Nico Fourneau (Moen): 1st provincial Orleans 15,367 pigeons - East Flanders

Last weekend a provincial Orleans flight was scheduled in several provinces. Thanks to the beautiful weather of the last few weeks, everyone is along and consequently all organisers could count on an impressive participation. The province of East Flanders could also be very satisfied with a participation of 15,367 pigeons. 
Fastest of this entire convoy was ‘Maria’ of Nico Fourneau from Moen. ‘Maria’ (B24-4038822) recorded an average speed of 1332.12 m/m, beating the pigeons of Peirs Marc and Speybroeck Dirk.
When we contacted Nico to congratulate him, he immediately came up with a nice story because his first three Orleans pigeons all have the same parents. Locally, these 2 sisters and 1 brother won the first three prizes against 841 pigeons. Talk about a winning family. 

Nico: ‘Professionally, I am a househusband. My wife Caroline focuses entirely on her professional career and I take care of the household and the children. In between, I naturally find the necessary time to trek to the pigeon loft. I also have the support of my parents and parents-in-law to ‘bring the children around’ to their various hobbies and school. My mother-in-law herself helps clean the drinking pots and take pigeons away if necessary. She does not hold a pigeon but she is so happy to help anyway. 
Part of my racing team is suitable for the 300/700km flights and another part for the long-distance. Both groups include about 60 racers. I prefer to follow the classic widowhood system, but as I have to house too many pigeons then I play a group of pigeons on total widowhood. 
Just like in many places, a low-protein mixture (Gerry Plus) goes into the trough at the beginning of the week and as the basketing day approaches, heavier food is fed (Champion Plus). This is sometimes enriched with oils and protein powder. Only when they return home, a breeding mixture is on the menu and a recovery agent goes into the drinker. 
The pigeons received the necessary vaccinations and all other medical procedures are always done in consultation with Medibird's vet. Every two weeks he pays a visit here in Cominnestraat 15. Better to pay an extra visit than to treat the pigeons unnecessarily with antibiotics. 
Because of the nice weather, the racers were trained earlier than usual and via speed they went to Orleans. Before basketing, no partner is shown and when they return home they are allowed to stay together for about an hour. As the season progresses, this ‘cuddle moment’ is allowed to last a bit longer from my point of view.

Another pigeon that has stolen my heart is the ‘Bergerac Man’ (811-23). This season he already won a 1st, 2nd and 2nd and last year he won 1st Bergerac (19th National). I am more than proud to have such clapper in my loft. Hopefully he will shake some stunt out of his wings this season. We are curious.’

Nico, congratulations from the whole Herbots team and we wish you every success in the coming races.

Stefan Mertens