I write this blog for just over 10 weeks. But a few days ago I discovered a contribution in correcting the system notice of Blogger.com, I would "release" a comment. So far it has escaped me completely, accumulate in the system where the votes reader comments. And it turned out that this comment is already waiting there a few weeks on its "release" from me. No wonder that I have no comments on my blog receive if the run up here and wait until a "release" from me, I thought. And so I was the first to comment on my blog, of course, pleased - for the moment.
because the comment included a violent attack: "... have seldom been so much contempt for the pigeon under the cover of the pigeon hobby, like on your blog ... I'm talking to you, however, any love for the pigeons ... " (See comment to the blog post "How to Rabbits "). Now it's not that I take everything to heart what I take people as to the head. And in my response comment, I then at once if my lack of understanding of these massive attacks expressed. But I admit, it made me continue to be employed in particular the question of what the violence of this reaction may have triggered
I think the key word of this conflict is "Love of animals" and this word contains a very big word.?. "love" . In my blog I represent continuously the view that to improve the performance of a portfolio, the performance of pigeons pigeons need to be evaluated, and on that basis a selection of breeding animals is carried out. And I think between those two words, "selection" and "love" is the great tension founded.
Perhaps we have all dreamed of unconditional "love." A "love" which does not align to the criteria and standards, but by itself exists. Who of us would like to have people like to experience at first hand that he is loved not just for appearances, his intellect or his likes. So viewed, I can understand the comment, and his violence very well. And if "love of animals defined by the author of the commentary as such, in principle, unconditional love of animals, give I it right that I probably feel no such "animal love" for pigeons.
But I think with such a view of "animal love" stuff is overlooked. First of all, I think it is an illusion that we "love" free of selection conditions. Not all people we encounter, we can bring the same "love" towards. Some we liked externals do not we find some stupid, some behave repellent, ... And what our affection towards animals is concerned, we're all picky. Who can fatten already the tapeworm in your own intestines, skin who do not flatten the mosquito, which robs a night of sleep, and Who wants to pet the neighbor's aggressive dog, if this flätscht the teeth? make love or even "love" like all aware of certain conditions, or unconsciously.
my opinion, not "love" but "respect" or "Caution" should be the central word in this debate. I was to all people "respect" and "respect" have placed in, whether I like or "love" could do. And just as I was to take every animal "respect" and "Caution" against. That would fall to me when tapeworm admittedly not exactly easy, but kill a annoying mosquito or fly the country, but her first to draw on the limbs would I never in my mind. And beyond my bedroom mosquitoes may make what they want. For me, the respectful treatment of animals, a large part of what I mean by "animal love".
As pigeon fanciers do I need the animals entrusted to me. I can not neglect them, they need to send good housing conditions, and let them live out their natural instincts. I carry this responsibility that they are not exposed to demands that cause them pain or suffering. This I must as a pigeon breeder always keep in mind when I basketing doves to an aerial race. Because I can only put the pigeons, the upcoming effort, without prejudice Connector end. And I know that I am doing this very carefully, for I have much respect for these wonderful animals, regardless of whether they meet my breeding goals, or not! To further breeding only the very good are used, but this is the basic principle of a directed animal breeding.
and performance principles have nothing to do with a lack of respect or even contempt to do. They are almost everywhere, be it in nature ("survival of the fittest" is the most glaring example of the performance principle at all), in animal breeding, in school, in sports or work.
In addition, I would, how I feel about the pigeon, nevertheless still be described as a kind of "love." Injured animals during free flight, or by birds of prey attacks, I suffer with them and worry. Pigeons come from an aerial race back later, I find myself constantly at a lookup on the beat, whether the missing animals have not arrived yet. When pigeons in free flight at the house, or when feeding in shock somersaults for joy, my heart schägt higher. And I think it's all real pigeon breeders!
And therefore I can the charge of this reader, I would doves "despise" to object only in the strongest!
pigeon racing in Germany. Institutional Strategy (Part 3) 
What has to do the image with the vegetables from the farmer's market stand with pigeon racing may, perhaps, some questions. No, I is not about the purchase of vitamin-rich greens of our favorites. Similar to a vegetable stand in competition with the other stands on the market, pigeon racing is in competition with other leisure activities.
Time and again we hear that the young pigeon racing has problems, because "young people" today do so many other hobbies much better. Now, in the heyday of the pigeon sport in Germany, the leisure industry was not as developed as today. Life was more than it is today dominated by work and a hobby was a little "vacation-replacement" because the could not afford many.
The world has changed considerably since those days. The range of leisure activities has since exploded, that is, we have only one of hundreds of vegetable stalls in this market. This fundamental change in the pigeon racing is in my view not responding to this day. We continue to hope that the potential "customers" are unaware of the hundreds of other unerringly just our vegetable stand. Which unfortunately did not happen. derive from the catastrophic
membership development (especially when one considers the number of new members) is then from that no one wants to run more pigeon racing (Read: that our vegetables is bad). But that is WRONG!
has neither diminished the fascination of the pigeon to us breeders, there are other conditions, such as the ownership of residential property which for recreational purposes, disposable income, the amount of available free time, and the need of human nature to be close to or to measure the playful competition in recent decades become less!
On the contrary, much of it is getting better! As noted in the previous parts already, there are certainly some internal reasons that hinder the attraction of the racing pigeons sport sharply. To stay in the picture: We should as soon as possible to take the worm-eaten carrot from his stand. But another very important thing for a future receipt of the pigeon sport is it that we finally "get open your mouth and make ourselves felt in the market of leisure activities. Say, it's up to us to make active advertising in our cause, and not to wait for someone Us "stumbles"!
Concrete prospective speech
If I want to sell something, I must first think about me, who could it have an interest. Because then I can concentrate my efforts on this group. For us, this means that we first identify the potential buyers for the pigeon racing must.
The surveys have provided the first evidence for this: most breeders are intrigued by the Briefttaube as such. Say: people that animals are very interested in already for small animals and small animals have contact are promising prospects. Concrete advertising should therefore be aimed at, for example, small animal breeders, their clubs and associations.
