.

Homing Pigeons 101 - Helpful Tips: Self-Loading Birds

When you're ready to load up the birds, here's a tip for you to make life easier.

Do you see that panel opening that slides up, in the corner, to the right, just above the steps?

That slides up.

This little fellow is going the wrong way, but he'll catch on in no time.

Now, note the panel he is about to pull up on the crate below.  That is the side of the crate the birds walk into.

Outside the loft, on the other side of the opening, the crate awaits the birds, with panel pulled up for the birds to walk through.

And they're in!  Ready to go.

Homing Pigeons 101 - Helpful Tips: The Cleanup

Are you looking for an easy method of cleaning the loft perches?  Look no further!

Larry Davis shares what he has found to save much time and increase his enjoyment of the pigeons.

Note the edge and style of the scraper.

Now, note the configuration of the perches,making a long motion clear across a section very easy.  Voilà!  You're done in no time.

Homing Pigeons 101 - Helpful Tips: Nest Bowls

Here's a handy tip to make nest bowl cleaning a breeze.  Wrap your nest bowls in newspaper thusly.  Newspaper ink is typically soybean based, thereby making this wrapping safe for use with the pigeons.

Fasten with 2 inch wide masking tape this way.

When it is time to change the nest bowl, cut under the tape edge to release the newspaper, peel it away and toss it.  If you have used silicone free masking tape, you can put the used nest bowl wrapping in your garden compost.

Now you have a clean nest bowl to re-wrap and start again.

Homing Pigeons 101 - Helpful Tips: Feed Hoppers

AU member, Larry Davis, offered some helpful tips for beginners.  When it is time to keep the birds penned over the cooler months, let's say October through February for many, it is not necessary to have the birds out to exercise regularly, but rather it is important to provide the proper food for the pigeons to retain their fit and vigor.  This is what he suggests.

4-H Volunteer of the Year Award Presented at annual Awards Banquet

At the November 3rd Emmet County 4-H Awards Night program, the “2018 4-H Volunteer of The Year ” award was presented to 4-H volunteer Mike Netzky.

Mike began his involvement in 4-H over 3 years ago when he inquired about becoming a leader.  The county leader’s council was excited to have a new club start up, and were very interested in having something so new become a part of the program - a 4-H Racing Pigeon Club.

Mike really enjoys working with young people, providing educational opportunities, teaching about every aspect of pigeon raising, while promoting the mission of 4-H.   He especially enjoys getting the word out about the club and the cool things they are doing.

Since the club was formed, there have been six articles in the local newspaper, a multi-page story in a national pigeon publication featuring every member of the club, and most recently a video presentation on TV 9 & 10's segment on northern living.

Mike encourages his members to participate in county events and to volunteer for jobs at various county programs.  For the past two year’s, he has coordinated a club tent outside of the small animal booth during fairweek.  He had informational handouts, colorful brochures and even pigeons.  They had timed races each day to see who’s pigeons arrived home the fastest.  During this past year’s fairweek, the pigeon releases occurred with a new twist.  For a donation to the club, fair visitors could write out a note that was then carried by the pigeon back to the members’ home.   The 4-H’er took the note and mailed it back to the author with a personal note as to when the note arrived and a hand-written thank you from the club member.  All day, every day - there was a line up at the club tent.  The club members were all great ambassadors for their project and for 4-H.

Whether it’s in club meeting, a competitive event or a club outing, Mike stresses education, safety, personal responsibility and continuous learning, all while having fun and making memories.

Mike is always working in the community spreading the good news of 4-H, interacting with the youth and supporting their efforts and accomplishments.  He is a flag waver for 4-H and is well-deserving of this recognition.

Diane M. Brazier

Emmet County 4-H Program Coordinator

P.S. by Mike: This could not be done without the wonderful parents, kids and 4-H programs.