M. & M. KRAMER
Passion for pigeons!
Method
One day long distance pigeons: classic widowhood
The last three seasons the classic widowhood with cocks and hens was played. This means that there is always a partner at home for both the widowers and the racing hens. Because the efficiency of the hens was disappointing compared to the available time, as of 2018 only widowers will be raced.
Up to the middle distance races, the cocks train only once a day in the evening. Usually between 5 and 6 p.m. They are not forced tot train. From the long distance races they train twice a day in the second week. In the morning from 6:30 am to 7:30 am and in the evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Extra eggfood is given during the breeding. They like to eat it so it must be good. In addition to the above, they do not receive extra vitamins.
We treat with medicins when necessay. That does not mean that every week something is done in the water tank or over the feed. Our vision is that every day that you do not have to give medication, it is a day that you come closer to the top forme. Therefore we do not do a standard medicine in the drinking water when returning home. It does mean that the pigeons are closely watched on a daily basis and if there is a threat, the vet is consulted and his advice will be followed. Our regular veterinarians are Hans van der Sluis and Stephan Göbel. For the sake of completeness, when basketing both young and old pigeons get an eye drop from De Weerd. Also we use smoke blocks sometimes when too many pigeons are sneezing (usually only once a year) and the old pigeons get 2 to 3 times per season the SAS (anti-mucus) drops of Travipharma. Against lice we treat with Beaphar.
Around mid-May there must be more discipline and the regime changes. The feed is adjusted: 1/3 part Start, 1/3 part Zoontjes and 1/3 part Fly as much as they like, but nothing should remain. The pigeons are released at 7:30 and must go into the loft after the training hour. They train once a day in the morning.The race training starts at the beginning of June. First from the own garden. Then at 3, 8, 17, 30 and 40 km. Before a training race, they must train in the morning to get rid of most energy.
Around mid-June the youngsters will be messing around with each other and training gets worse. For the first race, they are separated and played on the door.
On Wednesday they get a training flight of 40 km. On Friday, the door between the department of the young cocks and hens will be open and they will be allowed to mess around for about an hour, after which basketing will take place. After returning home, they can stay together until Sunday afternoon.