Ally Mac
43 posts
Apr 18, 2005
5:52 AM
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I have 5 pairs in 5 individual boxes and 3 birds in open boxes, 2 hens and one cock. The 3 individuals, which are proven stock birds, I plan to take as many eggs as I can from and use the rest as feeders. I am having terrible trouble with infertile eggs. The first round of eggs were fertile but since then the next 1 or 2 rounds from all the birds have been infertile.
This weekend I modified the loft door to let me get more daylight in, it was probably a bit dark, could this effect them? I have also given them access to a 4’ x 2’ x 2’ veranda in the last week. Are there any lights available to use as an artificial sun? I know they need this for a certain Vitamin.
They are also getting calciboost to help with the eggs.
All advice much appreciated.
Al.
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Bluesman
Pigeon Fancier
18 posts
Apr 18, 2005
10:18 AM
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Al.I have found that breeding in small breeding cages(2 feet x 2 feet) that I have had to trim around their vents.Why I don,t know but I had the same problem last winter and I was told to do this.It increased the fertility rate by 95 %.Or at least this is what I am giving the credit to.Seems like in rollers just when you think you have things all figured out they will do the opposite.LOL Hope this might help some.David
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rollerpigeon
Site Moderator
267 posts
Apr 21, 2005
6:06 AM
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Hey Ally, are the embryos developing and then dying? If so, it could be due to e-coli. Should this be the case, try using Apple Cider Vinegar in the water, this will change the ph level in the pigeon gut enough to kill it. This is something that worked for me.
As far as the vitamin you mention, it is vitamin D. Without enough sunlight, the proper synthesis is not occurring. This in turn affects proper calcium absorption.
Read this excellent article: Sunlight and Vitamin D
Quoting from the article:
“Any birds that are exposed to direct sunlight for at least an hour a day will be able to synthesize their own vitamin D on the skin…”
Hope this helps. FLY ON! Tony Chavarria
Last Edited by rollerpigeon on Apr 21, 2005 6:08 AM
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Ally Mac
44 posts
Apr 21, 2005
1:34 PM
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Thanks Tony.
I hope to have improved things with the mods and the veranda. I also trimmed the vent feathers as suggested.
I let all the birds fly a couple of times over the weekend, except the new ones. There seems to be a bit more vigour in the loft now, the weather has also brightened up so fingers crossed.
Thanks again.
Al.
One more question, are there any Ruby Rollers in the UK, Scotland in particular?
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