Furthermore, the analysis has shown that many deaf athletes to interrupt their hobby even more often (have to). But there is a certain "addiction", the former pigeon breeders again can be "re-offend," because our little friends are just as fascinating. And just here is a very promising clientele hidden:
people who had in her life already contact with pigeon racing, but have either stopped, or until today do not have a concrete starting with their own pigeons and whipped thought had. This group is, in my opinion, the most promising, to inspire people (again) for our hobby.
But even these people, we need to know first of all, so they can be motivated by concrete response and relief efforts to start a pigeon breeder's career. need therefore our structures and mechanisms with which we identify these people and then then specifically promote our hobby to. We need therefore clearly a centrally controlled marketing its own behalf. And this even more urgent than, say, a magazine or the Association clinic, which we already have. Not that I have anything against the aforementioned facilities would, quite the opposite, but our livelihoods finally has the highest priority. Many
especially the older sports fans know today exactly who was once all breeders, whose father or grandfather who had pigeons. This knowledge is valuable. We should as soon as possible start to collect this data and to obtain name and before this knowledge is lost completely. starting in a concerted action and request from the "Marketing", and the RegVs Rven broken down on the clubs could happen.
we would have these names and addresses so we could specifically reach out to these people, and create a base of information on pigeon racing and the possibilities of its use of this hobby, where applicable, interest. This could be invitations for families and interested parties within the framework of "open days" at operation sites or breeders. This could be a personal his address by local farmers, this could be sending an information and image brochure, which serves as an appetizer and provided with contact addresses is his. This could be the concrete application of "final race parties" at One-Loft Races. This is very much with which we bring our people back in touch with our hobby. And it would certainly not miss its effect, the spark is back on the odd skip! We just need to finally begin.
lighthouse projects
We live in the media age. If we want to use the media for us, we have to offer interesting things, so to speak Lighthouses that shine out the theme pigeon racing far beyond the reach of our own contacts. One possible example: A high-level bets (with national honor connected) One-Loft-Race, also on the external will (as it were by anyone) was adopted, and is the career and final race prepared for television.
course this is just one idea of many possibilities. If you look at the thought of opening that the curiosity, the people who passed by often show our hobby when they walk by our shock, or watch our Auflässe during training, apply to many people, and that this interest be quite interesting to media can arrive safely reached more good ideas.
homework
course, it is important that we do our homework first. First, then, as already said that we take the bad carrots from the stand, and take our structural problems in attack. Second, we facilitate the potential buyers and new starters directly with ready solutions to enter as much as possible (see "starter package" in the conceptual part 2). So do not the second before the first step, just start running and advertising, and those interested but then let alone with our problems . Such a thing would even be counterproductive.
Summary
The written in my last blog things may appear to some readers too far away from today's reality, or simply not feasible. I am aware that I as a relative "new breed", the not so very long had insights into the current structures and mechanisms of the pigeon sport in Germany, a little "out of" arguing and come to my conclusions.
Still, I think that this particular view from outside, without the many years can lead (for some often disillusioning) Tagesgeschaft experience in the clubs, and RVen RegVs to good approaches because not every new idea immediately produces a negative association and defensive reaction.
I would like to summarize the main idea at this point again:
first The ultimate goal for which everything else is must be based, sustainable production of new varieties
second Pigeons are so fascinating that they make almost addicted. That is a huge opportunity for us!
third Prolonged dispute among breeders on Auflässe, travel directions, travel plans are a current major problem. The key to defusing this situation lies in the strengthening of the personal responsibility of the individual breeder.
4th The free choice of RV, and a recognition of price flight results that are achieved with different operators would defuse many points of contention, and would create an incentive to attractive offers from various competing RVen. This enhances the attractiveness of the sport as a whole.
5th A third of younger breeders have time problems with the weekly pressure of having to participate in the journey to achieve the main competitions. Coating results in all Meisterschaftsmodi, down to zip-level should be introduced so that farmers without problems can sometimes expose a weekend.
6th The cost of your own cabbage lead in RVen and TGs to harmful for the sport battle for the traveling shots. A separation of the transport of the pigeons from the other tasks of the RVen and a national summary of the transports could free the RVen from the need to see the breeders in the first place only as a source of income for hardly yet to be funded Kabi. A transport organization could approach various weekly Auflassorte in the requested directions. By making optimal use of transport capacity, transport costs shares for each breeder would be reduced drastically.
7th The existing system of incentives for large pigeon stocks, which by the championships with scores such as "X best pigeons" set is hurt, the pigeon sport enormous, since small stocks are equivalent to fewer opportunities. Thus, if the starting investment for the new breed of very high if he wants to be competitive. Also, space, support costs and running costs increase with the size of the stock. While small stocks have similar opportunities, it would have new breed much easier. All Meisterschaftsmodi must therefore be redesigned so that small stocks have similar opportunities. (In their own right: With a travel team of up to 48 mature animals benefit from the current incentive systems, and have yet to a change!)
8th A further reduction of the starting threshold for developing new varieties can be Ingenieur by a starter package, in which a favorable impact of functioning, along with checklists, information and guides for the new beginning offered. Likewise, a lower pool used equipment for beginners to start investing.
9th To attract new breeders, we must actively engage in marketing its own behalf. We must not stay longer passive. A central body to coordinate marketing activities and control them. These include, collection of addresses of potential buyers, providing information leaflets, Creation of a "starter package", starting from concerted actions ...
10th With the help of flagship projects to stimulate the interest of the media and so promote (more or less subtle) for the pigeon sport.
pigeon racing in Germany. Institutional Strategy (Part 2) 
The interviews (see analysis section 1) have shown that conflict and lack of sociability are counted among breeders of the main problems for the pigeon sport. The main causes of the unrest between the breeders are issues that have to do directly with the tour events: the direction of travel decisions, Auflassentscheidungen, discussions of the advantages and disadvantages of geographical location and on travel plans.
are Naturally, this very conflict-pregnant "theme, but the question remains: Can you help here by structural changes to avoid conflicts?
