In Gronsveld, at the gateway to the Mergelland, Paul and Gilbert Heijnen live in the Dutch South Limburg Mergelland. They come from a Limburg pigeon family with over 100 years of pigeons. The pigeon fever is essentially in their DNA. They are members of the Gronsveld PDV L Hirondelle with about 45 members. More than 1000 pigeons often arrive here, making it one of the three largest pigeon clubs in Dutch Limburg.
Last season 2023, the combination achieved beautiful results. Highlights include:
- 1st General Championship National from the loft center 2444
- 1st General Championship Youth Limburg Section
- 2nd General Championship Provincial Limburg Section.
- 12th National Marathon Championship ZLU.
Performances were made in various disciplines: speed, middle distance, and long distance.
HISTORY:
The Heijnen loft was built after WWII with FABRY pigeons from Liège. Grandfather Hubert Heijnen obtained 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 70s, Gilbert joined his father. In 1972, the 1st Prov. Beaune was flown. After studying in Nijmegen, Gilbert had more time with the pigeons. In 1986, he gained national recognition with the ROCKET: 1st national asd Eend Long Distance. An outstanding European year was 1993: 1st national Bordeaux, 1st national and 1st international asd, 1st international Long Distance championship DE DUIF. After Hubert's passing, Gilbert was on his own. This was in 1996, but the business card was the 1st provincial Argenton (overnight). In 2000, the 1st national Pau was lost due to a late entry, but it was still the 1st intprov Euregio. In 2002, the grueling Limoges was won: 1st intprov Limoges with NL/b/D. The focus also shifted to the heavy day-long flights. In 2007, the 1st national Narbonne (hens) was won. In 2016, the 1st prov. Valence with the fastest pigeon in NL/D. Winning Barcelona is always highly regarded. In 2020, the 1st prov Barcelona (long-distance club) with the 19th national. In 2023, 1st General Championship and 2nd Overall Championship Limburg Section.
PLAYING SYSTEM:
Primarily Total Widowhood is played. Both the doffers and hens must enter the basket. Different teams are played. The program pigeons fly the speed, middle distance, and one-day races. They are paired around March 5 and receive one set of eggs to foster. In the past, this was two sets of eggs. However, the yearlings tended to get anxious and start plucking feathers sooner. During egg-laying, the pigeons receive a 6-day yellow treatment. During pairing, the yearlings must be acclimatized. This usually causes stress regarding the birds of prey. The Heijnen loft is only 400 m from the Savelsbosch. The program pigeons consist of a team of around 40 pigeons. The program pigeons are continued into the national competitions. They also raise young.
THE LONG-DISTANCE PIGEONS:
This team consists of around 50 pigeons. They are also paired around March 5 but receive two sets of eggs. Like the program pigeons, they don't raise young. In total widowhood, the pairs are used as much as possible in the long-distance races. When important provincial and national races come, the pigeons are always paired together. This process takes between 10 and 30 minutes. In contrast to the program pigeons, they are initially NOT shown. Training is very important for Paul and Gilbert. Before the heavy work begins, the long-distance pigeons must definitely have at least 1200 km under their wings. It's also important to observe the pigeons, watching how they train. The widowers fly out for 20 min, and then return from all directions, playing in the air. The hens fly differently! They can sometimes be gone for an hour. You shouldn't make yourself visible then as they will come down like a rocket.
YOUNG PIGEONS:
There are 2 groups of young pigeons: the early young and the late young. The early young have been darkened for a few years now. The late young haven’t been and still participate despite molting.
Gaining experience is, according to Paul and Gilbert Heijnen, very important. Every km counts. Enthusiasts can also do more learning, e.g., learning to drink in the basket. Build less stress. Ventilation at the pigeon loft is incredibly important. The runs for 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. Noteworthy was the change he applied to his loft. Ventilation by compartment, per section up to the top ridge and not along the entire length of the loft. Motivation among the young pigeons is, alongside health, very important. The young pigeons will participate in the entire program as much as possible.
Mee.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN 2023:
Behind their house and pigeon loft, a brand new complex came in 2023. A care center for the elderly. The work took place from March to October. Work began as early as 07:30. Almost every day, a tall crane was present at the loft, causing a lot of construction chaos. The pigeons were released very early or only after 17:00, after Gilbert returned from work. Remarkably, the old pigeons adjusted quite quickly to the construction activities. Only the youngsters had some issues during the weaning.
CARE:
Paul and Gilbert come from a pigeon family where pigeon racing has been in their genes for over 100 years. The sport has become much more professional. However, the experience, relaxation, and excitement leading up to the races are incredible to experience. For Gilbert, who is a teacher, it is a great outlet from a busy workday. Paul, who studies in Ghent, can spend his energy on it during the weekends. This way, they complement each other in the pigeon racing hobby.
FEBRUARY
Their care is relatively simple. Notably, February is a cheap month. This is the detox month. For the racing pigeons, up to 80% barley. Lots of tea with canary seed, buttermilk over the feed with grit, and they spend the whole day in the open run while it is snowing down feathers. This system has been followed for over 30 years.
DUCK OLYMPICS MAASTRICHT:
On January 26/27/28, the 800 best pigeons in the world will be showcased in Maastricht. Paul and Gilbert find it very special that it is literally happening in their backyard, namely at the MECC conference center in Maastricht. It's a unique opportunity for people from the Euregio to visit. Several awards will be presented. Paul will also be honored as the 1st General Champion of the Limburg Section in the Youth category 2023. Various stands will be present, and also activities for youth members. This is only the 3rd time that the Olympics are held in the Netherlands. The last time was in Utrecht in 1995.
NOTABLE QUOTES:
- To win, you must first learn to lose.
- Barley is a great indicator.
- Pedigree cards do not fly!
- Look at yourself first in a poor race and don’t blame others.
- Good Loft, Good System, Motivated Enthusiast, Good Pigeons – that’s what it’s about.
- We need each other: speed, middle-distance, long-distance enthusiasts.
- Appreciate and value the performances of your fellow enthusiasts.
- We need each other in the Euregio. It’s great that the sport is getting a new lease on life.
- We have a beautiful sport! Promote it as an ambassador.
ACHIEVEMENTS / CHAMPIONSHIPS:
NATIONAL LOFT CENTER 2444 SEASON 2023:
1st GENERAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1st ASD. SPEED
1st ASD MID-DISTANCE
1st ASD OLD.
1st ASD YEARLINGS
1st GET CHAMPIONSHIP.
1st CLOCKED CHAMPIONSHIP.
1st ASD LONG DISTANCE MORNING RELEASE
1st ASD LONG DISTANCE YEARLINGS.
PROVINCIAL SECTION LIMBURG (NL)
1st GENERAL CHAMPIONSHIP YOUTH.
2nd GENERAL CHAMPIONSHIP PROV.
3rd ASD YEARLINGS LONG DISTANCE
4th LOFT CHAMPIONSHIP SPEED LADIES LEAGUE
5th PIGEON CHAMPIONSHIP MID-DISTANCE LADIES LEAGUE
NATIONAL ZLU
12th NAT. MARATHON CHAMP ZLU.
10th NAT. ASD MARSEILLE 3 years.
11th NAT.ASD AGEN 4 years
14th NAT. ASD NARBONNE 4 years.
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