Main Content

I took a trip across to Drimnagh last Sat to visit Thomas Cowzer who races in the very strong Rialto club. Thomas races with his brother Raymond and son Adam. After a warm welcome from Thomas wife Samantha and kids it was out the back to risk my life passing his large German Sheppard. I always get nervous when I hear "it’s OK he won’t touch you" but just like the pigeons he was well under Thomas's control thank god. The first thing I see is the magnificent new young bird loft. Thomas then shows me the site of his new old bird loft which is getting built this week. The new loft will house 24 widowhood cocks with 36 hens racing to them and a stock section for 12 pairs. We went into the loft to have a look at the stock birds and what a team they are. Thomas hasn't wasted any time messing around at the bottom, it was straight to the top men. The number one cock a Pow brothers bought at an auction in the homing club and what an investment with every young bird of him to date winning with grand children winning also. As you can see by his picture a real beauty!

The next birds shown to me were direct from Jos Thone. Some real quality birds also birds from the late Brian Long and a hen just brought in from Lee Jackson of London from his national winner. As I have already said this man doesn’t mess around. After about an hour talking to Thomas getting all the information for the article I ask how did he get into pigeons? Now very few things shock me but this did! "I never had pigeons before, I only started racing in 2003". He tells me his son Shane bought two birds from the pet shop and he was left to look after them. Now this is why I was shocked! In 2004 two young bird wins and young bird average winners. In 2005 five old bird wins and two young bird wins, young and old bird average and combined average winners. In 2006 five old birds wins and old bird average winners no young bird racing. In 2007 Thomas done very little racing due to work commitments. In 2008 no old bird racing, five young bird wins and the young bird averages. 2009 two old bird wins, six young bird wins young bird average and combined average winners. As you can see from these results Thomas has learned very quickly and has his finger right on the pulse. And I am sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from him in the coming years.

Cheque Cock 1st Club, 3rd Open Skibbereen

Blue Cock Son of the World Famous Arnoldus

when paired to a Daughter of Sars From Jos Thone

BREEDING

Normally the birds are paired at the end of January but as you can see Thomas is running a bit late this year. And usually the first round of eggs from the stock are floated under the racers. At this time the birds are fed start plus and Vanrobey super breeding, hormoform is also used with plenty of grit and minerals.

RACING

Thirty Six widowhood hens are raced to twenty four widowhood cocks with some cocks paired to two hens. Before the season starts the birds are given around ten tosses from eighteen miles after this they fly out around the house for one hour morning and evening. And if Thomas thinks during the season they are getting a bit stale he won’t hesitate to give them a toss from around forty miles. At this time the old birds are fed on versa laga widowhood mix and superstar plus. Young birds are raced on the darkness system and are fed on depurative of a morning and Vanrobey widowhood mix in the evening. They are trained twice a day, forty miles in the morning and 18 in the evening.

TREATMENT

Over the winter the birds are only given one treatment this is baytril for ten days and are then vaccinated against paratyphoid. Thomas stresses to me this is the only time baytril is used by him. Other than that prior to breeding all the usual suspects are treated for worms, coccidiosis and canker during the racing. Canker and respiratory are treated for and Thomas feels the need to.

TIPS FOR A NOVICE

Try to learn from the top people around you and try to be a good listener especially when you are getting good advice.

THANK YOU

Thomas would like to thank a few people who have helped him get to where he is today in the sport. Ronnie Bigwood of TBO partnership London, Lee Jackson, John Roberts, Collie Owens, Jos Thone, Ian Stafford and late Brian Long. And a special thanks to his brother Ray, his son Adam and most of all his wife Samantha whos help and support he could not do without.

Thanks to Thomas and his wife Samantha for their hospitality shown for the interview and wishing you the best for 2010.