VARIOUS PART 1 April 2013 For next or previous screen: use the mouse wheel, or Pg Up and Pg Dn or and on your keyboard.

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1 VARIOUS PART 1 April 2013 For next or previous screen: use the mouse wheel, or Pg Up and Pg Dn or and on your keyboard.

2 A word from the editor. Dear reader, Easter fell on very early a date this year, already on 31 March, so no Happy Easter greeting card for you, with Easter chicks or fine coloured Easter eggs. Still this number is surely in the theme of spring. This also means that the breeding season for European breeders is in full swing and some articles are therefore focused on the care of the young animals that are already present in the lofts of many breeders struggling the coldest March in 50 or more years! All in all, this April number of Aviculture Europe is an interesting composition with valuable and interesting articles, obtained by input of our inside and foreign editorial staff members. We wish you pleasant reading and if you have anything to tell us, please contact the chief editor at redactie@aviculture-europe.nl For those who have not done it already: please subscribe to our newsletter by sending us your address, so that you will be automatically informed about the publishing of each new issue. Wishing you a beautiful spring! With thanks to all contributors, sponsors and advertisers, on behalf of the team of Aviculture Europe, Nico van Benten

3 CONTACT WITH DUTCH FANCIERS... South African fancy pigeon breeder plans to visit the BDRG show in Germany on December He would like to make contact with Dutch fanciers who will go to Dortmund, with the intention to possibly visit pigeon fanciers in Holland after the Dortmund show. He will gladly contribute to travelling expenses. Please contact Jan Lombard

4 2 REACTIONS TO THE MOOKEE ARTICLE With our thanks to the attentive readers, we inform you with the following: Pierre Schwarz, pigeon judge from Avricourt, France, made us attentive to the number of white flights: In the article on the Mookee, February 2013, I read that the Mookee is allowed to have up to 3 white primaries. But at the meeting of the Entente Européenne in Balatonalmádi, in June 2011, the EE Standard Committee of Fancy pigeons (CESP) decided that in the Mookee now up to 4 white primaries are allowed. The difference between the one wing and the other should not be more than two white feathers. The possible combinations are: 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 3-3, 3-4, 4-4. This has also been modified in Pigeon Standards of the European countries. Lawrence Kenny, Chairman British Mookee Club, wrote: I wonder if your readers know that it was South Africa that produced the first written standard for the Mookee. Changes have been made many times from this original standard, some changes for the good of the breed and some not so. Photo: Peter van Amelsvoort White flighting has always been an issue. Here in the U.K. none white flighted birds are allowed entry for exhibition, these none white flighted birds are important for breeding in order to keep white flights to a minimum. As we all know the ideal is 2x2, but if you pair 2x2 with 2x2 you will produce over flighted birds. The best matings are always 0x0-2x2 or 1x1-2x2 or 1x1-1x1. Some times 3x3 can be of great use. But 4x4 should never be used in the breeding programme for obvious reasons.

5 With respect to this article, Lawrence Kenny, also wrote: Good to hear the chairman of the S V Mookee club talking about his thoughts on the Mookee Standard, and his interpretation of it. Although I agree with many of his words on how a Mookee should look, I think his translation of the standard on a few points are totally off beam and should not be promoted to new Mookee breeders. Take the point of the black under-beak for example, Mr Hellmich says a small black line is sufficient and a full black under-beak leads to too black upper mandible and black eye ceres. He demonstrates this by a close up picture of a very poor under-beak colour, the picture also clearly shows a naked chuck where unwanted white feathers have been plucked. The British Pigeon Standard demands that Mookees in Black, Blue, and Lavender should have a dark coloured lower mandible. Any birds without this should not be considered for show or breeding; once the black beak trait is lost from a strain of Mookees it is impossible to regain. I have a family of Mookees that produce only full dark beaked young, and I have never had any young with dark upperbeak or dark eye ceres. If you breed from birds with poorly coloured under beaks, white chucks will also be impossible to get rid of. I have seen Black Mookees with these faults scored highly at European shows, and feel sad that this important point of standard is being ignored by European Judges and breeders. In the photo to the left you see one of my birds with correct black under beak. Photo: Lawrence Kelly.

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7 advertisement HEIMAT DER WEISSEN SHOW HOMER Book tip: Roland Grübe likes to introduce his book on White Show Homer. He describes his experiences in the breeding of this rare pigeon breed. A collection of historical and current reports and photos of the white Show Homer. The book is in German language. If you are interested, please contact the author: Roland Grübe Dorfstraße 9 A Bad Köstritz OT Gleina Germany Tel.: 0049 (0)

8 WALTZING ROOSTER Have you ever heard the term: cockerel waltz? On Wikipedia, this was described as follows: The cockerel struts in a half circle with one wing extended down, is an aggressive approach signifying to females his dominance, and usually, the female will submit by running or moving away from the cockerel in acknowledgement. On rare occasions, the hen will attempt to fight the cockerel for dominance. Once dominance is established, the cockerel will rarely waltz again. By the majority of the chicken keepers this waltzing is probably considered a courtship dance. However, after this waltzing the hen indeed hardly ever reacts like crouching to allow the rooster to mate with her. So we think the observation as mentioned in Wikipedia might be right, although no sources are mentioned. The dancing as in the photo to the right, without dropping a wing, certainly is an elaborate mating display. Photos: Bobo Athes.

