We certainly do not need to introduce Johan De Belser from Berlaar. In 2020, he was crowned 3rd National Ace bird KBDB Great Middle-Distance Yearlings with his top hen “Het 001.” In 2022, he followed that up with a national victory with “Sarah,” who won 1st National Châteauroux against no fewer than 5,720 pigeons and was also the fastest of 9,723 pigeons; and now, with “Rayo,” he has claimed 1st National Ace bird KBDB Great Middle Distance Old Birds 2026.
With numerous other top national results and international successes at the OLR in China to boot, Johan De Belser has more than proven that he possesses absolute top-tier quality. It is no wonder, then, that many fanciers, both at home and abroad, are familiar with and appreciate the exceptional quality of the pigeons in the lofts at Berlaar. Johan built his colony with pigeons from his father Vic De Belser, Gaston Van de Wouwer (Berlaar), Jos and Jules Engels (Putte), Geert Lambrechts (Hallaar), Jos Maris (Itegem), Luc Vervoort (Hallaar), Willy Daniels (Kessel), Frans & Dirk Maris (Itegem), Pieter Veenstra (NL), Fokkinga-Elzinga (NL), and Peter Schmitz (NL)
“Rayo” BE24-6095051 1st National Ace Pigeon, Heavy Middle Distance, KBDB 2026
Prizes counting toward the 2026 Great Middle Distance ace bird competition KBDB are printed in bold.
10 Nat. La Châtre 4,633 p. 539 km
20 Nat. Bourges 5,316 p. 475 km
27 Nat. La Châtre 10,300 p. 539 km
52 Nat. Bourges 17,189 p. 475 km
56 Nat. Bourges 11,056 p. 475 km
59 Nat. Argenton 15,386 p. 552 km
70 Nat. Argenton 5,812 p. 552 km
Sire: BE23-6016830 “Side Up”
Grandfather: BE21-6230369 “Marisman” (Maris Frans & Dirk), also sire of BE25-6040609 “Nine Again,” 18th National Argenton 11,600 pigeons. He, in turn, is a son of “Sunny”
BE18-6061806, who placed 12th National Issoudun 11,465 pigeons and 27th National Argenton 5,158 pigeons.
Gr.M “Het 001” = 3rd National Ace Pigeon Heavy Middle Distance KBDB ’20
The grandmother of “Side Up” is none other than the mother of “Het 001”: the fantastic breeder Daughter Torre 491 (BE14-6070491). Daughter Torre 491 is a granddaughter of Gaston van de Wouwer’s legendary “Kaasboer.” It is precisely this combination of the De Belser strain with the proven Van de Wouwer line that has produced outstanding results in recent years.
Mother: BE22-6031472 “Serina”
In addition to being the mother of “Rayo,” ‘Serina’ is also the mother of “Triple 7” and “701”. “Triple 7” won11th National Argenton 18,837 pigeons. “701” won 45th National 11,600 pigeons.
Breeding Pigeons
Around November 27, all our breeders and old widowers are paired up. In recent years, our breeding pigeons have already produced several useful race birds, further improving the quality of the loft. We also breed from older racing pigeons. They have proven themselves during their racing careers, so we expect their young to also add value. Normally, we do not breed from yearlings during the winter. An exception may be made for yearlings that performed exceptionally well the previous year. In principle, however, yearlings must first earn their stripes before we breed from them. Three weeks before pairing, we begin supplemental lighting for the cocks. This stimulates their mating drive. Supplementary lighting is provided from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is done fully automatically using a dimming system. About ten days before pairing, the hens are given wheat germ oil mixed into their feed. This stimulates the hens and helps ensure more consistent egg-laying.
The first eggs are laid about 10 to 14 days after pairing. For the top pairs, the eggs are removed immediately after the second egg is laid and placed under foster pairs. This allows the top pairs to lay eggs again after about ten days. In this way, we can raise four early young from our best pairs. During the brooding period, we switch to a lighter feed mix with a higher proportion of barley. Furthermore, fresh grit mix is provided daily in the lofts throughout the entire period where the pigeons are kept together. The hens benefit from this, as extra minerals and calcium are essential for eggshell formation.
