12 June 2011

June 2011 Klapmuts National Loft Report:

The pigeon racing season would have started in all parts of the country by the time this newsletter reaches publication. Winter greeted us in the Cape with some icy cold weather and a fair amount of rain. We have also seen the first signs of snow on the Matroosberg mountain range, so yes, winter is in full swing, get out the blankets, light the fires and for the pigeons let’s get the garlic. Let us also spare a thought for those not so fortunate during this time for whom winter is a terribly challenging period.

The birds at the SANPO Klapmuts National loft have started their daily loft training routine and are exercising well around the loft. Even, though OB is staggering the daily loft flying routine of the birds, hawks are unfortunately still a problem, as are training packs crossing over in close proximity to the Klapmuts National Lofts. The total birds in the loft now stand at 420 birds all training and exercising well. OB Claasen indicated to me that he feels the birds are in much better condition this year and he was particularly impressed with the good moult the birds had gone through. The later bred babies still have few flights to drop though.

All the birds have now received their paratyphoid vaccine, sponsored by Dr. Ockert Botha (Avio Med). The MEDPET Pox Vaccine has also now been administered and the birds have responded well to this. The Loft management team took a sample of birds to Dr. De Beer last week for some general testing and are pleased to announce that on all the birds tested for cancer, cocci, worms and malaria, the report was good and all the birds got a clean bill of health from the good Dr.

The loft management have again requested all fanciers whom have not yet paid their main entries and perch fees for reserve birds to do so as soon as possible, a complete list of monies paid and monies outstanding have been placed on the Western Cape pigeon racing website. The first official loft listing has also been published so all fanciers can view their birds in the loft as of 31st May 2011. Please view this list and contact the loft management team, if there are any queries or corrections to be made. The website address is www.westerncapepigeonracing.co.za.

The road training of the Klapmuts National Loft birds will start at the end of June 2011, with the first few trainings all limited to 10km’s each, to ensure that the birds are all well basket trained and properly orientated before the distances are gradually increased. An updated loft listing will also be posted by the end of July, for all to view their active birds in the Klapmuts National Loft. The first Hot Spot of the Klapmuts National Loft is scheduled for the 7th August 2011 from Matjiesfontein, weather permitting. Updates regarding training and start dates of the race programme will also be communicated closer to the time.

To our two MAIN sponsors, Agricol and Medpet, a heartfelt thanks for your continued support and promotion of the Klapmuts National Loft. It is good to know that the Klapmuts can be associated with two market leaders as yourselves in your respective industries. We must also again make mention of Dr. De Beer’s efficient service, to the Klapmuts National Loft, in assisting the loft management team with keeping all our birds in good health and top nick. Thank you Dr, to you and your professional team.

To all our other loyal supporters, sponsors and partners THANK YOU, for entrusting us with your birds once more for the 2011 season. With winter now definitely upon us, please pop into the office at the Klapmuts loft , for a friendly chat with OB, Yazeed and Oom Hendrik when he is around, OB’s coffee will soon make you forget all about the winter chills..
Oom Hendrik Cooper and Yazeed Moerat can be contacted for any general queries you might have regarding your birds at the Klapmuts Loft. Thank you once again for the privilege of entrusting us to be caretakers of such wonderful creatures.

Until Next Month

Contact Numbers:
Yazeed Moerat: 084 2994447
Ithriam Leukes: 083 4628931