On this national race the pigeons also had to deal with a one day delay, but in the meantime the pigeons are used to it so this is no longer a problem. In recent years we have been to this colony at least once a year for a provincial or zonal victory. They have already been close to a national victory, but it was always top 5 or top 10, now with this hen they win the national palm against 11,177 yearlings. This hen was definitely not ready for her test piece because she also won 2nd Provincial Chateauroux against 1,135 young pigeons among the young pigeons. 

In total, the hens delivered a top performance here with 1st and 7th National Argenton 11,177 yearlings and 66th National Argenton 8,867 old birds. In total they won 11 of the 12 prizes. They also won 1st Int.Prov Lorris of 1,200 pigeons this weekend. 

The racing hens have not done winter breeding, while the widowers do. We have only been playing with hens here for 2 years and for us it is still a matter of finding the best system. I have 3 hens for one cock in the beginning, but as the season progresses this usually becomes 2 hens and one cock that are allowed to stay with their cock for a few days every other week in April. By the end of the month all hens are properly mated and widowhood can start. 

On the day of basketing, Wim alternately leaves the hens with him when he is home in the morning, when they are usually allowed to stay together for an hour or so. After the flight, whoever arrives first gets to go first and the other pigeons rest in the rest loft. They also stay here with their cocks for a maximum of 1 to 2 hours. 

The widowers train twice a day, in the morning Lea, Roger's wife, takes care of the pigeons while Wim is working and in the evening he takes over. The hens only train once a day. 

I mainly feed Versele Laga together with Super Recup from Anthoons and Sport Hi Tech from Anthoons. On Sundays they usually get a Satva tablet in the drinking water to disinfect the respiratory tract and I also use several Röhnfried products. The racing pigeons are always given a pill against tricho once a month during the season. The medical supervision here is supervised by Raf Herbots.

Winner Argenton

BE 23-5017002 Checkered Hen
1st National Argenton 11.184 yearlings
2nd Provincial Chateauroux 1.135 young birds 
16 Melun 2.034 yearlings 
98 Provincial Sens 9.487 young birds 

Full sister “048/21” 66 Nat Argenton 8,867 old birds 

Father BE 13-4044649 Son Laura – Stijn Van Laere
Son of “246/11” Francois Tobback x “117/07” Laura F & J Vandenheede

Mother BE 14-2146247 Daughter Caroo - Sabrina Brugmans 
Daughter of “592/10” 100% Gaston Van de Wouwer via Francis Wellens x “563/06” Caroo won3 Prov Bourges 3,310p