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10 NEW COLOURED RACING PIGEONS CLUB IN IRELAND Basically our club was founded in October 2012 by Albert Hogan and Wes Murphy. Our main aim is to promote the breed of Coloured Racing pigeons in Ireland, and the rarer the colour the better. We are affiliated to the INFPA and will run our shows in along side them. We are always looking for new members and our membership is 10 per year. The 2013 Young Bird Show will be held on the 10th of August at the Rystin Sports and Social Club in Newbridge Co Kildare. Our website is If you have any questions please contact us through our Feedback page. Regards, Albert Hogan & Wes Murphy.

11 LOOKING FOR... I am looking for Lakenvelders (Large Fowl) and also want to specialize in Dutch Bantams and Old Dutch Capuchine in various colours. In due time I hope to have bred my own line of purebred birds and can participate at the shows with them. I have a large garden of 1 ha. I am looking forward to coming into contact with reliable breeders who can help me with this. Luc van Esser, ADR rosarium Geistinger-Landhoff, Belgium. You can contact me by telephone 0032 (0) or lucvanesser@hotmail.com Photos Lakenvelder Henk Meijer. Capuchine: Tanveer. Dutch Bantam: AE.

12 advertisement Pigeon keeping is a wonderful hobby, which can bring you much joy. It does not matter whether you participate in races (carrier pigeons), or you try through selective mating (on characteristics) to breed the best fancy pigeon, or you just keep a few pigeons for pure fun. Every pigeon fancier is striving for progress, but first you have to have a good pigeon. A top pigeon can only show its qualities if health, nutrition and care and attention are in balance. Over the years we have been able to find out which products are most appreciated by the pigeon fanciers and those products can be found in our range. On our website you will find an overview of our brands. The products, which can be found among the different brands are the so called runners. This does not mean that we exclude other products. If you are looking for a product that you can not find in our assortment, do not hesitate to contact us so we can order that product for you from our supplier. De Groene Luifel has been a family business in Sluis (the Neterlands) for more than 40 years. In our pharmacy department you can buy self-medication and nutritional supplements legally intended for free sale (without prescription).

13 This photo was send to us via Facebook without further explanation. Who can tell us more about this breed?

14 HATCHING EGGS MARKET IN AFFLIGEM Sunday, April 28 there will be the annual hatching eggs sale market in Affligem, Belgium. Anyone who has some hatching eggs for sale, or is looking for purebreds, is welcome! The sale is planned to be held in the parish hall of Essene (municipality of Affligem). Information: mr. Jaak Rousseau, More info will be published soon on Photo: Evert van Dijk.

15 THE PIGEON IN THE WIDER WORLD By: Jean Hansell advertisement Philipsburg, Mont. - An ornately illustrated soft-cover edition of "The Pigeon in the Wider World," has been released in North America. Jean Hansell's last work on the pigeon in society delves into the pigeon/human connection in the Near East, Egypt, the Mediterranean, India, China and along the Silk Road. According to the Australian National Pigeon Association, "The fruit of many years of research by an accomplished author, this book reveals many fascinating insights into different societies and is certain to appeal to all keen social historians as well as ornithologists, students of religion and pigeon fanciers." "The Pigeon in the Wider World" is indeed a must-read for pigeon fanciers, who will delight in the 94 color and 88 black and white illustrations of the pigeon throughout 6,000 years of human history. These images delve into religious artifacts, textiles, paintings and modern day dovecotes in the east, as well as historical photographs of modern pigeon breeds.

16 Through dedicated research and heartfelt prose, Dr. Jean Hansell has risen to become a leading authority on the Rock Dove. Known for her works "Dove & Dovecotes" and "The Pigeon in History," among other published works, Dr. Hansell has done as much as anyone to reclaim the lost history of man's oldest feathered friend. Reviewer Guy Merchant said, "I have enjoyed the experience of reading this book immensely and have learned so much about the humble pigeon that I will now see them in a completely different light when I walk through the streets of London!" Consider buying it as an educational tool for a local school or library. Jean Hansell, the scholarly authority on Columbia Livia, and Jim Jenner, the foremost documentarian on pigeons, teamed up to release this book in North America. It is a thoughtful history of pigeons in major world cultures since ancient times. This sleek, but powerful book will be a welcome addition to bookshelves, laptop bags and Easter baskets. Available for $9.95. Place an order at or call from the USA or Canada or from the UK or Europe. Click here to order. (ISBN )

