By PETER SCHELDEN

After neighbors raised a flap over early morning bird noises, a Laguna Niguel pet owner has a tough choice to make.

Wei Lu will have 10 days to get rid of about 50 pigeons in his back yard or face a lawsuit after receiving a formal complaint from his homeowners' association. The homeowner says if he does not fight the complaint in court, he will be forced to kill the birds as the specially-bred racing pigeons are trained to return to his back yard.

Lu said he has spent thousands on his pigeons, but the birds that normally coo softly get noisier in the morning, waking up neighbors Tim and Michelle Quintanilla, according to the couple's attorney Deron Colby.

"At four or five in the morning, these pigeons start to make a considerable amount of noise," Colby said. "The pigeons were and still are waking up my clients with their pigeon noises."

Three other neighbors signed statements that they were never bothered by the birds.

The Seagate Niguel Homeowners Association board, staffed by the Seabreeze Management Company, Inc., held a private vote, possibly on Tuesday, against Lu. The board refused to name its members and refused a request for comment for this story. A reporter was removed from the meeting.

At age 8, Lu was introduced to racing pigeons by family friends in his native Shanghai. His father died when he was 15, leaving Lu and his mother in poverty. They moved to live with his grandmother in the United States in 1991 when Lu was 17 years old.

Lu spent $4,000 in Sept. 2009 to build a loft for 12 pigeons in his back yard. In October, he got a call from Michelle Quintanilla who said the birds were too close to her home. Lu said he spent another $2,000 to move the loft further from Quintanilla's home.

In November, the two parties agreed Lu would keep the adult pigeons in the garage. But Lu said that left 20 hatchlings outside to die of exposure. He took it hard.

"We like animals," Lu said. "I'm 38 years old and don't have kids, so our animals are like our kids."

But Colby said a deal is a deal. He said Lu knew he could not keep pigeons in his back yard based on his HOA's conditions, covenants and restrictions.

"He went back on that agreement and took the pigeons back out and said he wouldn't do anything about it," Colby said. "The maintenance of those pigeons is a clear violation of several provisions in the CC&Rs, which of course Mr. Lu was given when he bought his house."

On April 8, Mission Viejo Animal Services Center visited Lu's back yard and found no violations. They closed the case an hour later. Colby suggests the city's animal laws are antiquated, but Lu says this is evidence his birds are harmless.

From his lawyer's point of view, the homeowners' association owes Lu a visit to decide for itself if the birds are causing problems.

"No one from the homeowners' association has come to look at the house to determine if these complaints are true, or determine the veracity of them," Joseph Probst, a legal intern with Wang, Hartmann, Gibbs and Cauley who is representing Lu pro bono, said. "Nobody has approached Mr. Lu to hear his side of the story."

A representative from Seabreeze refused to answer how their homeowners' complaints are resolved, how the homeowners' association board is elected or any other questions about the case.

"I'm not going to answer any of your questions," Account Executive Seantell Moncayo said. "Thank you and have a nice day."

Like children

Like many pet owners, Lu thinks of his birds as his own children.

"Pigeons are the smartest birds," he said. "No matter how difficult, they do their best to come home."

He says he cleans the pigeon loft twice a day. Once a week he bleaches and vacuums it clean in accordance with the rules of the American Racing Pigeon Union, of which he is a member, he says.

On Friday afternoon, the pigeons cooed softly outside, about as loud as an aquarium bubbler in Lu's living room. The bird racer says he has come to know what the birds are saying by their noises.

"They want to talk," he said. "It's natural, like a person. Sometimes they get angry."

During mating season, Lu separates the male pigeons—cocks—from the female hens. The males made a distinct two-syllable coo.

"They're looking for the hen," he said. "Birds are like humans: one husband, one wife. They mate for life."

By Alex Cornella

The key to keeping racing pigeons in top form for the rigors of racing lies in using common sense in feeding and medicating them. William Blake said, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." No where is this observation more true when it comes to fanciers who blindly medicate their birds, not to mention feed them incorrectly. A little goes a long way and overmedicating or overfeeding is surely counterproductive. When healthy birds are overmedicated you run the potential risk of allergic reactions as well as suppressing, rather than stimulating, the immune system.

I have developed what I trust is a sensible approach to feeding and medicating based on research and experience over the years. My approach to feeding during race season is similar to the carbohydrate loading marathon runners employ. Your mileage may vary, but the approach I have laid out below has worked well for me.

The first season I used this system I raced only seven widowhood cocks with no training eight weeks in a row from one of the worst loft locations in the combine. I managed to win 6 combine diplomas and 2 diplomas in the North East Union Race against 3,000 - 4,000 birds at distances ranging from 150 miles to 400 miles (240 kilometers to 660 kilometers). Our shipping limit is 15, however some of the lofts I compete against fly two or three clubs and with partnerships fly from more than one loft, doubling, tripling and quadrupling the number of birds they enter in a given race.

