CRC
News and Updates
May-16-2022
GOOD MORNING
Good Morning Breeders!
 
Birds are out enjoying a beautiful morning here at the loft.  We are finally getting some warm sunny weather.   I have been  working on trap designs and antenna placement to try and catch all the birds when the birds trap quickly, so inventories are not 100 percent correct.  I will get it all dialed in well before training starts.
 
Birds continue to do well and are starting to group up nicely with several groups starting to route.  I have one last group to settle and then all the birds will be together in the main flock. Hawks and falcons continue to be an issue, but I do my best to keep them at bay.
 
Congratulations to Daren Youngblood...his bird was able to clench the 400 mile race win yesterday!
400 Mile Race Results
 
 
Have a great week!
 
Lucas
--
Lucas Cramer
503-510-2661
 
Crooked River Challenge is a proud user of Primalac, Topigeon clocking system, and Ropa B
May-07-2022
INTAKE NOW CLOSED
Good Morning Breeders,
 
Cold, Wet, Windy.....Repeat :)  That is what this spring has been like for us here in Central Oregon.  Great weather for growing grass and adding to our snow in the mountains, so I am not complaining.  Settling birds in this weather isn't the greatest, so the birds have been having to stay locked up more than usual.  Tomorrow looks like it will be nicer and I should be able to get them out for a loft fly.
 
Intake of all birds is now closed.  Thank you all for sending quality birds to me this year!  I really do appreciate the support!
 
Birds are eating like crazy with this colder weather.  The main flock just finished a course of respiratory medication...this is the first time they have seen any antibiotics.  I was starting to see some eye colds come on, so it was time to treat the flock.  Birds are back on Primalac and Ropa B.  Lights are still on 24 hours and will continue to be so until the end of the month.  The 10th flight will be pulled around June 1st.  I still have two sets of birds to trap train and settle into the main flock and that will happen within the next two weeks.  
 
I have been messing around with my Topigeon antenas, so please bear with me while I get them adjusted exactly how I want them. There seems to be a few birds missing on each loft fly that I know are in the loft, so I am working on adjusting them before any real training begins.
 
This week's old bird race had to be shortened to a 100 mile sprint due to wind, rain, and snow.  Next week we are scheduled to fly our 400 mile.
 
 
Have a great weekend!  
 
Lucas
 
--
Lucas Cramer
503-510-2661
 
Crooked River Challenge is a proud user of Primalac, Topigeon clocking system, and Ropa B
May-02-2022
LAST WEEK TO SHIP ALL BIRDS!
Good Evening Breeders,
 
This is the last week to ship all birds.  I just got done marking any missing birds, so all breeder's bird list should be current.  If your bird is missing from today's loft fly, but was here yesterday, please wait until after tomorrow's loft fly to confirm. If anyone sees anything I missed, please let me know.  
 
Overall, birds are doing well.  I have been getting the birds out as much as possible with the weather and the birds have been enjoying some rainy days.  Today turned into a beautiful spring day and the birds were basking in the sunshine.  We are all looking forward to some sunny warm days!  
 
Today's Old Bird Race results....
 
Have a great week and please reach out with any questions or concerns.
 
Lucas
--
Lucas Cramer
503-510-2661
 
Crooked River Challenge is a proud user of Primalac, Topigeon clocking system, and Ropa B
Apr-25-2022
IMPORTANT UPDATE!

Good Evening Breeders!

Last day to ship all birds, including replacements is May 3rd.

I will go through and mark any missing birds this evening. We had some raptor action here at the loft today, so I do still have some birds coming in.  If your bird is missing today, but was here yesterday, I would wait until we do another loft fly tomorrow to make sure they are not here before sending replacement.

Reminder to all the breeders that if you have paid for 5 or more perch fees you are entitled to one backup bird...I encourage everyone eligible to take advantage of that offer.  

Race is closed to all new breeders, unless we have talked.  Feel free to reach out with any questions.

 

Lucas

503-510-2661
Apr-16-2022
FULL FOR 2022!

Good Morning Breeders!

 

Loft is now full for 2022!  If we have talked or payment is still in the mail then you are golden. Unfortunately, if you are not prepaid I will not be able to accept your birds for this season.  I appreciate all the support and I wish everyone the best of luck for this years OLR Season.

I will continue to take replacements and prepaid birds through the first week of May. Birds seem to be handling the shift in weather and temperature well.  The blue group had their first loft fly with the flock yesterday and of course I had a coopers drop from the heavens and blow the loft up...birds everywhere...most are back but looks like a dropped a few yesterday.  Hopefully, I will see a few more back today.

 

Today is snowing...Again!!! :)  I like the moisture it brings but the birds and I definitely would like some heat and sunshine.  

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Lucas
Apr-11-2022
GOOD MORNING!
Good Morning!
 
It is a cold, windy, and wet morning here at the loft.  Birds will be staying in today.  Forecast is looking like cold wet/snow  through Thursday...hopefully we will get a break to let the birds out. 
 
Thank you all for the support this year!  We are getting close to capacity here at the loft with birds present and prepaid perches.  I would advise if you haven't prepaid and plan on sending after this week to prepay your perches.  Having your name on the reservation list does not guarantee you a spot. 
 
I went through and updated the missing birds yesterday, so that list should be current.  For those that don't know how to see their list....click on the breeder tab on the website and then click on your name. Give me a shout with any questions.
 
For those that have old birds flying with me this year...here is the link to this week's races..
 
 
 
Birds are starting to get some wing time in and are acting more like a flock.  I try to get them out every day as long as the winds aren't too strong and it isn't pouring rain.  

I hope this finds everyone well.  Feel free to send a message or call if you have any questions.  Usually best to text since I do not have good reception in the lofts.
 
