Stefan Steenbergen (Herk-de-Stad) wins both provincial and zonal double gold at La Chatre

On the national race from La Chatre, we have the same winner for the province of Limburg in the old birds as in the yearlings. These two top pigeons with an ironclad track record are housed in the lofts of Stefan Steenbergen. National races and victories are Stefan's showpiece, and with these two wins, he brings his record to 40 x 1st provincial, and naturally, we must not forget his 6 national victories.

**System with hens only**

The racing team here consists of hens with partners staying at home; in the spring, the old birds were allowed to brood for 8 days while the yearlings had nothing. This might cost me a bit less in terms of loft commitment, but the yearlings certainly perform just as well and are allowed to brood the following winter when they become old birds. In the spring, no darkening is used, just as he does not work with providing extra light after June 21st. The pigeons are kept as close to nature as possible. The young pigeons are no longer kept in darkness here either; they have the choice between an aviary and the loft all day and night.

The pigeons train once a day, always in the evening, because I have been used to it that way for years. Now with the hot weather, this may have caused me some trouble, but I am not switching to the morning.

The hens have an aviary in front of the loft, but I only use it to give them a bath; during the day, the hens simply sit inside in small containers.

On the day of basketing, I give them a good meal in the morning, they get an hour of rest, they get their partners for an hour, and afterwards I put the pigeons in darkness for a bit. This allows them to relax and sleep a little, which is ideal for basketing them. Around 4 pm, they get their last feeding with peanuts, treat seeds, hemp seeds, and Tovo.

Upon their return from the races, I check how the flights went; the pigeons must be eager to be with their cocks. Otherwise, I wait before putting them together and let them recover first. However, putting them together immediately will only happen for shorter flights; once they are national races, I usually only do this in the evening or the day after. The pigeons have flown for hours and need rest and recovery more than a crazy and energetic cock. On Sundays, all racing pigeons get a bath here, which is also a way to de-stress for both the pigeons and the fancier.

In terms of nutrition, I give my own custom-made mixture from the company Natural. I use Steenbergen I and Steenbergen Boost for the old pigeons, and for the young pigeons it is mainly Rui Maxi; once they start the middle distance races, I give them 4 feedings of Steenbergen Boost.

La Chatre Winners

BE 25-5046221 “Iron Jackpot” Hen     

1 Nat (z) La Chatre 1.389p ( 4 Nat 7.634p )
4 Prov Sancoins 2.203p ( 8 Nat 15.830p )
11 Prov Argenton 1.820p ( 97 Nat Argenton 22.311p )
175 Nat Bourges 18.985p

Father BE 23-5016801 Brother Olympic Luna 
“Olympic Luna” won 4th National Olympiad Pigeon All Round Maastricht 2024 
Son of “698/19” Mister Iron Sky x “638/18” Walter’s 638

Mother BE 21-5056606 The 606 
Daughter of “038/16” Son Iron Man x “618/19” Daughter of top flyer Eden with 1st Prov Gien 4,817p x Ostend 35th Nat Argenton and 61st Nat Chateauroux +10,000p

BE 24-5037267 “The Super 267” Hen

1 Prov La Chatre 480p – 1 Nat (z) 697p – 5 Nat 4.633p
1 Soissons 479p
5 Soissons 523p
58 Nat Vierzon 16.892p
61 Nat Bourges 17.163p
61 Nat Argenton 15.386p
137 Nat La Chatre 10.300p

Father BE 21-6135155 The 155 – Son Starlight

Mother BE 22-5026573 Sister 11th National Ace Pigeon Heavy Middle Distance KBDB Theo Weytjens 
Daughter of “221/18” Son Kaasboer Gold Patrick Vervloesem x “002/21” The 002 is Gaby Vandenabeele x Hooymans

Stefan, congratulations on this fantastic victory from the entire HERBOTS TEAM.

Buelens Kim