Georges De Keyser, passionate about pigeon racing!

George De Keyser: A Lifelong Passion for Pigeon Racing
In the picturesque village of Messelbroek, a part of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, George De Keyser has been spreading his wings in the world of pigeon racing since 1972. For many years, he has been a prominent figure in the world of pigeon racing in Vlaams-Brabant, with a special affection for middle-distance (½ fond) races. Not only does he excel in these middle-distance races, but he also has a soft spot for the heavy middle-distance races. Furthermore, George is a versatile pigeon fancier, as his pigeons show remarkable performance in sprint races as well. His all-round pigeons consistently shine from sprint races to heavy middle-distance races, earning George a recurring presence in the championships of Verenigde Vrienden Scherpenheuvel. Throughout his illustrious pigeon racing career, he has clinched numerous titles in various championships, and his trophy cabinet in Messelbroek is a testament to his accomplishments.

George also shares his thoughts on the future of pigeon racing. He is inclined to specialize further in high-speed races due to his disappointment with the declining popularity of middle-distance races. The mandatory two-night basketing imposed by KBDB is the primary reason for the diminishing interest in ½ fond races. He observes the changing weather patterns, with increasingly extreme summer conditions, especially for races shorter than 400 kilometers, which, according to George, put added stress on the pigeons. Additionally, higher transportation costs have caused many enthusiasts to disengage from middle-distance races. This is a trend that George De Keyser finds deeply regrettable.

Minimal Loft Stock for Maximum Success
One remarkable aspect of George's approach is his ability to demonstrate that greatness does not depend on the number of pigeons in his loft. In 2023, he embarked on the season with only 10 old pigeons, 20 yearlings, and approximately 60 young pigeons, yet he achieved another impressive season. In the overall championship of Verenigde Vrienden Scherpenheuvel, he was narrowly defeated by Louis Verheyen, underscoring the truth that the number of pigeons is not the key to achieving top results consistently. Each year, he consistently secures a place in the top three of the overall championship, showing that his pigeons can compete across all categories.

George's Playing Strategy
The strategy George employs for his old and yearling pigeons reflects his mastery. He practices the widowhood system, allowing the cock and hen pigeons to spend 15 to 20 minutes together for motivation before basketing. Upon their return, the cock and hen pigeons are allowed to stay together until the following day at noon.

Young pigeons are raced using the sliding door system, with both cocks and hens being used. If one gender is in the minority, George supplements it with old or yearling pigeons. Prior to basketing, George opens the sliding door, allowing the cocks and hens to be together, which, in his experience, is sufficient to motivate the young pigeons for the races.

The Lofts
Regarding the lofts, Georges uses simple garden lofts for his pigeons. Here, you can also see the simplicity, and with this simplicity, you can achieve strong performances with the pigeons.

Pigeon Training
Regarding training, George's approach is simple. He lets his pigeons out a few times to Gasthuisberg before they are basketed for Fleurus. During the season, he discontinues pigeon training and only provides an hour for the pigeons to exercise before calling them in. Cocks are let out first, followed by hens, and lastly, young pigeons get an hour to train outside. The training of pigeons around the loft is also an indication of their form; pigeons that train well around the loft are usually prepared for the upcoming races.

George's Feeding Strategy
George also adopts a straightforward approach to pigeon nutrition. His racing pigeons and breeders are fed sports mixtures all year round, supplemented with P40 vitamins. He provides salt and grit in the loft consistently. During the week, the pigeons receive naturaline with a touch of garlic. Upon their return from races, George provides the pigeons with water containing glucose and bicarbonate. On a monthly basis, George administers Amazol to protect against trichomoniasis. George is not a proponent of complex feeding schedules, firmly believing that simplicity is the key to success in pigeon racing. According to George, intricate schedules only add unnecessary costs and complexity to the sport.

Teaching Pigeons to Drink in the Basket
George shares a simple yet effective technique for teaching pigeons to drink while in the basket. While some fanciers consider buying worn or new baskets to train pigeons to drink in the basket, George has a clever solution, as illustrated in the attached photo. George believes that straightforward solutions are the most cost-effective way to enhance pigeon performance.

Participate more races of big speed in the future?
George laments the decline of middle-distance racing, and he is likely to specialize further in high-speed races in the future. He anticipates participating less in middle-distance races and plans to use them primarily as a stepping stone to compete in a few national races. He observes with concern how middle-distance racing has deteriorated in recent years, primarily due to factors beyond his control.

First Winner of PigeonLeague 2023 For Youngsters
Throughout his pigeon racing career, George has achieved significant success, including winning a car. It is no surprise that he became the first winner of the new competition, PigeonLeague 2023 For Youngsters. His choice to participate in the final race from Soissons, rather than a national race, was a deliberate decision. He wanted to compete in the final using the same race as his opponent, emphasizing the excitement of a direct duel. This decision led to his victory in the final, marking a historical milestone in his illustrious career.

Future Ambitions: Enjoyment and Dedication
When asked about his future goals in pigeon racing, George highlights the joy of daily interaction with his feathered friends. While achieving outstanding results is rewarding, nothing brings him greater satisfaction than being hands-on with his pigeons on a daily basis. George De Keyser remains a symbol of passion and dedication in the world of pigeon racing.

Championships in 2023:

One of the best pigeons on his loft
The old pigeon 2087509-21 became the 3rd ace pigeon in Hafo Flemish Brabant old pigeons and was the best pigeon in the Scherpenheuvel local club. Below, you can find some prizes won by this pigeon.

Jouw Afbeelding

In the upcoming seasons, Georges De Keyser from Messelbroek will continue to be a prominent figure in various pigeon races. After all, his quality does not deceive! We wish Georges and his family much success in the years to come with his pigeons. Above all, we hope that he continues to enjoy his time with his pigeons.

Naam schrijver: Buelens, Geert