I am of the opinion: Absolutely! The magic word is responsibility.
more responsibility A typical breeder who sends in the current structures his pigeons in a RV is subject to many constraints: First, the Association and the RegV given by Meisterschaftsmodi without coating results and finally the RV by their travel plan that weekly flights will be held, what distances these flights must have, and will be sent in the direction the pigeons.
Second, the breeder can reach almost every major championship only if he participates every week at flights this RV. Therefore, a breeder is still not truly free in his decision to put his pigeons on a competition flight, or not, because he risks in most championships losing the fruits of the season. For this important reason, feel the farmers forced the stronger / betrayed / damaged when flights do not run optimally.
If there is a very tough flight, although for this weekend before, not the ideal weather was reported, the Auflassleiter Guilt. Blows a very strong west wind, which the breeders in the west of RegV leaves little chance, the great flight Stupid community debt. Takes a 200 km Mitwindflug bankruptcy only 4 minutes, are too many of these stupid short tours itinerary. is drawn out of the bankruptcy case of a 600km flight over two hours, or possibly stay in this particular animals, are too many long tours itinerary. If the needed 600 just on a hot weekend, the fixed date in the itinerary debt. Moreover, the association is of course always to be found among these culprits! There are enough reasons to dispute a season.
could
Two important paradigm shift here contribute significantly to defusing the conflict:
1) Every breeder shall send to each RV (every club) its environment, where it wants. If desired, simultaneously in several RVen on a weekend. For all championships across the RV level (club level) should the breeder all-won results of all air shows in the standings bring satisfying to defining minimum requirements for growers count and maximum geographical extent of the price list the area (see below).
2) There must be at the major championships at all levels results in the string modes, so that today's force, each week a Flights to participate must cease to exist, remains .
now has the individual breeder to choose whether he wants to suspend one or the other flight eventually, since it the weather on the weekend, some feel uncomfortable. Is he still, it's his decision and his responsibility. His attack against the Auflassleitung will have to be mild, because he is conscious of its responsibility. And if he stinks, then it sends containing even a few flights with another club.
not Like a breeder of the travel plan of their own RV, so he can create himself through the use of flights from other clubs "your" itinerary. He can make as a travel program for its Pigeons define that his taste is closest. Who wants to do without 600 sent on that same weekend, the 400 neighbor-RV who like to send more than 600 km, seeks just a few such flights together around him. Anyone with south-east is not satisfied, just for a flight operators, the Southwest offers.
The consequences of this paradigm shift can be imagined from the perspective of the current system out may be difficult, but one thing is immediately apparent: The far greater autonomy of each breeder for his personal travel itinerary would some of these central points of conflict defused be. Finally, through the direct competition among different RVen and clubs to each other to try all of these suppliers to be more attractive than those published in their neighborhood. Whether through internal Meisterschaftsmodi attractive, whether through a more pleasant environment, such as barbecue and beer bar.
Here some things are possible. Providers with good "benefits" are gaining participants, the worse lose participants and do exercise more, or they disappear from the scene.
By attractive internal championships of the respective organizers try to bind the individual breeders regularly in itself. Increasing the attractiveness of the offer would be overall result. And that could be beneficial for the development of the pigeon sport. To the critics critics may argue that in some parts of Germany today is hardly possible to provide a single zip on the legs, and that therefore there is hardly to the discussed options will come. Now available in all areas where farmers leave today already at the end of the season, the RV and move to a neighboring zip, obviously existed choices. If in some areas, but currently there is no choice, that does not preclude the growth of options would, if here would come the "free choice". Forced paralyzes and freedom arouses unexpected powers, this is nothing new. And when left still remain areas in which no choice possibilities, then so be it. Against the low density breeding in these areas can not approach directly accomplish something here and be a cure! This fact may not be a pretext for a stop.
Another objection might be that would eventually collapse under the "competitive pressure" single RVen altogether because they may also lose their last breeder. If it then so then this RV was not attractive enough. It makes no sustainable Sense of an unattractive RV by constraints keep alive artificially. Breeders who are dissatisfied then hear just completely on the pigeon racing, but not preserved these "unattractive" RV.
a "breakdown" of an RV for cost reasons, would also take place not when (as in "Institutional Strategy Part 1") proposes to hold the RVen not own Kabi more, but book only Kabi capacity with a comprehensive transportation organization.
Additional positive effects addition to the reduction of disputes by strengthening the freedom of choice and the responsibility of each individual breeder and increase the attractiveness of the offer would offer these two paradigm shift additional positive effects, the other previously mentioned current problems of the deaf sport would defuse.
Above all, here is the enormous flexibility mentioned, which would thus become a breeder. It could for example expose even two weekends in order to take a vacation with the family and then make up two necessary results for the 400 RegV middle distance championship in one weekend at two events. A major obstacle especially for the younger breeders might be eliminated. Finally, roughly 1/3tel of the surveyed farmers problems with the scheduling constraints of today's travel system!
also animal welfare could likely be accommodated, if the individual farmers freely than hitherto on a bet the animals decides, depending on the weather or the form of animals, and the distances he would expect his pigeons, because he just knows best.
The "collective shipments" of the parent organization of transport, it would also become a geordeteren Auflassgeschehen on the weekends than it is today. For example, a transfer to Würzburg pigeons of clubs from Munster to take up casting. Some use it as a 150km flight, other than 300km flight. But ultimately, is behind the various price lists of individual providers, a common conveyance, which would be easy to coordinate with the other Sammelauflässen the weekend and is due to the increased pigeons number good training and selection criteria to the pigeons, although the price list of the individual operator after any Breeders only a few hundred animals / includes dozens.
restrictions It is clear that must be defined in such a system of freedom but standards for the validity of price lists. It should particularly defined limits of the maximum geographic extent of a price list be because a very large price list area would otherwise be too sensitive to weather and the results would therefore very distorted (see the article "Location and wind" in the blog).
