5.1 Water Only.
There exists a balance between the need to feed and water the pigeons en route and at the liberation site, so as to sustain reserves of energy to complete the journey, and the need to avoid the detrimental effect of commencing a journey on a full crop. On this basis it is determined that for up to 12 hours confinement, en route, involving an overnight journey, only water provisions need apply.
5.2 Feed and Water.
Where the confinement is expected to exceed 12 hours, provisions are to be made to feed and water the pigeons.
5.3 When to Arrange.
When feeding and watering of the pigeons is required the birds must arrive at the liberation site by at least two hours before the event is to start and at which time feed and water procedures must commence. The water shall remain available for the pigeons continuously until liberation.
5.4 Provision of Feed and Water.
Food is to be available in the hampers from the time of hampering. Water is to be available only while the pigeons are not in transit. Water absorbent material such as sponges or cotton wool may be left in the drinkers while the pigeons are in transit. Water is to be available to the pigeons prior to transit if the pigeons are hampered prior to transit.