•A great gift idea for that special fancier is a Siegel's Gift Certificate, available in any amount, for a holiday gift, a birthday, Father's Day, or any other occasion. Just phone us at 800-437-4436 and we'll make up a nice certificate and mail it to your recipient. He or she will be able to apply it to a new book, a great new training basket, medications or supplements, or any other purchase from Siegel's.

The timer revolution
When split seconds count, make sure you're counting split seconds accurately! Benzing electronic timers have quickly become the new standard in our sport and are more popular than ever! The best has gotten better! Benzing's new M-1 clock and "Lazer" antennas are now in the States, and full distribution is now available. They are the most accurate, sensitive antenna in the world today--with the most antenna coils per square inch of any pigeon scanning antenna available!

It was a kick to sit at our computer monitor and "watch" the birds clock in the World Ace Challenge races!

The biggest races rely on the Benzing tradition of accuracy and speed, and the Benzing M-1 system is revealing itself to be heads above the competition.

A Benzing M-1 "Lazer" system recently clocked the Lou McElroy Race. Among the other major one-loft races using Benzing Lazers are the Colorado Goldrush Race, a 300-mile race flown from Elm Creek, NE, released on October 14, 2006.
the East Coast Classic, the Gulf Coast Classic, the San Diego Classic, the San Jacinto Classic, America's King Cup, the Snowbird Classic, and the Caribbean Classic.

Other members of the Benzing "family" of futurity races and racing combines include the Texas Shoot-Out, American Showdown, Desert Classic, East Coast Challenge, Flamingo Race, Caribbean Classic, Queen City Memorial, Boundbrook Futurity, and Paterson Air Derby, among many others....
Tell me more...

In News & Views:
In his newest report, Stefan Mertens interviews Raoul and Xavier Verstraete, 1st General Champions KBDB 2011... Mertens filed another recent report on Belgian short- and middle-distance champions August Stickers and Dirk Donckers of Lille... Mertens himself is the 2006 1st National Champion KBDB Middle Distance Youngbirds.
For these reports, and many other archived features, click here...
Read on for all the news!

SUANOVIL BULLETIN

Suanovil is not in stock now. When it is unavailable, there are effective substitutes.

Suanovil is one of the most effective products for respiratory infections in our birds, so feel free to call us about its availability whenever you might need it.

When you cannot find Suanovil, there are very effective substitutes for it: Doxy-T and Doxyvet, Tylan Concentrate, Linco-Spectin, or Ery-Mycin. Any of these can be substituted for Suanovil with very satisfactory results.

For severe cases, we recommend using two of these products in combination with each other.

Where's Ed?

Siegel's Ed Minvielle on the road...again!
Siegel Pigeons prospective travel schedule:



Texas Center Racing Pigeon Convention -July 11-15, Lafayette, LA


California State Racing Pigeon Organization - Nov. 1-4, Santa Rosa/Petaluma

American Racing Pigeon Union Convention - Nov. 14-17, Los Angeles, CA


National Show - Nov. 17, Greenwich, CT


We look forward to a wonderful convention season and to seeing our friends and customers around the country on our travels in 2012...




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Tips for the fancier:
May
in the Loft

Important notice to all Benzing ETS users: Benzing has announced that effective January 30, 2013 they will no longer produce the BR electronic chip rings.  The only chip rings that they will produce will be the PRO chips and the ICOM chips (which can be inserted into blank AU or IF bands.)  Benzing equipment will continue to support the BR chips through the end of 2014, but effective March 1, 2015 Benzing clocks and club units will no longer support the BR chip ring, only the PRO and ICOM chips will continue to be supported by Benzing equipment. 

Effective immediately we are removing the BR chip rings from our site.  We will continue to inventory the BR chips through the end of 2012, but orders for BR chips will have to be placed by phone.  The PRO chips are currently .10 to .15 cents cheaper and will work on all Benzing clocks and club units that have had the latest software updates installed.  To check whether your clock or club unit is running a software that will accept the PRO rings, you can refer to the chart below. 

We receive a lot of questions regarding how often a fancier should update his Benzing clock.  In general it is suggested that a software update be performed every two years.  This also applies to the club units.  Benzing's older model club units (where the CAN and club point are separate pieces) will NOT be able to handle the newer type rings that Benzing has in the production pipeline for the future, so it is strongly suggested that if your club is still using an older model club unit you contact Siegel's at your earliest convenience to discuss trading your unit in for replacement.  This schedule will allow for continued seamless and problem-free enjoyment of your racing hobby.

Please go to the Benzing Accessories page to order PRO chip rings.

Please go to the Benzing Timers page to consult the software update chart.

