The fact that the number of pigeon breeders is noticeably decreasing is an established fact for most of us! But there is always a "bright spot" to be seen in the dark sky.
A small example can be the loft of the Smits family from Zandhoven in Belgium. Zandhoven is located just north of Antwerp in the province of Antwerp. Zandhoven, yes, there was something. Yes, the well-known breeders Eddy Janssens and of course Mister Kaanibaal and Dirk van Dyck are also based here. And here you have to assert yourself against such names as Andre Roodhooft, Danny van Dyck, Marcel Wouters, Guy van der Auwera, or Rik Hermanns.
In 2014, Ruben (17) and Jelle (14) literally caught the "pigeon virus". Always under the watchful eye of father Hans, who himself was an enthusiastic carrier pigeon breeder in earlier years, but unfortunately had to give up his hobby for work-related reasons.
At that time, Hans was Eddy Janssens' neighbor in the Hallebaan, where he was always up to date. In the end it was Eddy who repeatedly drew Hans and his sons attention to the advantages of racing pigeon sport and then persuaded them to take the step towards a new beginning. Of course, Eddy always wanted to help.
One thing led to another and then 5 pairs moved from Eddy to the "Smits lofts". With the help of Eddy there were more pigeons, a pair from Dirk van Dyck, 2 pairs from Miel van den Branden, some pigeons from Danny van Dyck and finally a pair from Rik Hermans. And so we come back to the shamrock from Antwerp.
With such a debut, it was of course not surprising that the performances were not long in coming!
At first, of course, they specialized in short and medium-haul routes, but soon they want to draw attention to themselves on longer distances as well. It is used in the Union Antwerpen-West, i.e. in the Schilde or St. Job locations.

At the new beginning there were 2 youngsters ("Leentje" and "Greetje") that drew attention to themselves. They flew 8 and 9 x in the first tenth of the price list on the Halve Fond (middle distance) flights and were equal 2nd and 3rd As-Pigeon Hafo in the Union Antwerpen-West. They also ensured that the "Smits" were able to register in the annals of the Union honors, but also of the KBDB, i.e. nationally.
The old birds are based on the classic widowhood with 11 widowers and about 70 young animals from 3 rounds are bred for the young animal journey. So at the beginning, after all the flights, the necessary setbacks and the subsequent selection, there were still 30 left, which could then be integrated into the travel team.
In the meantime, Jelle has had something to do with the events due to other interests, but father Hans has now come to the fore again and we now play under the name Hans & Reuben Smith.
With regard to feeding and medical support, the advice of the "teacher" Eddy is always sought here. In addition to the usual 2-time vaccination against Paramyxso and the regular examinations by veterinarian Stijn Gijsbrechts, the pigeons are also given an energy drink, for example on the day they return home (Hyp100 Vanrobaeys) admitted. The drinking water is also acidified almost every day at all times (BlueStar Vanrobaeys), in order to have less burden with e.g. Trichomonads and Adeno. Thats all.

Some results:
Noyon – Interplay „De Kempen“ – 521 Jungtauben – 9/6 – 16-35-37-38
Melun - Union West - 601 youngsters - 9/6 - 30-31-45-120-126
Melun - Union West - 851 youngsters - 7/6 - 46-77-84-183
Melun - Union West - 646 youngsters - 3/2 - 10-34
Chevrainvilles – Union West – 776 Jungtauben – 6/4 – 22-25-31-153
Chevrainvilles – Union West – 1.179 Jungtauben – 4/4 – 5-54-76-179

4th Nat. Champion Short Middle Distance KBDB Young Birds 2018
2nd Champion Young Birds + 2nd + 3rd AS-Pigeon Hafo Union West 2018
4th National Champion Young Birds KHF 2018

Eddy: "It makes me proud that I was able to help build something good here, although I actually beat myself with my own pigeons!"