The Alberta Classic

Please add your e-mail address to receive
information about updates

The Alberta Classic was born through initially organizing and conducting a series of 4 young bird races in 1998. The best performances in all 4 challenges were rewarded with the top prizes. This format was changed somewhat in 2003 when it was decided to keep all youngsters who survived the young bird races for competing again the following year in 2004 as yearlings. It surprised me that 6 of the first 10 positions were earned by birds who also occupied one of the first 10 positions as young birds.

The responsibility of caring for other fanciers' birds has proven to be quite stressful. Although almost all birds arrived in good condition, we did have a few who arrived with chronic respiratory disease and a few others with salmonellosis. However, most appeared very healthy. Still, what could not be seen externally is the immune status of a bird. The ever present circovirus selects the immunologically weak young birds that consequently develop "young bird sickness" (YBS) and perish or are permanently weakened. Once this challenge abated, the inevitable losses during training tosses and races imparted a bitter taste to what would otherwise have been an enjoyable hobby. These then are the reasons why the yearly Alberta Classic Derby took a break during 2005.
I needed to find a way to strengthen the immune system of these young pigeons sufficiently so that they can withstand the stresses associated with weaning, transport and commingling. Vaccination with the resultant paramunity offers that hope to me.
It is for this reason that the 2006 season brought again the Alberta Classic Young Bird Derby, entry to which was restricted to those who were willing to adhere to a simple set of rules. I can write with a lot of pride that none of all the birds entered fell victim to YBS. However, it was not the vaccination that helped us but constant vigilance and treating the flock immediately with "4in1" (to which we added additional Ridzol) after a few wet droppings were found on the floor.
In spite of this success, 2006 was the last year for flying the Alberta Classic Derby. The past years have been filled with lots of excitement, stress, and opportunities for learning which I am grateful for. Still, running a derby is a full time job and this would prevent me from doing so many other things that I would like to accomplish. I'll participate in other derbies and am working on some very time consuming additions to this site.

Do you need to print a blank or filled in pedigree form?

Do you need to manage the pedigrees of your stock birds and print pedigrees of them or their youngsters?

Need to know the percentage of protein, fibre, carbohydrate or fat in the mixture?

To the top