Important notice to all Benzing Express users:

We have just found out that there is an issue regarding the Benzing Express clocks using software versions lower than 3.0.  Any clocks running software versions lower than 3.0 must have a software update. Click on this link to go to detailed instructions for how to secure the update.

Also, there is a new printer available at Office Depot and other retail outlets that works well with our Benzing club units and clocks.  It is the Brother HL-5370 DW.

Now, to turn our attention to the birds...

At this time of year in the sport, my attention turns to old birds, especially to their health care and to their motivation for racing.


Coccidiosis and canker germs are significant health threats that our birds are very likely to pick up from race baskets or from drinking contaminated water out on the race course. Thoughtful fanciers take care of this exposure before it can turn into a problem. It's a good idea to give each bird a canker treatment approximately three to four hours after returning from the race, and then follow up the next day.

We are happy to announce that due to extraordinary demand for our new canker product "Berimax" we have been able to purchase in large enough quantities to get discounted prices and we are passing these savings on to you.  New prices: one canister of Berimax is now $34.95, new price for 2 canisters is $62.50, and new price for 3 canisters is $90.00. These prices will remain in effect as long as quantities last.


Race birds need a time-release dose of vitamin B, amino acids and carnitine into their systems so that these supplements are present in the muscles during the race. This is one of the best ways to prevent stress in race birds. My best suggestion is to give them Carmine liquid (Versele-Laga) (carnitine) for at least five to seven days prior to shipping a long race. On basketting night, give one Carni-Tab tablet (Colombine) and a Supra Pill (Colombine) to each pigeon.

I recommend using Turbosole to control canker in your loft and urge you not to overlook your old bird race team regarding the threat of canker. This is a very important step for serious fanciers to take. Turbosole is an outstanding product, and I consider it the best choice for canker in pigeons. I trust that it can be safely used during racing, breeding, or moulting.

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I am glad to share with you a product that I get spectacular results from for my breeding pairs and babies: Calcium/Vitamin D3 Syrup from the Australian Pigeon Company. It works particularly well when administered along with Pigeon Power. It's a great boost to the overall strength of both the parents and the young. I mix this calcium supplement and Pigeon Power into water at the same time according to directions and give it to my breeders and to the babies they are raising. This is a great thing to do for your birds!


Here are some old bird racing strategies that I think you might find thought provoking.


If you are racing the natural system, and a hen and cock show signs of pairing up, separate the two for a few days and then put them back together for about 30 to 40 minutes just prior to basketting. The hen will stop her cycle because of the separation, and this will delay the laying process. The separation will also increase both birds' desire for one another. Letting them see one another for just a few minutes before basketing will reinforce the bond and also reinforce their desire for home.

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Here is another natural system tip. When a pair has laid and has been sitting for several days, try adding an egg to the nest every other day until they are sitting on five or six eggs. Then take the cock and place him in a box or spare cage so that he cannot see his loft, his mate, or his nest.


This should be done the night before basketting. For example, if you basket on Friday night, take the cock away on Thursday night. The hen won't realize that the cock is gone until it is his time to sit the nest the next day. She will be very hesitant to leave the nest, or even to eat, because of the added eggs and the fact that her mate is not available to take his turn, so she will become even more attached to the nest than normal. You may have to physically take her from the nest and feed her in a separate box so that she will eat and drink.

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When I take the hen away, if time permits, I like to let the cock into the loft. He will discover his nest unprotected and will hurry to take his turn on the eggs. I let him settle on the nest for a few minutes and then take him away PRIOR TO allowing his mate back into the loft. Both birds will race extra hard to come home to protect those eggs when a question has been put into their minds regarding their responsibility for the nest!


If you're racing the widowhood system and the cocks appear to start losing interest, and the hens act as if they want to start mating with one another, switch the sexes. Let the cocks sit on perches and let the hens have the nest boxes. You will have to lock the hens in their box and probably feed them in the box, but this can certainly energize a widowhood team and produce excellent results. Sometimes I even lock a strange cock into the box with a particular cock's mate and then just let him see the stranger in his box with his hen before I ship. I make sure that the race will be less than 300 miles and not longer than six or so hours on the wing for such a motivational tactic because sometimes this tactic can backfire on you. Some cocks get so hyped by any additional motivation that they wear themselves out in the race basket the night before and don't have anything left when it's time to fly home.


On the widowhood system, remove the bowls completely from the nest box and always show the bowl to the cock before the cock is allowed to see the hen at the beginning of the season. Then as the longer races come up, put the bowl in the nest box with the cock and let him get in it and start to call. Then ship him. Once all the cocks are removed, allow the hens into the boxes with the nest bowls and let them have their way. You can even put a few old unmated cocks into the loft to steam up the hens before you ship them. Remember this advice: "Ship the cocks cool and the hens hot." This holds true for most races.


