Verhulst Kurt (Meulebeke): 1st National Argenton 13,108 old birds

09 Jun 2023

B21-3046923
1st National Argenton 13,108 old birds

Distance: 498km
Velocity: 1,245 m/m

That is the beauty of our so beloved pigeon sport, even fanciers who go out to work every day, fanciers who are limited in terms of space to build lofts, fanciers who do not have the mass of pigeons should never feel "lost" beforehand. That proof was provided again last weekend by Kurt Verhulst from Meulebeke in West Flanders. Kurt, already a fancier for 40 years, works daily from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the textile sector. Because of these early working hours, he can never train his pigeons in the morning which is not ideal, especially during the hot periods we are currently experiencing. Kurt also has limited space. His very solid loft has 5 sections where there is especially no lack of oxygen.
"For the 2023 season, I have 9 old and 6 yearling cocks. A limited team that has already given me a lot of pleasure culminating in this national victory. What an experience this is! Like everyone else, the first arrivals are tracked on the KBDB online and we saw that mostly yearling pigeons are reporting. The speed of Nottebaert Christophe's pigeon had only just passed when my first signed old pigeon fell on the board. At such moments, you just don't remember and I promptly had to think of my father Gaby who had passed away in 2017. My name was listed as 1st national category old pigeons and no other old pigeon was able to displace me from this place. With an average speed of 1245.93 m/m, my winner was also the 2nd fastest of all 30,318 Argenton racers. I still can't believe it!

System
"You're not going to discover many secrets here" Kurt continues "my faith in all kinds of powders is long gone. Here, the feed is moistened several times a week with lemon juice and dried with brewer's yeast powder or protein powder. Pigeons are natural animals and as a fancier you have to respect that. On the day of basketing, the widowers get to see their hens for a few minutes, but it must stop at "cuddling". The cocks are certainly not allowed to kick their hens.
In terms of preparation, the racers were paired together with the breeders and were allowed to raise a pair of youngsters. In spring, the widowers are allowed to raise another pair of youngsters before starting the season. The disadvantage of this system is that they get the forme a bit later but maybe, because of the wet and cold spring, this was to my advantage.
Young pigeon racing is not my thing. It's always something with that young gang. Does adeno not strike then they have "one eye cold". But of course you need them for the future.
For the rest...strict selection for sure...the places are expensive. If the selection bar is high enough you won't waste your money too quickly as a fancier. "

"Gaby"
B21-3046923

Won this season:

1st National Argenton 13,108 old
13th Clermont 706d.
19th Clermont 706b.
43rd Fontenay 4,352b.
61st Fontenay 4,678b.
222nd Prov. Orleans 13,159d.
316th Chateaudun 7,278d.

Kurt, enjoy this victory and good luck from the whole Herbots team.