Leg Band Covers

[TerriB]

I'm curious about an item I noticed in JEDDS catalog - leg band covers ("Simply clip over the leg ring to hide the number from view."). Please pardon my ignorance, but why would you want to do that? Thanks!

[Pigeonpal2002]

Hi Terri,

I'm just guessing here, but maybe it's to prevent the numbers from getting caked with poop and easy to read when desired?

[WhiteWingsCa]

Actually, it has to do with cheating on races..... LOL

The only time I've ever personally seen this done is when we entered birds in a "one loft race" (youngsters from all over are sent to one loft, and trained and raced from there).

The band numbers were covered, so that no one could accuse the loft manager of 'playing favourites' -- he would not be able to identify any of the birds by their band numbers......

I would imagine that they would also have a use in races when the birds are held overnight in racing release trucks. I've heard stories of cheating happening on the big money races in the past -- where the trucker and the flier make a 'deal' to cheat - and split the winnings. The 'winning' birds can be released earlier than the rest -- and other methods, too detailed to go into right now.... but at least it explains these!

[Pigeonpal2002]

Hi Whitewings,


Glad you knew cuz I sure didn't, I was only guessing and my guess was SO far off, hehehehehehee. You're a real "seasoned" pro in the pigeon community

[TerriB]

Brad,
Keeping the poop off was my first thought, too!

Thanks for the information, White Wings. Pretty smart way to deal with the potential problem.

[Jiggs]

I do know that at the covering at the Sun City million dollar race is done very carefully as to prevent any discrepancies on training and the like.
Pity that people would stoop so low.
Now horseracing - many rumours flying (escuse the pun) around there.