By Bob Adams
As you are well aware by now Bob Adams flew his kits like a man possessed a total of 13 times in ’04. 11 diplomas and 9 ribbons was the end result when all the dust had settled. An incredible effort that deserves recognition and congratulations. I asked Bob to fill out the questionnaire and give us the scoop. Here is what he had to say.
1. How long have you had pigeons and in particular Tipplers? Why Tipplers?
I’ve had pigeons since I was 10 years old. I’m in my 50th year of raising pigeons. I’ve had Tipplers since 1983. Once I saw how they flew I was hooked, FOREVER! I never had much time for them, as I always worked two jobs, but in 1998 I was rendered disable and had all the time I needed. I needed to start flying them and join the competition end of the SPORT.
2. How did you acquire your Tipplers and from whom?
I acquired my Tipplers from two different flyers and have now made my own family out of them. I got a few birds from an old time flyer (with great times in ATU competitions), named Ben Garbermanhe who had the Lovatt strain (Perc Hagan). I also got birds from Eddie Buraczewski whom along with his dad Walter had many consistent years of good flying also in the ATU. Eddie had the Sheffield strain. I acquired these birds in 1987 and made my own family out of them. I have only added new blood twice; with a Lovatt hen that Richard Seabridge flew 16:12 (got the bird from Joe Russo) and also last year (2004) with a Lovatt cock that Seabridge flew 16:22 (also got this bird from Joe Russo). The cock is a ’93 and he’s still filling the eggs. I like longevity in birds. My original hen produced for 14 years.
3. How big is your loft and how many pairs do you breed from? Which is the method in which you breed?
My main loft is 8′ x 16′, an 8′ x 8′ section for breeding and an 8′ x 8′ section with 30 individual kit boxes. I also have a 4′ x 8′ that I use to separate my birds when not breeding. I inbreed and have been doing so since 1988, with only two out-crosses.
4. How do you settle your youngsters and your method of training once they are settled?
I put my youngsters when they are still wet under the wing, out with my droppers (8). At this age they are not ready to take to the sky so I put them outside on the roof right from the nest. In a few days (after they have learned to eat on their own) they are coming to my call and know the sound of the feed can and my voice. Once they start kiting they go to their formal training. They work up from a half hour twice a day and once they hit the 3 to 4 hour mark they are only trained to the dark and they are trained every other day. When I have them comfortable at 6 to 8 hours they are trained every 3rd to 4th day, they are never allowed down without the droppers being thrown and the lights being turned on, NEVER! I do have a pole with a flag that if needed I will wave if they need to be pushed a little in the beginning of their training, but once they know what is expected of them I never have to flag them again. DISCIPLINE and CONTROL and REPETITION are the 3 major factors in flying Tipplers in competitions.
5. Do you fly in competition or do you fly for your personal pleasure? Explain.
Yes I have been flying in competitions since 1998. I’ve been a competitor all my life, first with sports as a young man and now with tipplers. I try to do the best that I can and am happy with the results that we have achieved so far. I surely do love the competition!
6. What grains do you use in training and in a feed up? What determines your selection?
In training I use a depurative mix (barley, wheat with a little flax, and safflower). In a feed up I use hemp, Nyjer, canary, rape, brown rice (in hot weather), safflower, and a little flax. I used to use Spanish peanuts and safflower but you have to be very careful with their use especially in hot weather. I have stopped using the peanuts even though I broke two young bird records using it. Too many bad things can happen with their use. The weather determines what seeds or grains the birds will be fed on their feed up.
7. Do you feel the club and the members do enough to encourage beginners to the SPORT? Any suggestions?
I feel that beginners are encouraged to fly. Do we do enough – probably not? When I know that someone is interested I do all I can to encourage their evolvement and I have given birds to many a young man. In fact one flew in competition last year (2004) and the other should be flying in this year’s (2005) competitions.
8. Any suggestions or comments to improve the SPORT in general?
All we can do is promote the SPORT and all we can and try to help out anyone that shows interest.
9.Any ideas or comments for the newsletter?
None. Luka and many of the club members have made it a big success. Great job!
10. Top three tips from your experience with Tipplers?
Simple – control, discipline, repetition, and also good husbandry and you should be a successful flyer!
CONGRATULATIONS BOB ON A GREAT ’04 FLY SEASON