History
The pigeon story at Wijffels' house begins long before Stijn (30) was born; in the past, uncle Lucien Wijffels played with the pigeons, just like his brother Gerard Wijffels and his uncle Jules Sintobin. Especially the latter achieved great successes during that time.
Father Guy Wijffels has been playing with Lucien since a young age on the sprint. Later, Stefanie, Stijn's sister, jumped on board, and the three of them became sprint specialists, playing brilliantly in sprints! Stijn also began to get more involved with the pigeons and played for a while in tandem with his sister until she went off to study and unfortunately had less time for the pigeons. It was then that 'Stijn Wijffels' started alone, albeit with the help of father Guy. The sprint races gradually made way for middle-distance and long-distance races. Pigeons were acquired for those distances, breeding and testing took place, with beautiful results!
Busy Butchery
When Stijn and his wife set their sights on a butchery, renovations were made, and the pigeons had to make way for his job as a self-employed butcher. Initially, father could still manage the pigeons alone, but as the butchery began to thrive, he also worked more hours until there was barely any time left to play with the pigeons in Gullegem. For this reason, last year all the pigeons were auctioned off via Pitts, with the aim of downsizing and potentially making a new start in Gullegem later on.
In Hulste, a small loft was built in a shed at the butchery to still enjoy pigeon sport with a very limited number. There, they play under the names of the children Lucie and Tuur Wijffels. Lucie also has it in her blood: helping to feed and give water and holding pigeons is her favorite activity.
In Gullegem at Guy's, only breeding takes place now, and this from a very limited group of quality pigeons, primarily from Marc De Cock (Temse) and Team Platteeuw (Rumbeke), supplemented with breeds like Gaby Vandenabeele and Rudy De Saer.
System and Medical Aspect
The breeders reside in Gullegem in garden lofts, each equipped with an open aviary. At the end of November, beginning of December, the breeding pigeons are paired, and a portion of the young pigeons are sold, while the others move to the loft in Hulste.
The training starts first to Kuurne (2 times), then to Gullegem (every day with nice weather), then to Mouscron, and finally they go into the large basket. According to Stijn, training with a north wind isn't so bad, considering the minimal losses.
They typically receive a race mixture with yellow and red cribs corn, at the rate of 30g/pigeon per day. Additionally, natural products are regularly used, such as brewer's yeast, garlic oil, apple cider vinegar, turmeric with black pepper, sugar syrups…
The veterinarian is involved for mandatory vaccinations and only if something seems off with one or more pigeons.
Thank You Note Marc De Cock (Temse)
Dear Stijn,
I would like to thank you for the honest service.
"Double Remco," bred and raced by me, achieved the title of 4th national ace pigeon in the long-distance category in 2019.
I obtained his father from you, for which my sincere thanks.
Attached, you will find the price list that this crack has flown together.
I wish you much success with the pigeons and a successful sale.
Sincere regards,
Marc De Cock