Have a great week!
 
Lucas
--
Lucas Cramer
503-510-2661
 
Crooked River Challenge is a proud user of Primalac, Topigeon clocking system, and Ropa B
Apr-03-2022
GOOD MORNING!
Good Morning Breeders!
 
Chilly 32 degrees here this morning with some overcast skies.   Sun looks like it may try to peek out for a bit in an hour or so.  I will let the birds out then to stretch their wings once it warms up.  Tomorrow's forecast is for wind and rain, so they will be staying in.
 
The red tailed hawks and the peregrines have been keeping both the birds and myself on our toes.  The hawks are taking full advantage of any bird that isn't keeping an eye out.  Now that some of the birds are flying the peregrines have started coming in high on the flocks and will try and snatch/hit birds out of the air....this causes everyone one to scatter and hide anywhere they can find refuge.  It is something we deal with every year and the birds have to figure it out quick.
 
I will review inventory for this last week and will update bird lists with any missing birds that need to be replaced.  Health overall has been good.  I have had some birds die soon after arriving here at the loft and have had some sick birds arrive that were removed.  Illness has been very breeder specific this year.  Any bird that isn't 100% I will let you know and advise replacing.  
 
Yesterday was our first OB race of the season.  I will include links to the results for those that chose to leave some birds here to race.
 
 
Couple reminders.
-Please do the birds the favor of not overpacking them.  I had some late boxes this last week and the birds suffered from being over packed.  
-Please give your birds some type of bedding in the bottom of the box.
-Please include perch fees with your birds if not prepaid...it makes my life so much easier. 
-I will be taking birds (including replacements) through the first week of May
 
 
Shout out to Primalac, Ropa B, and Kastle for helping to keep the birds healthy.  
Primalac I have used for years and is a great acidifier and probiotic...and affordable!  I use it on all the birds on the property.  I like to rotate Primalac and Ropa B in the water and use Kastle young bird developer a couple times a week on the feed.
 
I hope this finds everyone well. Feel free to shoot a message or call  if you have any questions.
 
Lucas
 
 

 
--
Lucas Cramer
503-510-2661
 
Crooked River Challenge is a proud user of Primalac, Topigeon clocking system, and Ropa B
Mar-14-2022
GOOD EVENING
Good Evening Flyers,
 
Birds are keeping me busy :)  Just over 300 birds here at the loft.  The first week's birds..the red group...will hopefully get to go out and fly this week.  I will post a couple trap trainers on wincompanion before they are allowed their freedom.  I installed new sensors in the traps today and did a little redesigning of the trapping area. I am hoping this will help to alleviate any missing birds when the birds all try to trap at once on loft flying.
 
Overall, birds are doing well.  There has been some definite swing in temperatures and weather, but the birds seem to be taking it in stride.  I am keeping a close eye on all the birds.  I like the additional space that I added over the winter in the interior and birds seem to enjoy every square inch of it.  The first group has been enjoying taking laps in the large aviaries and taking in the sun.  
 
Most shipments have been on time so far this year.  Best to ship on Mondays and Tuesdays since our PO is closed on Saturdays.  
 
Have a great week and give me a shout with any questions.
 
Take Care 
 
Lucas
 
--
Lucas Cramer
503-510-2661
 
Crooked River Challenge is a proud user of Primalac, Topigeon clocking system, and Ropa B
Feb-23-2022
GOOD CHILLY MORNING!
Good Morning Fanciers!
 
Brrr.....Chilly 0 degrees on this beautiful sunny morning in the high desert!  Hopefully, this will be our last little cold snap before spring sticks around for good.  These cold snaps in February are one of the reasons I don't start taking birds until March.
 
Next week is the week to start shipping!  I'm looking forward to handling all the future champions.
 
Please make sure to include your perch fees with your birds, if you haven't already prepaid...this makes my life a lot easier when entering birds.  Thank you in advance :)  Once birds arrive I like to text or message a photo with birds to confirm receipt.  Birds will be entered immediately into wincompanion and chipped.  
 
Reminder...for anyone paying for 5 or more perches, please send ONE backup bird with your team.
 
I will update my email list this week to those with reserved perches.  If you do not want to receive email updates please let me know!
 
I hope this finds everyone well!  Feel free to reach out with any questions.
 
Take Care
 
Lucas
 
--
Lucas Cramer
503-510-2661
 
Crooked River Challenge is a proud user of Primalac, Topigeon clocking system, and Ropa B
Jan-30-2022
GOOD MORNING!
Good Morning Breeders!
 
Looks like we will be having another beautiful day here in Central Oregon.  The weather has been mild with daytime highs near 50 degrees and night time temperatures down into the 20s.  Big thank you to everyone supporting this years race!  Please make sure to read through the rules page before reserving perches.
 
 
I am excited to start seeing birds arrive in 4 weeks!  I have been working on an interior expansion to the loft which will allow for more space for the birds and a separate feeding area.  The loft interior space is now close to 1900 square feet and the exterior aviary space is close to 900 square feet.  I will be accepting around 1000-1100 birds again this year, so plenty of space for each bird.  
 
For those breeders that will be entering 5 or more birds in this year's race please plan on sending one backup/reserve bird with your team. 
 
Everyone that needed a 1099 for last year's winnings should have received them via email or post.  Please get in contact with me ASAP if you did not receive your tax documents.  
 
I hope breeding is going well and wish everyone the most success in 2022!  Please reach out with any questions.
 
Take Care
 
Lucas
 
 
--
Lucas Cramer
503-510-2661
 
Crooked River Challenge is a proud user of Primalac, Topigeon clocking system, and Ropa B
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