Rudi, a former flower and plant grower, started independently in pigeon sport in '68 with his grandfather Jan Schoefs. Rudi was 14 at the time and focused on pure speed, like most begin. Later, his parents gave him a small loft in the attic, where Rudi played for several years. That's how it originally started.
However, the young man (16) from Munsterbilzen also caught the racing bug and participated successfully in races for newcomers, juniors, and enthusiasts. He even reached third place in the "Championship of Limburg." Rudi combined racing with his work at Ford, which was not always easy. After 6 years of racing, he literally hung up his bike.
After "the races," Rudi played with the pigeons again for 3 years, but in 1980 he started his own business. As is fitting for a Munsterbilzenaar (the flower municipality), he began a flower and plant nursery and sold at markets throughout the country. In the meantime, Rudi also got married, and with his independent business there was no more time for pigeons. This marked the end of his pigeon sport for a long period. Rudi is now retired after a 40-year career in the flower and plant industry, and this independent activity is still continued by his son.
PIIGEON LINE
The real start began in 2009 when Rudi resumed in pigeon sport, initially with pigeons from Gilbert Impanis, whom he met at the markets; these were pure speed pigeons. In 2010, Rudi obtained some pigeons through the tandem Bollen-Sillen (Munsterbilzen), which were pigeons purchased from the then super-fast pigeons of Conaert and son (Dilsen), known for their renowned “pig line” (they won several half pigs with these, hence the name). Among others from this line comes Rudi's foundation male "De Vale 85," which still brings much good for speed at the Stas household. Additionally, Rudi also has a very good breeding pigeon from Frans Rondags (Spouwen).
In 2018, pigeons were obtained from Ludo Panis (Diepenbeek), these late youngsters moved to breeding, and 6 youngsters were also taken from Thijs-Peters that moved to the breeding loft. These were pigeons for further work, up to Bourges, Châteauroux, Argenton.
Pigeons from the well-known former tandem, Lambrechts-Lismont (10) and Bottu (Halen), were also added to Rudi Stas's colony. A female pigeon from Sabrina Brugmans (Halen) and pigeons from Theo Nijs (2-time car winner from As) are the most recent additions to his loft.
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RESULTS
The last 2 seasons were remarkable there in "Minster" (pronounced Munsterbilzen). In 2023, there were no less than 13 provincial victories in sector East, and the count in 2024 so far stands at 10 provincial victories in sector East. These are the races focused on speed and small middle distance.
A palmarès to make one dizzy, and this only in the last 2 years.
In 2023, Rudi was also the General Champion of the provincial sector East, while in 2022 he was the General Champion of Speed in sector East, proving that he has been dominating the provincial game for many years. In recent years, there have also been various ace pigeons played in sector East.
This year, he won a provincial race with 8 different pigeons.
For instance, there’s the 5027429/22 with 2x 1st provincial, including 1st Dizy (1806 old), and the 5001389/21 also contributes with 2x 1st provincial, including 1st Mettet (916 old and yearlings), and the 5027584/22 with 1x 1st provincial and 3x 2nd provincial.
There was also a top result from Dizy (175 km) on 07/13/24 with 1st, 2nd, 3rd (all from De Vale 85) against 845 old and yearlings, and on that same flight, there was also the 1st provincial east against 2258 youngsters (5080419/24).
Recently, on 08/10/24, Rudi again achieved 1st, 10th, 12th, 13th,... against 2483 young pigeons with the 5080463/24 (42 prizes out of 66 pigeons).
These are just a few results to justify that we are dealing with a great champion in speed and small middle distance.
PIIGEON STOCK AND SYSTEM
The Bilzenaar bred about 80 early youngsters (currently still 45), 60 youngsters (2nd batch), and 40 youngsters (3rd batch). Of the total 180 youngsters, 105 are still left. Rudi also regularly suffers from the peregrine falcon, causing quite a few to fall at the loft. The young pigeons are taken away twice to Beverst (5 km), then Tongeren (15 km), after which they go with the society and complete the series.
On November 25, they are paired and raise a young one together. The males (old/yearlings) are raced on the classic widowhood with a fixed partner.
Before the race, the female is shown briefly, especially at the beginning of the season. After the race, they come back together, and the duration also depends on how the race unfolds.
The youngsters are darkened from 6 PM to 8 AM until they first go with the society. At the Stas household, there are no additional lights.
In the next photo, one of Rudi’s top pigeons...
NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS
For speed, Beyers sport and light are fed, and for the middle distance, Beyers (Koopman ½), Beyers Energy, and Beyers sport/light. Feeding is done with a scoop; peanuts and treats are also added. The feeding sessions are in the morning and around 5 PM. They always receive fresh grit, and 5 times a week Tollyamine (Schroeder) is administered to all pigeons (old and young). Upon return, the pigeons get 1x Probiotics from Herbots mixed with their food. Rudi has also relied on Miobol and Lysocur (Comed) for some time, which are regularly given under their feed. A consultation with veterinarian Herbots is done once a month. During the winter months, a lot of garlic bulbs and tea are used in the water.
In spring, ¼ Flagyl is given; the pigeons practically never suffer from trichomoniasis or coccidiosis. This year, they were treated once for head/respiratory issues. In 2023, Rudi used the yellow drops for the entries, and in 2024, he applies them once on Thursday over the food. Sometimes, eye drops from Herbots are used during the entries.
The young pigeons are vaccinated against paramyxovirus/rota/herpes, this is done 2x by Dr. Herbots.
After the season, all pigeons are treated for paratyphoid, including the breeders.
ACTIVITIES AND OTHER HOBBIES
Rudi spends about 5 to 6 hours a day with the pigeons and also cleans the baskets at the Kanaalduif in Munsterbilzen. About 160 pigeons are wintered at the Stas household. He also occasionally participates in longer races, such as Bourges, Châteauroux, and makes his prizes there, but the greatest focus is on the provincial game.
Lifelong enjoyer Rudi also has 2 motorcycles (Harleys) as an outlet and 1 beautiful yellow car (Mustang) that he regularly takes out on Sundays. So there is more than just pigeon sport there in "Munster."
With this, I want to congratulate you once again on your wonderful season and your hospitality in allowing us to talk so pleasantly about those pigeons.
We will soon see the quality of Rudi's pigeons in an auction on Pitts... to be continued.
Geco