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18 DOWNTOWN CHICKEN - ALASKA Chicken is the only city in the world called "Chicken". There is a small local airstrip, but most cross in via the very scenic routes called Klondike Loop or Top of the World highway and The Taylor Highway the latter is only open from Spring to early Fall. These highways are known for their scenery; turn one corner and all you can see are massive fields of tree tops. Turn the next corner and you find yourself enveloped by a spectacular quilt of red, yellow and green draped over hills and fields from one peripheral to the other. Why Do They Call it "Chicken? In the late 1800's, early miners traveled far in search of gold. Food was sometimes scarce, but a particular area near the South Fork of the 40-Mile River was abundant in Ptarmigan, now the state bird which bears a resemblance to a chicken. The miners kept themselves alive with the help of the Ptarmigan (if you consider being eaten as helping.) In 1902, Chicken was to become incorporated, the second town in Alaska to do so. The name "Ptarmigan" was suggested. Many people liked the name, but the only problem was that nobody could agree on the correct spelling. They didn't want their town name to be the source of ridicule and laughter, so they decided on "Chicken. Left: The giant iron statue of a chicken, looking out over Chicken. To compare the size: between the legs is a crow. Photo courtesy of Dan Baldini.

19 If you want to see one of the last great gold-mining towns in existence, and you're willing to accept the lack of phones, constant electricity, television, and indoor plumbing, then by all means, yes, come on over! Funny note for the Dutch people: The nearest town is called Tok (tok means cluck in Dutch!) Visit for all further information. Ptarmigan The willow ptarmigan was designated the official state bird of Alaska in There are three kinds of ptarmigan and all can be found in Alaska - the willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan (which are also found in Scandinavia, Russia, and northern Eurasia), and white-tailed ptarmigan (found only in North America). Ptarmigan are arctic grouse. The willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) changes colour from light brown in summer to snow white in winter for effective camouflage from pre-dators. Another dis-tinctive feature of the bird is its feathered toes. In winter months the willow ptarmigan eats mosses and lichens, willow buds and twigs, a little birch; seeds and berries when available. In summer their diet expands to vegetable matter and occasionally caterpillars or beetles. Left: White-tailed ptarmigan - full summer plumage. Photo: Wikipedia, John Hill. A nice video of willow ptarmigan male, female and chicks:

20 advertisement Dipo products originated from the combination of health care / pigeons, but there is also experience with breeding chickens, rabbits and cats. Meanwhile, research has irrevocably shown that these products have proven their operation, especially in the contraceptive area. The following products can be ordered through the webshop Dipobac probiotica contains 5 different good lactic acid bacteria and thus regulates a healthy intestinal flora. It also increases the overall resistance and expels the pathogenic bacteria and pathogens in the feces from the body. Quick visible results. Dipobac is "the right alternative. Dipo protector contains Thyme oil, Oregano oil and Eucalyptus oil and works especially well in pigeons against Trichomoniasis, worms and Coccidiosis. Prevents infection via drinking water. Garlic oil plus is an oil with garlic, plus the three above oils. The addition of chlorophyll in this oil provides some extra vitamins. Expels micro organisms, works as a blood purifier, improves overall fitness and increases resistance. Dipo propolis is one of the few substances to which a natural antibiotic activity is attributed. Regular benefits give a peak and the highest degree of resistance. Dipo Propolis keeps the airway clean and inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria. It also protects the drinking water against bacterial growth, even at higher temperatures.

21 NEW COLOUR FRENCH MONDAIN My name is Ihab Saadi. I live in a small village called Besmat Tivon which is located between Nazareth and Haifa in Israel. My passion is to raise pigeons. I've been doing exactly that for many years now and I am a member of the Israeli Pigeon Raising Association. For the last 10 years or so I've been working on developing a new colour in the French Mondain breed which resulted in diluted brown barred male and female French Mondain. This has never existed before in French Mondain. I started the process of developing this new coloured pigeon by taking a big local short female pigeon that has the desired colour and breeding it with a male French Mondain with highest French qualities. The offspring of whom, the male ones, were bred with female French Mondain pigeons. And the female offspring of the third generation, which had the desired colour, were bred with male French Mondain pigeons. And so on until I got the desired result, diluted brown barred male and female French Mondain. Right: Head study of a diluted brown Mondain. Note the eye colour, which is typical for a brown variety. Photo: Ihab Saadi.

22 The new pigeons were reviewed by local judges and an international judge called Hennie Schwarz from Holland. These judges stated that my pigeons are indeed high standard French Mondain of a new colour, diluted brown, that did not exist before in French Mondain. Click Here to view my album with many photos of my diluted brown Mondain. You can contact me at ihabsaadi66@hotmail. com Left: A French Mondain in the new colour, diluted brown. Photo: Ihab Saadi.

23 GHOST PIGEON Photo of a window where a dove flew against with a great blow. What you see on the glass is the dust from the feathers of the breast, head and wings of the bird. It is a miracle that the bird was not lying dead on the ground! Photo A.J. van der Meer-Goedegebuure.(NL)