There is electricity in the air with our neighbors to the south, and this time it isn’t a storm front over the Pyrenees. The National General Assembly of the KBDB has made a decision that is shaking the pigeon world to its core: from now on, young pigeons are only allowed to be basketed every two weeks for the Great Middle Distance.
The reactions? They range from mild panic to pure rage among the so called specialists. But if we park the emotions for a moment and look at the future of our sport, there is only one possible conclusion.
This is what the Pigeon Boss thinks about it.
The Hunt for the Paper Champion
Let’s grab the elephant in the room by its trunk. We live in an era where the pressure on young pigeons has become insane. The hunt for that extra coefficient for the ace pigeon championship or that one flashy line in an auction catalog sometimes seems more important than the bird that has to do the work.
Of course, our pigeons are cared for like Olympic athletes these days. The schedules are perfect, the supplements are top notch, and the medical guidance leaves nothing to chance. We can do more than in the past, I believe that completely. But “being able to” is something very different than “having to.”
Burnout in a Golden Cage
I still see it happening far too often around me. A young pigeon made of the right stuff flies the roof off the house twice. The owner already sees the Euro signs or the trophies and keeps throwing that bird into the fray. First there is that early prize, then another early one, then one halfway down the results list… and instead of hitting the brakes, that bird goes into the basket one more time.
And then the inevitable happens: the tank is empty, the orientation fails, and that beautiful athlete is gone forever. That isn’t craftsmanship, it is pure exhaustion. You are throwing away the future for a tiny bit of short term success.
Winning by Granting Rest
Times have changed and we have to be honest: how we treat our animals determines whether we will still be able to practice this beautiful sport ten years from now. Whether it concerns a grueling one loft race or the game on your own loft, being a bit milder toward your pigeons ensures that you ultimately win on all fronts.
My advice to every fancier who takes their sport seriously? Have the guts to leave a bird that has gone really deep at home for a week. Let him scratch around for a bit, give him that extra rest, and let the battery recharge completely. A pigeon that is physically and mentally fresh will thank you sooner or later with a performance that gives you goosebumps.
The Future Belongs to the Patient Fancier
This new rule in Belgium actually forces people to become “pigeon fanciers” again instead of just “pigeon players.” It forces us to make choices and to build a racing team that still has the strength to dominate as yearlings and old birds.
We do this with pleasure and we do this with pride. Let’s protect that passion by always seeing the pigeon as our most important partner, and not as a machine that we can use indefinitely. Rest is not a sign of weakness, it is the highest form of class.
Do as you wish, but think!
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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