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Racing Pigeon Digest Featured ArticleSpot Lighting the loft of Wesley Prelewicz What attracted you into the sport? My old friend in Poland started me. I cleaned the coop for him and he gave me a couple pair of birds. When I was seventeen years I joined the club in Poland. Later on some club members gave me birds to help get me started. How long have you been associated with racing pigeons? I flew 27 years in Poland, here in the United States for five years. How have the birds influenced your life? I feel comfortable. I get my exercise going to the coop. I have love for my birds. Have you achieved the goals you set for yourself? Yes I won average speed in the 2003 young birds, won average speed in the 2003 Old Bird Series, champion old bird for year 2006, in year 2004 took fourth average speed, in year 2006 won loft of the year in young birds, in year 2005 took second place champion young birds, again in year 2005 won champion bird of the year--fantastic flying record for him. Do you see the next generation having the sport? No, only grandchild Arleta is interested in the birds. , I talk to school children bring birds to school to encourage new members. What keeps you in the sport? My whole life involves my pigeons; it's my favorite. What would you like to be remembered for? I would like to be remembered as a good flyer, good breeder and a good sportsman. Do you hold any office in your club? No I don't hold any office in my club Do you see the IF and AU doing as much as we expect? Yes, I think they are doing a good job advertising the sport. What should the IF and AU do that is not presently being done? Advertise more to encourage new members to join the ranks. Also the old timers need to help new members with birds to help get them started. Should the IF and AU join together? Yes, I think so there would be a bigger representation then. Do you see any trends in the future of the sport? Advertise more using white as a symbol of peace, more peace in clubs What will the sport be like in 50 years? Every year membership gets smaller, as members pass on there are no replacements. How do you rate yourself as a flyer, breeder? I rate myself as a nine in both flyer and breeder How many flyers in your club and in your combine? We have 15 club member and 25 combine flyers. Who is the one person in the sport you would hold up as an example? The Belgium flyers because lot of times they have more experience as they spend a lot of time with their birds What is your favorite strain of birds and why? The Devriendt, and Huyskens Van Riels because they are good for any distance and any type of weather. Do you believe in eye sign? Does it have any merit in your opinion? Yes I believe in eye sign. For my breeders, I don't put together the same eyes and find my birds fly well. If you could be partners with someone today who would it be? The partnership team of Betty and Gordon Faltermier Do you have a funny story of one of your pigeons? Three years ago, after the first race, a hawk flew into the loft and I went to the coop to clock him. What is the saddest story of one of your pigeons? Back in year 2002 I didn't close my coop six of my best birds were killed on the spot by a hawk. Do you think we have the best birds? How do you feel about imports? I feel that the Belgian have the best birds overall, sometimes good, sometimes not. What do you look for in stocking a bird? It has to be a good breeder. What do you look for when grading a bird? I check the body, eye, its record, champion to champion, best to best How many pairs in your breeding loft? 44 pairs Do you ever try to cure a sick bird? I try, but do not have good luck. How many birds do you raise? I raise 120 flyers Do you cull in the nest? Yes, I cull. When do you mate your birds? I put them together the first of March When do you wean your youngsters? 21-26 days When do you settle your youngsters? They are put in aviary for three days, later on the platform for one week When do you begin training for young birds? I begin at 5 miles How do you feed how much and why? I feed by the coffee can for racing, no corn; I buy separate corn, Australian Peas, Rape Sunflower, flax for moult What system do you fly? I fly the natural system. How do you feel about auctions? I think they are good, makes money for the club Do you feel sportsmanship is lacking in the sport? Yes Any advice for the newcomer? Don't keep too many birds; keep good ones. Overcrowding is not good The big question you have been asked many times? Would you do it all over again? Yes What do you think of the help the beginner program? I think it's a good program has helped newcomers. What do you think of electronic clocking? I like it nice if you are home to see them coming in. If you can't be there, it is helpful. How important is winning to you? I like winning; I enjoy seeing them come home. Tell us about your medication program I medicate for paratyphoid. I do not use too many medications What do you look for in the ideal pigeon? I like a bird that can fly both short and long distances in any kind of weather. Thank you Wesley for doing this interview with me. Congratulations on your winnings and good luck to you in future years. |
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