Erik Van Den Brande shines with 3rd National in Bourges I (Old Birds)

Houtvenne – A superb performance by Erik Van Den Brande in the national Bourges I race for old birds! Against a field of 18,634 pigeons, he secured a fantastic 3rd national prize, complemented by two more top-100 placements: 79th and 83rd national. Provincially, his birds achieved 1st, 18th, and 20th provincial out of 2,813 pigeons – a truly remarkable result and a reflection of both quality pigeons and a solid game plan.

Top pigeons

6014909/23

A proven performer with several top results – now crowned with a national 3rd place.
1st prov. Bourges – 2,813 b.
3rd nat. Bourges – 18,634 b.
48 Soissons – 3,713 b.
80 Soissons – 2,818 b.
93 Toury – 2,926 b.
104 Vierzon – 7,626 b.
128 Momignies – 3,001 b.
196 Melun – 2,781 b.

6013951/23

An extremely consistent racer with multiple top prizes.
6 Soissons – 3,713 b.
6 Melun – 2,781 b.
17 Toury – 2,926 b.
20th Prov. Bourges – 2,813 b.
83rd Nat. Bourges – 18,634 b.
94 Vierzon – 7,626 b.

6013960/23

This hen was bred by Erik’s cousin, Daniël Van Den Brande, out of his top breeding pair.
12 Momignies – 2895 b.
18th Prov. Bourges – 2,813 b.
79th Nat. Bourges – 18,634 b.
15 Vierzon – 7,626 b.
110 Toury – 2,926 b.
224 Melun – 2,781 b.

System and care

His young birds are only being trained: twice Momignies, followed by 6–7 times Soissons. Due to limited time because of his work there is no separation or darkening – they stay together.

For old birds, Erik races on widowhood with hens. First pairing is in November (1 round raised), then the hens head to the aviary. In March, they are paired again, fly two Momignies and two Soissons, and then switch to widowhood for the main races.

Feeding:
Beyers Galaxy Light and Energy. On basketing and return days: Energy; other days: Light. Ropa is added to the water on return, and Daflor several times a week. Medications are only used if prescribed by a vet.

The season started with 13 hens, of which 10 are still in the loft. Selection is strict: yearlings must perform in the top 100, or they’re out.

New adventure: greater middle-distance

Until last season, Erik focused solely on short middle-distance races. But due to dwindling bird numbers, he switched to greater middle-distance this year. After only two races – Vierzon and Bourges – results have already exceeded expectations.

A big congratulations to Erik Van Den Brande on this outstanding performance. More success is surely on the horizon!

Maarten Herbots