On the natural system, when a pair starts to nest, remove one of the mates. This can be either the cock or the hen, but I prefer to remove the hen. Let the cock take another mate, and then remove that mate. When shipping day arrives, let both hens in with the cock for twenty to thirty minutes, but don't allow the hens to begin a heavy battle because they could lose form. Ship them all to the race. This trick can be used all season long to motivate either or all of the birds at different times.


On the widowhood system, on a particularly bad race, if one of the birds comes home very late, lock that bird in its nest box (but not with its mate) for at least several hours. Overnight would be even better. The race bird is worn out, and having to deal with an over-anxious mate will not do either of them any good. After a few hours of rest, put the pair together for just a few minutes, and then separate them again. This will tell your returned racer that, "Yes, your reward is here and waiting, when you are ready." That pigeon's sole motivation to race home may have been to see its mate. And after that performance, the reward is granted. But what that race bird needs most is rest. It's a wise fancier who knows that this rest must be given.

Good luck and good racing!

Ed

Featured
Products for
May:


Most fanciers are now well into the breeding season and enjoying the racing as well.

Ed's suggestions follow for the supplements that will keep breeders, babies and racers robust and healthy throughout this busy time in the loft.

Remember that optimum nutrition for youngsters now will maximize their racing potential!



Turbosole - Currently the world-wide product of choice for canker in pigeons. This product has a wide safety margin, and is safe to use during racing, breeding, or molting. Complete directions included. (Australian Pigeon Company)
200 grams
$34.95
Item #3023
SW 2.00 lbs




Pigeon Power – This chelated liquid mineral mixture is readily absorbed through the intestines into the bird’s system. Use it extensively during racing and breeding, often spraying it onto the feed. Works extremely well as a bonding agent for brewer’s yeast and vitamins. A Siegel’s exclusive, considered by many as the best mineral supplement available.
16 oz.
$8.95
Item #1137
SW 2.20 lbs


32 oz.
$16.95
Item #1138
SW 3.45 lbs


Gallon
$41.95
Item #10110
SW 9.70 lbs




Berimax - Advanced canker treatment for racing and show birds. Laboratory tests in Europe and the U.S. have proven that this unique "all natural" formula provides the most advanced recipe against all 26 strains of canker.
1 - 80 gram canister
$34.95
Item #0181
SW 1.00 lb


2 - 80 gram canisters
$62.50
Item #0181A
SW 1.50 lb


3 - 80 gram canisters
$90.00
Item #0181B
SW 2.00 lb




Doxyvet - This is the world-wide product of choice for upper respiratory problems. It is is also less affected by concurrent use of calcium and other mineral supplements. Very popular.
200 grams   
$29.95
Item #3024
SW 1.70 lbs






Doxy-T - Same as Doxy-Vet with added Tylan. Use before and during racing season to prevent respiratory problems.
200 grams
$39.95
Item #3027
SW 1.70 lbs







Ecol-Tonic – An all-natural product fortified with ten special organic acids and proven in the loft to be effective in boosting immunity and promoting health and vigor, and bringing the droppings back to normal in racing and show pigeons. 16 oz. will dose 32 gallons of water. Always remember to follow the use of Ecol-Tonic with a good pro-biotic.
16 oz.   
$19.95
Item #5673
SW 2.70 lbs





Calcamineral – This is the genuine product! Accept no substitutes! All essential minerals plus vitamins with added oyster shell, making this product an excellent source for calcium needed by laying hens and by older cocks feeding young. (Pego - Germany).
1,000 grams
$6.95
Item #5515
SW 3.70 lbs.







Eye Sign Loupes – Bausch & Lomb makes the best eyeglasses and magnifiers in the world. These are actual watchmakers’ loupes, of the highest quality. The 8X-17X is actually two loupes in one. With a screw-on magnifier, the regular 8X loupe becomes a 17X. This and the 10X loupe can be used with the soft rubber/velcro headband (sold separately).
1 8X-17X loupe
$28.50
Item #0766
SW 1.20 lbs

1 10X loupe
$15.95
Item #0767
SW 1.20 lbs


1 headband
$9.25
Item #0768
SW 1.20 lbs




Recup-Lyt – Electrolyte salts, to be given after extreme stess or endurance events. Good to give after racing or to parents feeding young. Comes in 20-gram sachets. (This product was formerly called Bio-Lyt.) (Colombine – Belgium)
Box of 12 sachets
240 grams
$11.50
Item #0375
SW 1.95 lbs





Digestal – This product contains helpful lactobacillus bacteria, which are essential to maintaining good digestion. Digestal replenishes these bacteria which are destroyed during medication. (Colombine - Belgium)
300 grams
$21.50
Item #0372
SW 1.95 lbs