To begin, I can only say read everything you can. There are a number of books on the market and periodicals from a number of countries with excellent information. However, you must discriminate between what is scientifically valid information and what is an old wives tale. Above all, always always always check the label for dosage directions. Some medications are designed for other animals such as pigs and you will not find dosage directions on the label. In this case, consult with one of the supply houses such as Jedds.com or http://www.siegelpigeons.com.

Regarding diet, the best thing I ever read was written by Dr. Gordon Chalmers, a Canadian veterinarian. Dr. Chalmers has since written several other articles that are also worth studying. His articles present a challenge in that they are not always easy to understand for the layman, but it will be well worth your time to glean the valuable information he shares. Read and re-read his articles. See http://www.pigeonnetwork.com/vetdirectory/vetusa/drgordonchalmers/dietarypart1.cfm

A Few Thoughts About Probiotics

Dr. Chalmers has also written about the use of probiotics for pigeons. For years humans have consumed tons of yogurt in the belief that the live microorganisms were good for your health. Probiotics are commonly consumed as part of fermented foods with specially added active live cultures; such as in yogurt, soy yogurt, or as dietary supplements such as acidophilus capsules.

He warns it is critical to purchase fresh yogurt with live cultures. Some researchers have found that 90% of the friendly bacteria are already dead by the time the yogurt is consumed.

Dr. Chalmers suggests using four slightly heaped teaspoons of yogurt per gallon - more if you want. Try less at first, as they may not like the taste, and then increase the amount in a few days as they get used to it. Using yogurt as an additive is a bit problematic. Trouble is most of the solids sink in a few minutes, so you must add the yogurt right at feeding time.

Dr. Chalmers encourages pigeon fanciers to invest in a probiotic derived from avian species, such as PrimaLac from Starr Labs. In addition to yogurt, you can buy acidophilus capsules from a health food store.

Worming

Worm monthly with Ivomec 1cc per bird
After birds return home from races, 5 or 6 ccs in 2 gallons of bath water will keep them clean of parasites they pick up in the race basket.

Two to Three Weeks Before Race Season

For Cocci & Canker

Sulmet (1 tablespoon per gal.) plus
Emtryl (1/3 teaspoon per gal) no longer available in the US. Medpet 4 in 1 may be subtituted
No vitamins
3 days

For Respiratory

Tylan (2 teaspoons per gal.) plus
Aureomycin or Teramycin (2 teaspoons per gal)
Doxyvet may be substituted for Tylan. Check the bottle for correct dosage
7 to 10 days
No grit

NOTES:

Emtryl & Baytril should be avoided during breeding season

Grit should be available at all times except when administering mycin antibiotics. Calcium neutralizes mycin antibiotics.

Above all, always always always check the label for dosage directions. Some medications are designed for other animals such as pigs and you will not find dosage directions on the label. In this case, consult with one of the supply houses such as Jedds.com or http://www.siegelpigeons.com.

Race Season

Sunday:

· Chopped fresh garlic cloves & fructose in water after the race
· High protein commercial feed mix

Monday:

· Dump water -- keeping fructose in water more than 24 hours encourages bacterial growth
· Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday for respiratory Tylan - 2 teaspoons per gallon, plus Aureomycin or Teramycin - 2 teaspoons per gallon (No grit - calcium neutralizes the antibiotics)
· Vitamins
· High protein feed
· Every other Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday for cocci and canker: Sulmet - 1 tablespoon per gallon Emtryl - 1/3 teaspoon per gallon (be sure to follow the directions); there are different kinds of Emtryl. No vitamins when using Sulmet or Emtryl. Medpet 4 In 1 may be substituted for Sulment and Emtryl.

Tuesday:

· Vitamins
· High protein commercial feed mix

Wednesday:

· Vitamins
· Substitute 1/3 high protein mix with low protein/high fat mix

Thursday:

· Clear water (additives make birds thirsty)
· Substitute 1/2 high protein mix with low protein/high fax mix

Friday:

· Clear water
· Low protein mix with with white rice and/or corn supplement

Saturday: (Shipping Day)

· Clear water
· Low protein mix with more rice and/or corn supplement
· Add more rice if weather is hot

Shipping Day Feeding

All they want for 30 minutes:        100 mile race - 10 A.M.
                                                      200 mile race - 11 A.M.
                                                      300 mile race - 12 Noon
                                                      400 mile race - 1 PM if race is next day release
                                                      400 mile + race - AM & PM (if 2-day ship)


Closing Thoughts

I try to keep my birds as natural as possible. Since I no longer race and rarely bring in outside birds, they have not been vaccinated for PMV in years. If you feel your flock is susceptible to PMV, I suggest you vaccinate.

Occasionally, when a new bird is introduced into a colony that has built up immunities, it may be exposed to new viruses or bacteria it has not been exposed to before. Usually, a healthy bird will adapt and develop immunities. However, in rare cases where disease is present in the new loft, the newcomer may become ill and start to lose weight even though the rest of the flock appears healthy.