It should be noted here that the present situation, will be made in the approval of price lists only to minimum numbers and pigeon breeder's figures are too high approval limits very counterproductive. For by breeders in poor areas, the breeder of a large area to be forced into a price list, which is then justified by its own weather dependent sports can hardly be. One limitation of the "geographic expansion" of a price list from a sporting View, a higher priority than the minimum number or minimum pigeon breeder number .
In addition, it is so that both the RegVs, and the Association would retain the definition of single parent championships important driving force in the hand, despite all the freedoms of the breeder. Thus, for example, by championship conditions in which counted for various clubs on the same day only as different flights would if they had different Auflassorte, uncontrolled and specifically any "double" of a flight can be prevented by a Auflassort through the use of different providers. Could also be set for example by a mode for an all-around championship an incentive to continue to feed all possible distances.
Nevertheless more freedom of choice and personal responsibility for the breeders would be a key to conflict avoidance, scheduling flexibility and increase the attractiveness of the flights on offer, and thus an important step towards the preservation of the pigeon sport .
pigeon racing in Germany. Institutional Strategy (Part 1) 
In recent years much has changed in the German pigeon racing. There have been redesigned districts and county boards to regional associations, and there were championship conditions and minimum conditions of flights almost on a yearly basis discussed and changed. But it has to me seems that all these changes have been aimed at preserving the sport of pigeon racing in Germany from further decay, but were detailed solutions to any detailed issues.
The oldest bird on our shock is currently 17 years old, and when I look at it as, I get sad. could be because it makes me very thoughtful that youngsters will I grow 2009 if they reach his age, probably still experience the end of the pigeon sport in Germany if we do not address the fundamental problems quickly and effectively!
All future measures must be subordinated to an existential goal: sustainable attract new members to the pigeon racing .
For if it once is not enough members for the travel business, then the mode of the German Cup, the minimum size of price lists, the question of whether there will find a carrier pigeon exhibition in Dortmund and Kassel was or how high the association contribution may be, .. . unnecessary. The analysis (see Part 2) has shown that such a membership situation is inevitable, if not practically non-controlled immediately. For the traditional route through which the pigeon fanciers to pigeon breeders were, namely, the "father to son," works for decades no longer, and a collection of varieties of the group finds more than 40 years instead of almost, even though just had this age group the best conditions: family planning and career is in the bag, often already acquired property and finances are not so tense, as in a 20-30 year-olds.
, the analysis also demonstrated that there are huge obstacles for someone who wants to do with our wonderful hobby:
- very high running costs, but especially very high start-up costs for new start
- Strong unrest and frequent quarrels among the farmers
- Organizational problems the weekly duty to price flights
cost reduction to the breeder page Most of the costs incurred on the side of the breeder is directly dependent on the number of kept pigeons: the cost of the food, extra feed, vaccinations, treatments, the necessary size of the strike ...
a sustainable cost reductions on the part of farmers is therefore accessible only via a reduction in stock size, which is necessary for the effective performance of the pigeon sport, .
is often mentioned here as a counter argument, but everyone that much one way or could be as little pigeons, as he wants, and should expose the breeders there any compulsion. This is my own opinion of course! But it will see that there are currently almost a compulsion to large stocks! All championships, where the X best birds / female / age ... of a shock to obtain the championships include, give breeders with large herds of a systematic advantage, this is out of question. And they make up almost all of the majority of breeders relevant Championships (especially the typical RV Meisterschaftsmodi).
If I start to pigeon racing, I would have chances to Championships or I could also breed pigeons. I address myself to a winter population of only 40 pigeons, now I know almost immediately, so that I may be very difficult, if anything can be RV-master, as long as there get the top 5 birds of a blow in the standings. For there will also compete farmers who bring their own already 40 widower at the start.
for pigeons with high numbers in the price list shows a finer grading of AS-points so that an attractive price lists with large numbers of pigeons top breeders, since there are four top prices often higher scores can be collected. The "Olympics formula" to calculate the points for participation entitled to Olympics, favored large pigeon numbers. Thus have we summarize
currently in Germany without doubt a strong incentive to place large numbers doves, pigeons and large numbers gathered in price lists. I personally am over large pigeon numbers on a flight, it gives me a little more the feeling of having to compete against large competitors. But we must not forget that the large number of pigeons determines the competition, but the underlying number of breeders. Because if for example, 20 farmers are represented in a Preislise, there are 20 competitors, no matter whether any breeder set in section 10 or 30 pigeons pigeons added. However, see the Price list of 600 pigeons from optically better than the price list of 200 pigeons.
by these thinkers, we need to get away without fail! not the number of pigeons in Germany will secure our future, but the number of breeders in Germany. cost reduction on the part of the breeder says always reduce the size of the stock necessary to success! Critics love, I know what you're thinking, but about money basket, I will later comment was left of me, fail to take it! In order to reduce
the hurdle for developing new varieties and to as many breeders the successful execution of our existing Hobbies enable financially in the future, must urgently at all levels existing incentive system for large stocks of pigeons and their systematic CEDAW be narrowed Championships. In all Championships must also traveling with 10 pigeon breeders similar opportunities for the achievement of each championship, have pigeon breeders like traveling with 100! I personally think this paradigm shift for the core of a successful strategy for the future!
also allows a smaller inventory and a lot more people on their land for a (short) beat build. For here today to restrict a local Development plans, have become smaller land parcels and the current judgments dramatically in relation to the exercise of stock sizes to intolerable possibilities of a pigeon sport. And to these changes (especially in urban areas) of pigeon racing and today, does not respond.
Let's remember at this point but also one about how "great" the stocks of most growers in the '50s and '60s were when the pigeon sport experienced a huge boom?
cost reduction on the part of RVen In connection with a discussion of pigeon numbers reflex repeatedly cited the basket of money as an argument. It has now internalized by the breeders so strong that pigeons less mean on a flight a higher basket of money they conclude, that fact is to be equated with higher travel costs per year. Let me be very clear: that 's stupid! WHICH IS NOT SO CLEARLY!
