11 / 36
SAHPA 2016 Year Book Page 11
Brian Lintern of Victor Harbor
Brian started with pigeons when his brother-in-law sold his house at Port Elliot and had
nowhere to put his pigeons and he talked Brian into building a loft. He says they spent many
nights out looking for lost pigeons when they were transferred. This was 1971. The Victor
Harbor Club was started in 1925 by Reg Solly.
He says the SAHPA new unit looks very
impressive. However, their club doesn’t have the
pre-paid system and they pay as they go.
New flyers don’t get enough help and the SAHPA
should be targeting them and seniors or semi-
retired people as he thinks they have more time
and this is an advantage. Brian says his wife
assists him a lot. The most critical aspect of
pigeon racing is getting the first bird home but he
is pleased if others do well with his birds. For the
future he has no particular goal – but would like
to win Alice Springs!
The Loft and Birds in General
Brian says when he built his loft the Council
insisted on 4 inch beams and concrete 4 inches
thick. When he pointed out his dairy had concrete
2 inches thick they quickly agreed to that. After
35 years the beams still look pretty solid but the
loft has seen better days - but can still clock
winners. The loft is 25 ft long by 7 ft wide and
divided into five sections. The trap is very basic drop wires with no electronic system. Face
the loft east if possible Brian says. The loft is cleaned regularly.
He says the fun of pigeon racing is watching them come home. Slow velocity winners are
preferred. There is no separation of hens and cocks and no particular method of motivation.
Distance and direction doesn’t matter to
him.
The best birds he has had over the years
have been from gifts although he has got
good birds from Greg Harris and the late
Lance Holdsworth and Jeff Stock. Brian
has his own team/family of pigeons and
doesn’t look for new birds. Not interested
in imports or eye sign. He can put a bird
straight into the stock loft without racing
or pedigree – just good confirmation.
Most important is the bird. Look for one
that is agile, trains well, feathers shine and
is itching to fly. Somehow the feathers
seem to part on the chest. He likes ten
feathers even in space and length.
For the beginner he says go to someone who is experienced, ask their advice, and take it. And
if they offer you a pigeon then take it – it will probably be a good one.
BRIAN KEEPS DETAILED RECORDS