About The Author:

Alex Cornella has been breeding and racing pigeons since 1958. He lives in Johnsonburg, N.J. USA on a 16-acre farm with his wife and two children where he raises German shepherd dogs, tomatoes and evergreen trees in addition to racing pigeons. Cornella has a small loft with 14 pair of breeders that produce 40 young birds each season. His many accomplishments include winning 1st in the Central Jersey Combine vs. 3013 young birds and 17th Northeast Union 4-State Race vs. 4,570 old birds. Cornella is particularly proud of what other lofts in other parts of the world have achieved with his pigeons. A partial list of the most notable wins include: 1st New England Open 500 miles (Massachusetts, USA), 1st Big Island Invitational Racing Pigeon Combine (Hawaii, USA), 1st Colombia Derby Nacional (South America), and 1st Little Belgium Challenge Race (Florida, USA). You may contact Cornella at cornellafamily@embarqmail.com

Joe Courson/Gazette correspondent

IRWIN COUNTY — Many people see pigeons flying around, landing in places too close for comfort. But Lamar Roberson doesn’t feel that way. He loves pigeons so much that he built a coop worthy of the Ritz Carlton endorsement.

Heartbreaks

He got his first pigeon at 8 years old; his father required the pet bird to live outside. It roosted near a porch swing, and one morning it was gone. He has no doubt a cat ate his prized possession.

Lamar’s children felt embarrassed to invite friends to visit because of so many farm animals. What was wrong in having a full grown turkey, guineas, ducks and goats, wondered Lamar. After all, they lived on a farm. He would spend years trying to reconcile his kids’ rejection.

Times Change

Interestingly, cats walk freely around his yard now as if ignoring the pigeons.

“I have an agreement with them (cats). If they leave them (pigeons) alone, I won’t kill them,” says Lamar.

So far, the agreement works. Cats and their kittens walk nearby; birds don’t seem to mind, but they keep an eye on the cats just in case they intend to break the agreement.

His Specialty

Lamar specializes in three breeds—the Japanese Fantail, the American Fantail and racing pigeons, what most people call homing pigeons or carrier pigeons. The Japanese Fantail has feathers down its leg and over the feet. The American Fantail and the Racing breeds don’t.

Ritz Carlton

Lamar and his son-in-law built a pigeon coop worthy of the Ritz Carlton name.

“You wouldn’t believe there are 200 birds that live in here, would you?” asked Lamar.

Two hundred fine, feathered friends living in the lap of luxury that few people, much less pigeons, get to experience.

The luxurious living arrangements can bring danger.

“We see snakes around here all the time, especially rattlesnakes. That’s why I cut the grass so short,” says Lamar, who believes the farm’s eight ponds entice them to slither a little ways for a meal only to get disappointed and maybe killed.

The pigeons live in a high-security area, as if designed to Secret Service specifications.

“We put snake-proof fence wire around the coop to guard the birds, babies and eggs,” says Lamar.

His devotion to the birds’ good life takes a lot of his attention, something he doesn’t mind giving at all often before sunrise and during the hot afternoons.

The pigeon lover washes the birds’ three watering dishes and adds fresh water at least twice a day; food available day and night.

They have a choice of sleeping arrangements. Some prefer the old-fashioned, incline boards traditionally found in chicken coops; others prefer the nearby "maternity ward" to lay their eggs and watch their newborns join the world.

Cruel Mothers

Occasionally, a mama pigeon senses something wrong with an egg and pushes it out of the nest.

“She must know the chick (inside) has a problem,” says Lamar.

Its mother finds out quickly, pushing the egg out of the nest if she senses something wrong. Often, Lamar comes along and rescues the rejected egg from a certain death.

“I’ve hand-raised this one, and that one, and that one,” says Lamar as he points to various birds that look quite healthy with no obvious birth defects.

Pigeon Training

Another coop, without all the security, gets as much of Lamar’s attention as his other one. Inside, about two dozen beautiful, white racing pigeons sit on boards as if at attention, their feathers as bright and pure as if they just flew in from heaven. He has big plans for them.

“I’m going to take them down the road a couple of miles and let them go and see if they find their way back home,” says Lamar.

He plans to test them with a short flying course a few times before a big challenge.

“I want to let some of them go in Ocilla and see if they find their way home. It’ll take them about 30 minutes to fly back,” says Lamar.

Then, Lamar wants to give the racing pigeons their freedom flying over an 800-acre farm whenever and wherever they want.

He hopes to work a deal with hunters to not shoot the special pigeons. Hopefully, they won’t.

Decision Time

Lamar started modestly with about a dozen pigeons, and they found life so good at his farm they reproduced like mad.

Something has got to change; he has only so much secure coop space. Will his emotional attachment allow him to sell some? Throw in the fact that one of his feathered friends is 15 years old, and it raises the question if he can part with them. Fortunately, he doesn’t have to make that decision yet, but it’s coming fast — much like a racing pigeon headed for home.

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MAN BARTERS 2009-MODEL CAR WITH 2 PIGEONS

Mr Halil Kabakçıoğlu, a pigeon lover, bartered his 2009-model Ford Focus with two pigeons at an auction at Pigeon Lovers Association in Nilüfer town of Bursa, western Turkey… .

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