Travel costs are a breeder or less its share of the travel costs of his RV. These costs are mainly a RV of fixed factors (such as depreciation of the cabbage, insurance, driver ,...) from Entgeld. And the most important non-fixed costs depend on the driving distance of the cabbage. There is no cost of RV, fall with an increasing number of pigeons were transported! A high number of transporting pigeons never lowers the cost of a RV! Rather, the costs increase by even , as by a higher weight consumed the cabin more fuel, it will need more food, cleaning takes longer for a flight, they need more boards, increase the vehicle could wear, ...
All costs of RV must be worn by members of an RV. This means the amount of the share of a single breeder in the cost of RV depends primarily on the number of farmers into an RV, not the number of pigeons . This Breeders to put more pigeons, a higher share of these costs take the money basket was introduced as an allocation of costs per pigeon. So, if all breeders send fewer pigeons would change the worst case, this allocation formula, but not the average costs of the breeder.
I hope it has arrived at last and the last reader of these lines, for that time and again by leaders in the RVen, RegVs and the Association cited "basket money financing" argument when it comes to the highest possible pigeon numbers argue , makes me almost despair, as there is any logic bar!
When the Distribution of the costs of an RV also continue to make NOW LIKE that farmers with larger herds have a larger share of the cost is zip, nothing in the way. Alternative to a deaf-related basket money could, however, the number of issued association rings, the size of the winter stock or other criteria are used. Here imagination is called for, but not stubborn clinging to old practices that are a fundamental renewal in the way!
It is up already become clear: the largest single cost of an RV is created by our own Kabi. I do not want to know how many of the disputes among farmers, between and within RVen RegVs it is due to the RVen try somehow reinzubekommen the costs of their own Kabi. As farmers who switch to an RV assets (monetary system objects), there are travel plans to the existence question for RVen.
The trip cost shares of the breeders to the cost of RVen have already been several hundred € / year. To reduce costs to the breeders page is therefore imperative to reduce costs on the side of RVen. In the medium term, the development of membership in the RVen anyway not allow more that RVen also each maintain their own Kabi. The sooner we realize this and find a cheaper form of organization the better it is for the pigeon sport.
In many other countries (eg Netherlands, Belgium, Austria), we find good examples of how to do it a lot cheaper: the transportation of pigeons is organized and funded across. The RVen (clubs) are there a summary of their pigeon breeders used together, but they are no longer a collection of breeders who have to finance their own mandatory Kabi. Would
of an overarching organization Kabi transport capacity made available, and different RVen would book a transportation contingent in that organization would have several advantages. The Transport organization can make several in a RVen Kabi for a much better utilization of the cabbage. And this is the key to cost reduction is: Maximum use of cabbage!
dignity in addition to such a transport organization as Solidarity Pact of all breeders in a region or even the best understood throughout Germany, could mean transportation costs to be everywhere the same. This could contribute to the self-accelerating decline of transport costs by exploding pigeon sport in breeding poor areas receive.
would also travel through similar in the different RVen the "War of the members," currently taking place between some RVen (see different Honorable court on § 10 of the Articles of Association to stop).
a disadvantage, some readers are sure to cite the loss of cherished independence in the above procedure. But first, those of self RVen is already no longer can survive very long, and the formation of larger transport communities interpret the above development even today already. Second, this independence has led to today auflässt any RV behind another bush. Cruising swarms are always (as in this travel year noted particularly painful) was responsible for very serious flight paths. There was even an extra Association Commission established to stem this proliferation of Auflässen and Auflassorten and coordinate. A step in the above direction would help so several problems simultaneously, to decrease. Further cost reduction for beginners Not only the running costs, but especially the start-up costs for new starters today are problematic. If we do our homework, so it is appealing again to start with a small doves stands as well so it is still real chances for championships, we can facilitate the launch of a new breed down significantly by an additional launch costs can reduce.
Possible support are here:
1) collection of working order, second-hand equipment ascertaining numerical and impact within a regional association, which is then provided new breeding cost / free of charge for a fresh start is available. Because, unfortunately, always strikes are resolved and sports fans are dying, will decrease the amount of this used equipment tend to take place. In particular, potential new varieties with low funding (and this need not always be young people only!) Could thus be a start much easier. The central collection of the "Parks for used equipment" for newcomers to our sport has the advantage that there is an existing permanent focal point on this issue. This service on potential new variety can then also apply accordingly and make public. Would be the image to start with the pigeon sport, would work against very expensive, effective!
2) could be for a small winter population of 40 pigeons as surely a kind of "PEOPLE'S SHOCK 'construct. This could be produced cheaply especially if the association as a parent organization that blow in the form of a starter package (for example, along with checklists and tools, such as building applications, permits and drawings for an information brochure with basic knowledge about the successful exercise of the pigeon sport) applies and "marketed" . For thus could be deducted correspondingly large quantities. But it is important that these "people's strike" must make a successful and growing travel. All the necessary elements for the effective performance of the pigeon sport must be represented in shock. And he must be flexible openable (because small) are . One round of very experienced top breeders and impact manufacturers you should definitely develop a very good concept!
With such people, so refer the necessary investment in the first blow would be possible low turn out. And through accompanying measures, such as help with planning and approval of the shock and about basic rights like the attitude of the pigeons could, the initial hurdle for new breeding stock to be reduced drastically!
pigeon racing in Germany. Analysis (Part 2) In the previous part I discussed the results of a survey that asked about the biggest obstacles to the pigeon sport. Two important aspects of this survey, I Moeche again highlight detail. First, almost 41% of the high costs reported in the performance of the pigeon sport, the other nearly 51% referred to the age structure as a major obstacle.
