Variation in metabolism
(Internet Published) Nov 2001
It has been written that the old Sheffield type of Tipplers was always
hungry. Well, it is known that the old Tippler men trained their kits on
half a feed of Barley and the specimens that failed were not tolerated.
Some men claim that unless their birds are trained in a state of severe
hunger they cannot control them. After a long days flying into the loft
quite easily. However this is not always so and that is why a fancier in
contest is allowed 1 hour to get his entire kit down and inside of the loft.
A lot of disqualifications take place because the Tipplers will not drop
when enticed within the hour. Even more kits are disqualified for failing to
drop at all within bounds of the loft. Such kits usually disappear into the
dark then return to the loft next day. It is on record that some kits
actually dropped within the hour but the fanciers could not get them inside
of the loft within the hour. This must be the most heartbreaking of all
disqualification especially if the kit has done a very long time. It proves
that even a supreme effort doesn't end with desperate hunger and thirst.
Nervousness sometimes overrides great hunger. It could be that the old
Sheffield type would continue to fly in a state of hunger because the type
certainly did a lot of winning many years ago. Many types would not make any
great effort on barley alone during training, but would excel on a more
substantial diet. The test is to give a feed of one ounce per bird which has
been un-fed for 24 hours. Having made sure that the birds have also had a
good drink, then they are locked up. 15 hours later there should be no feed
detectable in the crop. There is then something wrong with the digestive
system if any feed can be detected in the crop after 15 hours since the last
feed and drink.
Novices may think that such a kit 15 hours since it's last feed is in no
condition to withstand many hours on the wing. In fact this is the ideal
condition for a marathon time if the kit has been properly trained. If any
Tippler fancier thinks that he can feed and water his kit just before
turning it out for a fly then he is about to be disappointed.
It is a well-established fact that pigeons that have achieved a fantastic
feat, either in distance or in time, are apt to end up in a traumatised,
nervous or stupefied state. There is no logic in their behaviour. Well, we
must not complain. No one can claim that the Human Race is so clever or so
logical. For proof, just look at the state of the World today!