Gavere, a picturesque village surrounded by green fields and the sounds of nature. Here lives Hans D'Hondt, a 54-year-old pigeon enthusiast who has dedicated his heart and soul to the sport of pigeon racing, a passion ignited by his father Sylvain D’Hondt. Hans grew up in a family where the sport of pigeon racing played a central role. His father was an avid pigeon flyer who introduced his four sons, Hans and his three brothers Martin, Erwin, and Marnix, to this fascinating world. From a young age, Hans helped his father care for the pigeons, and the knowledge he gained became the foundation of his long-lasting passion.
Breeds
Hans has a pigeon stock consisting of 20 breeding pairs and breeds around 80 young pigeons each year. The beautiful pigeon lofts are located in the attic above his garage, a perfect spot for his feathered friends. His top performers are primarily of his own gray type and also descend from renowned breeds such as those of Tom Van Gaver, his brother Marnix, Jan Pappens, and Marc Adam.
Young Pigeons
Hans emphasizes racing with young pigeons, focusing on the long-distance sprints. The breeding of his young pigeons begins around December 10, with careful pairing and preparations. Annual vaccinations against paramyxo, rota, and paratyphoid are a standard part of the routine, ensuring the health of his pigeons.
To achieve optimal results, Hans ensures that his young pigeons are darkened from March 10 until the longest day of the year. After this period, he starts adding light, meaning his pigeons receive extra light daily from 5 AM to 11 PM to maintain their feathers and improve performance. The sliding door system provides the necessary motivation.
Training
Training is crucial in the buildup to competition. The young pigeons have free training for an hour in the evening, without flags. The training begins once they start moving away from home, gradually progressing up to 20 kilometers before they join the races.
Nutrition and Supplements
We all agree: nutrition plays an essential role in the health and performance of the pigeons. During the breeding period, his pigeons receive a breeding mix from the brand Vanrobaeys, after which the nutrition shifts to a sport mix of the same brand during the racing season, supplemented with peanuts for extra energy. Nutritional supplements, such as Daflor, ensure that his pigeons stay in top condition. "Good pigeons and good nutrition are like the foundation of a house; without a strong foundation, you can't build anything," he states.
Highlights
- 2011: Best Young Pigeon Pipa Ranking on 3 National Flights with “Xavi”
- 2013: 1st Provincial La Souterraine / 2nd National Zone A2 / 3rd National
- 2014: 1st Provincial Bourges 6970 pigeons / 1st National Zone A2 Bourges 6172 pigeons
- 2019: 1st + 13th + 20th National Zone A2 Chateauroux 7593 pigeons
- 2021: 1st National Zone A3 Chateauroux 2284 pigeons with “Cleopatra”
- 2024: 1st Provincial Ace Pigeon Allround Young Pigeons with “Big Boss”
Total Sale
Hans's efforts have always borne fruit, and he has made his mark in the sport of pigeon racing, with the most recent highlight being awarded the title of 1st Provincial Ace Pigeon Allround Young Pigeons in East Flanders in 2024 with “Big Boss.” However, lately, Hans has been dealing with serious respiratory issues. He now has to walk around the lofts with a fully closed mask. The dust particles and smells that were once so familiar to him have now taken on a different meaning. "Unfortunately, I had to make the decision for the total sale of all my pigeons due to respiratory problems," he says sadly. "It was a tough choice, but my health comes first.”