In Gronsveld, at the gate of the Mergelland, Paul and Gilbert Heijnen reside in the Dutch South Limburg Mergelland. They come from a Limburg pigeon family with over 100 years of pigeon history. The pigeon virus is practically in their DNA. They are members of the Gronsveld PDV L Hirondelle, which still has around 45 members. More than 1000 pigeons often return here, making it one of the 3 largest pigeon clubs in Dutch Limburg.
In the past season 2023, the combination achieved fantastic results, notably:
- 1st General Champion National entry center 2444
- 1st General Champion youth Limburg section
- 2nd General Champion Provincial Limburg section.
- 12th national marathon Champion ZLU.
Achievements were made in various disciplines: sprint, middle distance, long distance.
HISTORY:
The Heijnen & Sons loft was established after WWII with FABRY pigeons from Liège. Grandfather Hubert Heijnen acquired 12 eggs from the top loft of Georges Fabry. This was a hit. In the 1950s, the renowned Witveertje emerged, achieving 8 national top prizes in Dax and St Vincent. In the 1970s, Gilbert began supporting his father. In 1972, the 1st Provincial Beaune was flown. After his studies in Nijmegen, Gilbert had more time for the pigeons. In 1986, they gained national fame with the ROCKET: 1st national Ace pigeon Long Distance. A top European year was 1993: 1st national Bordeaux, 1st national and 1st international Ace pigeon, 1st international Long Distance Champion DE DUIF. After Hubert's passing, Gilbert was left to manage alone. That was in 1996, but the calling card was the 1st provincial Argenton (overnight). In 2000, the 1st national Pau was played but was reported too late; however, it was still the 1st international provincial Euregio. In 2002, the heavy Limoges was won: 1st international provincial Limoges with NL/b/D. The focus also shifted to the heavy long-distance flights. In 2007, the 1st national Narbonne (hens) was won. In 2016, the 1st provincial Valence with the fastest pigeon in NL/D. Winning Barcelona is always highly valued. In 2020, the 1st provincial Barcelona (long-distance club) with the 19th national. In 2023, 1st General Champion and 2nd Overall Champion Limburg section.
RACING SYSTEM:
The racing is mainly Total Widowhood. Both the doffers and hens must be put to work. Racing is done in different teams. The program pigeons fly the sprint, middle distance, and one-day races. They are paired around March 5 and receive one set of eggs to rear. In the past, that was two sets of eggs. However, yearlings tended to finish their feathers earlier. While on eggs, the pigeons receive a 6-day course of yellow treatment. During pairing, yearlings need to be accustomed. This usually causes stress due to the raptors. The Heijnen loft is just 400 m from the Savelsbosch. The program pigeons consist of a team of about 40 pigeons. The program pigeons continue to be played in the national races, and they do rear a young one.
THE LONG-DISTANCE PIGEONS:
This team consists of around 50 pigeons. These are also paired around March 5 but receive two sets of eggs. Like the program pigeons, they do not rear any young. In total widowhood, the pairs are used as much as possible on long-distance flights. When important provincial and national races come up, the pigeons are always brought together. This is done within 10 to 30 minutes, in contrast to the program pigeons which are not shown at first. The training is very important for Paul and Gilbert. Before the big work begins, long-distance pigeons must have at least 1200 km under their wings. Observations of the pigeons are also essential, noting how they train. The widowers take off for 20 minutes and then return from all sides, playing in the air. The hens fly differently! They can sometimes be gone for an hour. You mustn’t show yourself; otherwise, they will come down like a shot.
YOUNG PIGEONS:
There are two groups of young pigeons: the early young and the late young. The early young have been darkened for a few years, while the late young do not and still participate while molting.
Gaining experience is, according to Paul and Gilbert Heijnen, very important. Every km is crucial. Enthusiasts can also do more about LEARNING, for example, learning to drink in the basket. Reducing stress is key. Proper ventilation in the pigeon loft is incredibly important. The runs in front of the loft are a must, according to the Heijnens. Here, the pigeons build resistance and can enjoy the sun. Their red loft comes from the late Harrie Winkens from Itteren near Maastricht. For years, he was the General Champion of the Limburg section. Remarkably, the changes he made to his loft were unique. Ventilation was done per compartment, per section, up to the peak and not over the entire length of the loft. Motivation for young pigeons is as important as health. The young pigeons aim to follow the entire program.
Mee.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN 2023:
A whole new complex emerged behind their house and pigeon loft in 2023. A care center for the elderly. The work ran from March to October. Work started at 07:30 almost every day. A high crane was often present by the loft, causing a lot of construction disturbances. The pigeons were let out very early or only after 17:00 when Gilbert returned from work. Notably, the older pigeons adjusted to the construction activities relatively quickly. However, the young ones still encountered some difficulties during their acclimatization.
CARE:
Paul and Gilbert hail from a pigeon family where the pigeon sport has been in their genes for over 100 years. The sport has also become much more professional. However, the experience, relaxation, and excitement for the races are wonderful to experience. For Gilbert, who teaches geography/history, it is a great outlet from a busy workday. Paul, who studies in Ghent, can expend his energy on weekends. They complement one another in their pigeon racing hobby.
FEBRUARY
Their care is relatively simple. What struck us was the low-cost month of FEBRUARY. This is the detoxification month. The racing pigeons receive up to 80% barley. Plenty of tea with seedling feed, buttermilk over the feed with grit, all day in the open run, and it’s snowing fluff. This system has been followed for over 30 years.
OLYMPIC DOVE MAastricht:
On January 26/27/28, the 800 best pigeons in the world will be on display in Maastricht. Paul and Gilbert find it very special that it is happening literally in their backyard, namely at the MECC convention center in Maastricht. It is a unique opportunity for people from the Euregio to visit. Various awards will be presented. Paul will also be honored as the 1st General Champion of the Limburg section in the youth category 2023. There will be various stands and necessary activities for the youth members. This is only the 3rd time the Olympics are being held in the Netherlands. The last time was in Utrecht in 1995.
NOTABLE STATEMENTS:
- To win, you must first learn to lose.
- Barley is a great measuring tool.
- Pedigree cards don’t fly!
- In the event of a poor flight, first look at yourself and don’t blame others.
- Good Loft, Good System, Motivated Enthusiast, Good Pigeons: that’s what it’s about.
- We need each other: sprint, middle distance, long distance enthusiasts.
- Appreciate the achievements of your fellow enthusiasts.
- We need each other in the Euregio. It’s great that the sport is being revitalized.
- We have a beautiful sport! Promote this as ambassadors.
ACHIEVEMENTS / CHAMPIONSHIPS:
NATIONAL ENTRY CENTER 2444 SEASON 2023:
1st GENERAL CHAMPION
1st ASD SPRINT
1st ASD MIDDLE DISTANCE
1st ASD OLD.
1st ASD YEARLINGS
1st GET CHAMPION.
1st CLOCKED CHAMPION.
1st ASD LONG DISTANCE TOMORROW RELEASE
1st ASD LONG DISTANCE YEARLINGS.
PROVINCIAL SECTION LIMBURG (NL)
1st GENERAL CHAMPION YOUTH.
2nd GENERAL CHAMPION PROV.
3rd ASD YEARLINGS LONG DISTANCE
4th LOFT CHAMPION SPRINT LADIES LEAGUE
5th PIGEON CHAMPION MIDDLE DISTANCE LADIES LEAGUE
NATIONAL ZLU
12th NAT. MARATHON CHAMPION ZLU.
10th NAT. ASD MARSEILLE 3 years.
11th NAT. ASD AGEN 4 years
14th NAT. ASD NARBONNE 4 years.
More info at