If the Pigeon racing (too) expensive? Almost always, when talking about the pigeon sport in this day and age, is also referred to the "high cost" to help us make this hobby. In order not simply to repeat Oftgenanntes but to try to quantify the situation so that appropriate approaches can be identified for change, I asked more detailed.
give How much do we really pigeon breeder for a year like this for our pigeons? Since the stocks are very different and also vary strongly seasonal, was asked about the spending, which could per pigeon, which overwinters, is currently paid. Since a large part today's cost items actually held the proportion of derAnzahl pigeons depends (basket funds, food, products, injections, rings should ,...), electronic rings allow the result of approximate indicator of the actual monthly cost of our hobby.
If we assume an average herd size of 80 animals in the winter type, about 20% of farmers not more than 100 € per month (1200 € / year) as the running costs of their pigeons. 100, - € per month is roughly equivalent to a 700 km trip by car, or a pack of cigarettes every two days. pigeon racing, even in a cost-reduced version is not free, but safe for the majority of the population currently affordable. It is also found that it is basically made possible to meet with a small amount realtiv the running costs of our hobby.
The fact that 80% of respondents spend significantly more (roughly 45%, even more than double) for our hobby monthly shows also that there is still a willingness to pay exists under the existing breeders for their hobby, the part well above the minimum of roughly 100, - € per month is out. Comparing the current operating costs for the pigeon racing with the cost of other hobbies (such as skiing, Tennis, surfing, a more expensive car or ,....), one considers the prices, the pigeons on average achieved in auctions, it is clear that costs are in the discussion about the future of our hobby certainly relevant. The running costs can not be objectively considered the main reason for the current and his misery-emerging members.
secure the current discussion about a possible increase in the association dues to 23,50 € per year, of course, if the cause was negligence of those responsible for this are (what I can afford but no appeal, and that not even want to). But is this discussion on € 23.50 in the face of what farmers actually spend per year for their pigeons, laughable. A fortiori, then even more serious consequences are discussed, such as "you do not need a dressing," or "you'll be tuned by the pigeon sport." Causes for the latter are certainly deeper than being grounded in additional € 23.50!
Still, researchers in economics have shown that losing money hurts twice more to get than money makes you happy. The subjective effect of costs to member development, particularly through the last bit, "the last straw for a breeder brings, "must not be underestimated.
This also shows a further survey, in which it was explicitly asked whether the respondents pigeon racing can still afford.
coarse 1/10th of all respondents answered here "barely apply" or "no longer apply." coarse 1/3tel the breeder said they can only raise the money with restrictions (collectively, so roughly 44%, a validity confirmation of the number of over 41% in the first part . described survey)
So there is no doubt Even when in the operating expenses of the individual breeder is not currently very critical area, must include a concept for the future approaches to the systemic reduction of the running costs of the pigeon sport!
addition the running costs come in addition to a potential new breed indeed substantial capital costs of about 3,000-10,000, - € to which they are to invest primarily for strokes, stroke facilities Konstatierequipment and pigeons. This MUST Einstiegsshürde by a future concept can also be reduced, otherwise the acquisition of new breeders actually fail because of the relatively high initial cost of our hobby!
And last not least, the cost situation of RVen an already acute critical issue. By huge decline in live many members RVen currently only individual from the substance or private patrons. A collapse of these structures is necessary today even at large purchases (such as a new Kabi) barely avoid yet. A future approach must therefore also promote financially sustainable structures to ensure affordable in the future to organize small units of the pigeon racing . As we were pigeon breeder? with a consideration of the age structure of the members present always the consequent, the expected dramatic decline in membership in the next commit years to see. When talking about this strong loss of members, must be spoken in the same course on ways of recruiting. And especially in answering this question it is very important to understand first of all, as the current members are actually come to pigeon racing.
If we look at how long today's pigeon fanciers have their own shock and independently travel is clear that all breeders are grossly 2/3tel before 20 Age found for pigeon racing. They are thus likely to become the family home, which already existed pigeons. have an age beyond 40 years however, only roughly 6% of new start with the pigeon sport. This result is to be described in the context of today's age structure in the RVen just as devastating!
As we see today in almost any RV more than a young farmers under 20 years and very few under 40, and were as yet virtually never won more than 40 years for our hobby, as this survey shows mean these figures do not less, than that our hobby in around 20 (maximum 30) years is completely gone . For the still remaining potentially 1000-2000 breeders can not distribute Germany races or target more of the same!
who currently accessible nor the opinion is that the pigeon sport in Germany will change though in the future, we will probably go a little further, but need that he will still continue to exist, must understand that this is not so.
is the pigeon racing will cease to exist if we lose out new ways to establish the new members beyond the traditional "from father to son" also , as does this traditional method of recruitment not been around 20 years. These are facts! to create new members and the most favorable conditions for developing new varieties MUST therefore be central elements of a future concept, where everything else is subordinate.
Is there hope? But there are even very legitimate hope of winning future for our hobby breeder. First was the result of the poll "Would you start again with racing pigeons?" That roughly 85% of respondents would start in the future of this hobby.
This value is classified as very high, as already specified above roughly 44%, to suffer the costs, and in each case roughly 50% too much controversy and too little seen socializing in the breeders! The explanation for this high value of this survey provides the same with: Pigeons do almost "addicted"! About 36% of respondents said they regard a re-start would be skeptical, but that they would probably not get rid of the pigeons.
In another survey of farmers who had already once quit racing pigeons were asked when they started again with the pigeons, showed a very similar course as in the poll after the age of onset, offset only just a few years. This shows who once had pigeons begins generally after 5 to 10 years on it. Such breaks in the Breeders life are not unusual, since roughly 60% of all respondents (77 out of 132) responded to the survey, which of course only to those breeders taught, which had already interrupted the hobby again.
A future concept should thus review the recruitment in people who previously had contact with include doves, because there a particularly fertile ground for the idea, to keep racing pigeons exist. And the number of these and other persons who would be possibly attached to the pigeon sport, not just low is indicated, then a further survey very clearly.