Starting in November, we begin preparing our pigeons. We start with a visit to the veterinarian, during which all the pigeons are thoroughly examined. If necessary, they receive appropriate treatment. This year, the pigeons were treated for Trichomonas, better known as “the yellow.” This parasite can easily spread through drinking water. That is why we pay extra attention to good hygiene. The drinking water is changed regularly, and we ensure that it is always clean and fresh. Dropping can also create an ideal environment for the parasite to multiply. In addition, Trichomonas can be transmitted directly from parent pigeons to young pigeons via crop milk and saliva during feeding. To give our young pigeons the healthiest possible start, we therefore consider it important that all parent pigeons are free of Trichomonas.
Supplemental Lighting for the Lofts
Starting November 10, we will also begin providing supplemental lighting for three lofts namely the hens’ loft; the yearling cocks’ loft; the long-distance pigeons’ loft.
The supplemental lighting is fully automated thanks to a timer system. Both in the morning and in the evening, natural daylight is extended by three hours. In the morning, the lights are on from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and in the evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lofts 2 and 3, the pigeons are given the opportunity to choose a new nest. By artificially extending the days, we mimic the longer days of spring. This stimulates the pigeons’ hormonal balance and fertility, causing the hens to start laying more readily and regularly.
Care: Nutrition, Hygiene, and Vitamins
During this period, all pigeons are fed a balanced mix. In addition, grit is provided regularly, which plays a key role in digestion. The sharp particles in the grit help grind the food in the pigeon’s stomach. Since it takes about two days for these sharp edges to wear down, it is not necessary to add grit to the feed every day. Every two days is more than enough. Our pigeons are also regularly given the opportunity to take a bath. This stimulates molting and contributes to proper plumage care. We add a splash of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt to the bath water. This not only aids in plumage care but also helps prevent pests. Fourteen days before pairing, all breeding pigeons receive extra vitamins for five days. This is a general vitamin regimen containing vitamins A, B, and D. In this way, we ensure that the pigeons are in optimal health by the end of November, when pairing takes place.
Selection of Breeding Pigeons
As early as October, we carefully select our breeding pigeons. In doing so, we primarily consider their performance in previous seasons. Pedigree also plays an important role, but only if the pigeon additionally meets certain physical and conformation criteria.
Among other things, we look for:
a strong and well-built physique; a compact body; a soft wing that is nicely proportioned to the body and a beautiful and lively expression in the eyes.
Ultimately, we are primarily looking for a pigeon that feels right in the hand and that is convincing in both build and appearance.
Pairing
During November, the pigeons are first paired on paper. In doing so, we pay close attention to the pedigree to avoid overly close family ties within the breeding program as much as possible. The pigeons’ conformation and physique also play a key role in selecting the pairs. Two exceptionally large or, conversely, two small pigeons are rarely paired together. We strive for a good balance and try to combine the traits of both parent birds in a harmonious way. At the end of November, the pairs are finally brought together.
Cleaning the Pigeon Loft
Once all the races of the season are over, it is time for a thorough cleaning of the pigeon loft. An annual, extensive cleaning is essential to support the health of both the pigeons and the caretaker. After all, a well-maintained and hygienic pigeon loft is the foundation for healthy pigeons. Regular cleaning and careful maintenance help maintain hygiene and ensure the pigeons start the new season in optimal condition.
The Racing System
Cocks
In pigeon racing with old and yearling cocks, the classic widowhood system is usually used. It is important to motivate the cocks effectively, for example by having them train in groups or by rewarding them with a special treat when they return to their loft.
Hens
In pigeon racing with old and yearling hens, the “jealousy” method is also used. Two hens are paired with the same cock. That is, in the first round of breeding, the first hen is paired with the cock, and they raise a single round. As soon as the young are 15–16 days old, the hen moves to the young birds’ loft with one young, while the other young stays with the cock. When the young with the cock is old enough to be weaned, the cock is paired with his “second hen” after a few days. The same system applies here as with the first hen. Afterward, the hens are placed in a “rest loft.” Upon returning from a race, they take turns visiting their partner—who remained at home—in the loft where they raised their young. However, they are given the opportunity to realize that they do not only feel affection for the same cock in the loft. Afterward, they are separated again and return to the rest loft for the rest of the week. The resting loft is often a loft with all kinds of “little niches” without nesting boxes. This is to prevent them from pairing up with each other.
Today, Johan and his sons Arne and Nick formed a strong and close-knit team. Johan’s years of experience go hand in hand with the fresh ideas and new insights of the next generation. In this way, the colony continues to develop, while maintaining the sturdy foundation that has been built up over the years.
Loft
Winners
