Our next Project is to connect all fanciers of the region to the Benzing Live system and improve not only the accuracy of the records but also to introduce technology and efficiency to the clubs.

Right now, pigeon racing is a way of living that we share and enjoy.

 

2.- Can you give us some details about your loft?

Our racing loft is currently split in 3 sections: cocks and hens, with a capacity of 24 nests each and a third section for 35 youngsters.

The breeding loft consists of 9 modules for breeding and two modules for hens and cocks that we combine as we decide.

Layout of the breeder loft.

3.- Which origins can we find in your loft?

Since 2007, we have based our loft in two lines. The Grondelaers, daughter of whom made us champions of the Vinaroz Derby 2008 (500 km), an all road line always making good positions in different distances.

In the last decade we have controlled over 50 pigeons in on-sea races, out of those, 30 come from the Grondelaers line, including 2017 and 2019 regional champions and many top positions in Provincial races.

To really appreciate this line, consider that is very difficult to find another loft in our region that controls over 30 pigeons in such distance on the same period of time.

The second line, more traditional and local, is the Vazquez Loureiro, whose hen was a present from Francisco Vazquez Loureiro, head of the National Federation in the Xacobeo Derby 2008. This breed is known for its resilience in races between 200 and 500 km with high temperatures.

Other influence is Marquez Prats, these pigeons were often used in long distance races until 2014. From that moment we introduced Heremans (from Eijerkamp, Gaby…).

This seek of excellence was also triggered by our improvement in our local competitors, specially Manuel Delgado, winner of the Andalucía Derby 2014 with “Manuela”, known to be a fantastic breeder for derby competitors in recent years. The hen is currently owned by Gonzalo Valero.

Racing against the best always makes you keep improving to stay competitive.

In the most recent years, we have come back to derby competitions, being our last achievement the Costa del Sol Derby 2020 with the cock Raw Sablon-Kannibal Dirk Leekens and a hen from our friend Jose Gazapo, As Pigeon in the Andalucia Derby 2014.

 

4.- When do you usually breed? And, what methods do you use?

We don’t really have a scheduled breeding plan; it depends on our expectations on every couple. If they are derby pigeons, we adapt to the racing plan. On the hand, we don’t rush on the pigeons for domestic competitions.

In 2019, we won the last FOND with an August born yearling.

We also have to take into account the location of our loft, in Guijuelo 900 meters over sea level, when in winter, temperatures drop below -5ºC at night.

We like to start pairing couples in March so pigeons are born in April but it is always considering derby schedules.

Jorge makes really good analytics with all the data collected in order to choose the right timing. Some of these analyses are even published.

For sure this is not exact mathematics but it helps you a lot in your decision making.

This also applies to our style of pigeon: allroad, good for distance between 100 and 600 km, balanced, medium size, good colours, wide back and compact.

Sometimes you might be right others not…

We like to exchange pigeons with friends, buy from derbies or directly in Belgium, The Netherlands or Germany. Always aiming for excellence.

Nowadays, there are very good pigeons in Spain and Portugal brought in for derbies. You can even see pigeons sold on action for 500€ whereas some Pipa breeders might triple that price. There is a very competitive level in Spanish pigeons and you have to always pay attention on what is going on around you, especially if you like to breed with young breeders like we do.

We encourage fanciers to risk and buy. Obviously, quality comes at a price if you want good derby positions or renowned lofts.

Pedigree and ancestors are also important. In our case we look for our derby style of pigeons.

Central European pigeons usually show very strong features due to the long selection process behind. Wide backs, vent bones, strong muscles and excellent feathers are some of the main features.

Unlikely, in Spain we don’t have the opportunity to have the type of races we would like in order to improve in that lane of selection.