When asked how many people know that those who could move realistically to pigeon racing, although grossly 2/3tel responded with "anyone". But 1/3tel knew one to three persons of this kind
For these figures, a potential of roughly 70 to 100 potential new variety would respondents! An enormous value. Even if one considers that perhaps the older breeders generation (which participated in the survey represents only strong) would know fewer people, and had some respondents may one and the same person in mind and we therefore share the value referred to thus, for example by three would, however, would result in an already well-known potential of roughly 6500 potential obtained by the appropriate member of acquisitions policies to it (again) could motivate them to breed pigeons.
In , there is always a hidden potential that we have not seen PERMIT, and would be felt only if we actively look for new breeders.
It is the enormous charm of the creature pigeon that can save us! On top of that love of animals has always sells. Even today, the purchasing power significantly higher than during the boom of the pigeon sport. In addition, the Home Ownership rate (in / on rental property is rarely possible Pigeon Pose) is higher than it was then, and the amount of leisure time has decreased in recent decades also more likely to take place. It should therefore be seen objectively possible to reverse the decline. So bad are the conditions at least not for that.
basic requirement is that the future is shaped active, and we look pigeon breeders do not paralyzed in the line and give us in our otherwise foreseeable fate.
concrete ideas as possible parts of a future concept, I would try to develop in the next few posts.
Pigeon racing in Germany. Analysis (Part 1) goes to the pigeon sport in Germany is not just good. He is a sick patient, and his suffering is certainly more complex nature. But how serious it actually is? What he suffers in detail, and is the decay process stop? As a breeder who like to decades of this fascinating hobby wishes to pursue and as a person who believes in the power of good ideas, I would like to try to get closer to the subject.
First of all I would like an analysis of the status quo try to perform. www.internet In the forum of the popular internet site -taubenschlag.de I had started in the summer of 2008 to this end, various surveys.
Forum is regularly attended by hundreds of growers. The age structure of these visitors, of course, not equivalent to a representative cross-section of the breeders. In a poll of 28.01.2008 showed that there are roughly 1/10th of the forum participants in the age of retirement, whereas even 1/3tel the Forum participants under 40 years young. This represents certainly not the age structure of the breeders and therefore can be considered in the assessment of the later surveys. Nevertheless, this composition represents relatively well the clientele of the younger farmers, which the next decades of pigeon sport are aligned as they are the breeders of the next 10 to 20 years. Another poll showed
from 30.01.2008 also that about half of this forum visiting breeders to breeders is playing better. Anyway, they said they are among the best 10% in their RV. This is also in the assessment of the following surveys to be observed and if necessary in the interpretation be included.
On some remarkable results, I would like to refer here first.
Why do we breed pigeons? To develop ideas on how we can stop the loss of members, is the answer to this trivial question of fundamental importance. It is also important to highlight why some of us think no more pigeons, and what the impediments and obstacles have been present here. Much has been written to secure elsewhere and have been speculated. However, the direct survey has provided some important additional aspects.
(is clickable for larger image shown) 
The results of this survey (multiple answers were allowed) is remarkably similar in several respects:
1) rough grow 80% of respondents pigeons because of the fascination of these unique creatures. So it's the love for these animals that has left a very wide margin all the other reasons behind it. In particular, this love of animals must, therefore, a future strategy based .
2) The second most mentioned item is called the "diversion" with and among the pigeons. In other words, "hang on the beat, the soul", ie the relaxation which we carry through the these animals, has an enormously high value. to breed
3) The demanding task very good pigeons, was named as the third most common reason.
Thus by far the greater number of respondents reasons have been given that have nothing directly to do with Meisterschaftsmodi, travel directions, or organization. But precisely these areas seemed to talk about the future of the pigeon sport to focus now.
is clear that significant structural problems to be solved and that there really needs a significant adjustment. But the changes must Meisterschaftsmodi the tour events and the organizational forms based solely on the goal to get the pigeon sport, and should not be an end in itself! Because for all that may the basic motivation for our wonderful hobby will not be lost sight of: the dove!
's addition as a result of this survey important to that the repeated "negative" images, which are subordinate to many sports fans in the exercise of the pigeon sport, namely the intention of always "wanting to make money with doves and ambition no significant role in the stated motivations play . Although roughly 1/5th of the respondents were to keep pigeons, to be masters do, but this is a remarkably low Value when you consider that half of the surveyed farmers are even to the more successful breeders of RVen. The less successful ones will certainly lead to any higher percentage than most would motivation.
As a consequence, it would be discussing the future of the pigeon sport that is very useful if all the participants with allegations of how, if it were indeed only the vested interests of some top people or about commerce, hold back and would deal exclusively with the situation the actual problems would confront.
And so we're already talking about when asked about the barriers and obstacles to the pigeon sport.
What are the current obstacles? 
Again, respondents could give multiple reasons. Particularly striking is, first, that accounted for 7 of 10 reasons given significant share of the vote. This illustrates the great uncertainty in the breeders, which looks very many different reasons and the resulting probably felt a certain helplessness. Maybe this provides an explanation for the unexplained halt in the reform of the pigeon sport and doing without watching his decline.
The age of the breeders was expected, as the most common Reason for the misery called every breeder finally this development week by week in front of his eyes. But far more remarkable is the fact that the points "waning sense of community" and "dispute among breeders" are each roughly 50% called almost as frequent. Even from this survey revealed that farmers prefer their pigeons, as sociable with breeder colleagues sit together, but here is an important core of the problem very clearly:
are too many points are where the exercise of the pigeon sport controversy among breeders can occur in a RV. The breeders are, of course with each other in competition. And that this results in a tension structure is certainly normal. But the severity and frequency with which this is currently being fought among themselves, is very striking. This I have re-entrants in the pigeon racing have already experienced very tolerable, and this feels a lot of the breeders as well obviously. will have
A future strategy to be successful, must address these disputes. Since, as parents know, can not resolve any dispute, alternative and "the capture of each toy, about the 'Children' quarrel" be considered.
