Recent methods used years ago
Following on from a post on using a bath to bring on form there was another fancier in the Worthing club back in the 80s who looking back I’m sure was probably using the darkness system long before it was widely known about. His name was Roger Newell. You had a job to touch him in young bird races. It wasn’t that he could breed any earlier than anyone else because in those days the rings weren’t issued until the 10th January. Unlike today when they come out early December. Whilst our youngsters still looked like youngsters and were falling apart his looked like old birds and their feathering was immaculate. Mind you he was rarely anywhere with old birds.
Back just enjoying club racing for the time being.
That's interesting, Andy.
I have played with darkening young birds, and using the lights to keep the days the same length, but never had any more success. But then I only ever had a handful of young birds so I wasn't going to threaten the serous flyers.
It's only been the last couple of years I have bred more babies, about 46 this year. Lost two or three tossing, and the hawks have had several, there's about 40 out there now.
Some are quite young, but I am training about 24. Some of the next round can join in soon. I just try to breed early, keep them in a warm shed and look after them well. The big youngsters are all out of the moult, or very close to it, and would be ready to race now, if there was any races for them.
I have played with darkening young birds, and using the lights to keep the days the same length, but never had any more success. But then I only ever had a handful of young birds so I wasn't going to threaten the serous flyers.
It's only been the last couple of years I have bred more babies, about 46 this year. Lost two or three tossing, and the hawks have had several, there's about 40 out there now.
Some are quite young, but I am training about 24. Some of the next round can join in soon. I just try to breed early, keep them in a warm shed and look after them well. The big youngsters are all out of the moult, or very close to it, and would be ready to race now, if there was any races for them.
Greetings from the land down under. 
Blessed is he who expecteth nothing, for verily, he shall not be disappointed.
Blessed is he who expecteth nothing, for verily, he shall not be disappointed.
Your young bird racing over there is more like us racing yearlings isn’t Murray? Your youngsters have gone right through a moult before you start racing. Over here my youngsters hatching next week could be racing by the end of July. Just 14 weeks time. They will probably by then be up on to their 3rd or 4th flight and only just starting in the body. The darkness youngsters would have gone through a body moult by then but would still be retaining most of their flight feathers.
Back just enjoying club racing for the time being.
I agree with what you’re saying Killer. I think there were several issues around being unable to upgrade and make the old site safe. But yes it really is a shame and as well as losing quite a few members, not all due to the site changes though, and a lot of useful information and articles were lost.
Back just enjoying club racing for the time being.
Yes I agree Killer it is a real shame we lost so much from the old site, friends as well as topics 
but I suppose there is no problem with revisiting subjects from time to time especially for those who weren't part of the old site, hopefully some of them read some of the topics even if they don't participate in the chat !!! I remember Roger Newell Andy, as you say he did fly a good youngster !! I think there probably are still fliers who enjoy young bird racing more than old bird racing, I did try darkness one year but not properly, it's all too much faffing about for me I'm afraid. 
I have a couple of my early youngsters, (January bred) that are already moulting around the neck, I can't ever remember any doing that before
but I suppose there is no problem with revisiting subjects from time to time especially for those who weren't part of the old site, hopefully some of them read some of the topics even if they don't participate in the chat !!! I remember Roger Newell Andy, as you say he did fly a good youngster !! I think there probably are still fliers who enjoy young bird racing more than old bird racing, I did try darkness one year but not properly, it's all too much faffing about for me I'm afraid. 
I have a couple of my early youngsters, (January bred) that are already moulting around the neck, I can't ever remember any doing that before