The point of high stress time was called with roughly 45% as the fourth most abundant. This is against the background of the part but relatively young farmers who took part in the polls, also no surprise. It shows just how much fight in particular, just the breeders that mean the future for the pigeon sport, with the current form of organization.
This was also in another survey ("How good is the season shaping up with weekly flights to be done?") Very clearly. In this case, gave 34% (1/3tel!) Of all respondents answers that ranged from "only feasible with limitations" to "not feasible".
How will the pigeon racing Young and new selections win if have among the younger breeders 1/3tel time problems with the current form of organization? A future approach must also find a solution. The interests of the younger / newer breeders must be secondary to the structural majority of the older generation of farmers not only maintain, but if need be enforced, otherwise there is no future! About majority decisions at the base will be here probably difficult to achieve change, precisely because of the structural minority of affected younger generation breeder!
The point of the "financial burden" was also mentioned by roughly 40% very often. This is not surprising when one considers the sheer development of food prices in 2007. Nevertheless, this point must be considered in more detail what will happen in a later section.
What is argued so often? come to To the causes of the disputes among the farmers closer was asked in a supplementary survey of the causes and issues on the breaks so much strife and unrest.
It is clear that a plan to secure the future of the pigeon sport can settle any dispute. Especially since, as the results of this survey show the gross 1/3tel disputes probably have a purely personal reasons or for outsiders simply do not understand. is however remarkable that farmers with each other pretty well argue about everything, but not about breeding and methods of travel! So just what is actually the subject of the pigeon sport is not the subject of disputes. The legitimate reason for hope that this is not an intrinsic problem pigeon racing!
addition is very striking that all other major points of contention beyond the disputes arising from success and failure of breeders (and it certainly is in any sport, since there will always be winners and losers), are based on things that based on the organization of the tour events: "Location and their advantages and disadvantages," "change of direction / direction of travel," Auflassentscheidungen "and" Travel Plan "
words in a reformation of the tour events and points of some of these disputes are prevented or at least mitigate!
dispute between parties arises whenever a group is affected by a situation / decision, and with another group for this situation / decision-making responsibility. A key to defusing some conflict could therefore certainly be a redistribution of responsibilities .
in defusing the conflict point "Location and the resulting advantages and disadvantages," it makes sense not to ask any championship philosophy to the forefront of a solution, but to orient themselves to the objectively existing physical dependencies that this problem is based, (see my blog post "The location and the Wind").
An uncertain journey These are turbulent times in those days. A year ago, the housing bubble burst in the U.S., which went as low CARRIED that we are here in Germany is not heard (the Americans have even heard the bang, first barely). But in recent weeks about the proposed events, the first banks went bust, stock markets weakened, then more banks went bust, the stock market crashed. Finally, the small risk of national bankruptcy Iceland, even the largest banks are in crisis and stock markets around the globe daily fall eight days in a row, more than ever before in its history. The world economy is facing a global crisis.
find amazing and I found in the events, but how long it took until foreseeable causes of the avalanche developed, which has now developed such violence that they can barely stay. Yes I write "foreseeable". Not because I am Cassandra Uri Geller, or think. No, since 2003, is discussed in the financial world that the debt of American consumers is too high that the housing market and the leasing of real estate there, experiencing a huge exaggeration, and that this all would not be without serious consequences for the world economy. has popped up there, it really has even lasted much longer than many had expected. Even so long that they had already forgotten that there is some huge wrong.
What do the current crisis in the financial centers with the pigeon racing? Well, maybe not much substance, except that the pigeon food finally cheaper is because the commodity prices fall dramatically. But the dramatic turn of events is derived, in my view a very dramatic consequences on the pigeon racing in Germany:
Also in the pigeon sport, we have known for years, serious for some structural and content problems, but we have to have so much of this image of empty transports pigeons, orphaned award ceremonies, and rising travel costs used to, that we have the avalanche that is brewing behind it no longer perceive or that we can simply look away.
But this avalanche is coming! And it will be there no state to help. This avalanche is definitively "dead", call! And it is not unlikely that the pigeon sport itself is one of them.
What can we do? Much has been already discussed this subject, more often has been argued over. And as discussions about the direction of change shows wg. bird flu in 2007 and the possibly imminent drastic increase in the association fee of 6.50 € 30, - € is just the tip of the iceberg. But I am of the opinion that these discussions bring absolutely nothing, unless clear objectives are defined and until a clean analysis of the causes was conducted.
needs of pigeon racing in Germany, an overall strategy for the future, which sets clear goals and the causes into account. With individual solutions to individual problems, the overall problem to be solved. Meanwhile, I'm sure!
will in my next blog posts I therefore try to create an analysis of the situation, in order to try to follow to develop solutions.
But first:
The goals of a change in the German racing pigeons sport
1) sustainable conservation of the pigeon sport in Germany.
2) Continuous and sustained production of new breeders.
3) as far as possible preservation changes in the existing breeders, and building new structures.
4) creation of structures that are financially sustainable.
5) A clear structural and substantive confession of the pigeon sport to animal protection
6) improve public awareness and image of the pigeon sport in the public
These objectives certainly are nothing new, but I will in the following contributions always create both a guide and to refer to them. Especially the No. 1 goal should be to subordinate all animosities and traditions in the pigeon sport. For Objective 3, I would like to add that I am aware, "as far as possible Preservation, "wrote. For by the impossible desire of a" complete preservation "of existing breeders of which discussions and thoughts about change are completely paralyzed. That is not now and here is important for a successful strategy, but the right answers to the requirements of future!
I write this blog for just over 10 weeks. But a few days ago I discovered a contribution in correcting the system notice of Blogger.com, I would "release" a comment. So far it has escaped me completely, accumulate in the system where the votes reader comments. And it turned out that this comment is already waiting there a few weeks on its "release" from me. No wonder that I have no comments on my blog receive if the run up here and wait until a "release" from me, I thought. And so I was the first to comment on my blog, of course, pleased - for the moment. 
