Combination Van Leeuwen & Zn (Reeuwijk) Provincial Champion Afdeling 5 unnominated

Who pronounces the Dutch place name Reeuwijk in the pigeon world, automatically thinks of 2 very well-known fanciers namely Willem de Bruijn and Verkerk Bas. But since 2017 there is a third name that can place itself little by little next to these 2 champions and then we talk about the combination Van Leeuwen en Zoon.

Introduction

This combination is formed by Evert, supported by his wife Johanna and their son Evert Jr. "Thanks to their support I can fully enjoy the pigeon sport", Evert starts his story "because I have my own painting company, so every day I’m on the road. Now I have to admit that my wife is just as fanatic a pigeon fancier as I am, and of course that makes a lot." 
In '90 Evert came in contact with the pigeon sport. During a visit to a school friend he saw a group of pigeons training and curious as they were they went to the fancier for information. This fancier was Martin Wijtman. Martin told enthusiastically about the arrivals of his marathon pigeons, showed the won cups and told about the care. An explanation that more than impressed Evert and when he came home he told his parents that he was going to keep racing pigeons. A few weeks later there was already a loft of 5 metres in the garden and besides some pigeons from Martin Wijtman, there were also pigeons from football friend Keven Blonk, De Wit Roel, Nico and Piet, Wiebren Vreeling and Piet Schenkels. A strong basis and Evert became in '94 youth champion of the Netherlands. The performances continued to increase and another season later Evert had the 3 best pigeons of the Netherlands. 
In 2014 they moved to their current residence in Reeuwijk and with a stock of 20 couples of racers (total widowhood) and 100 youngsters they are basketed for all programme races. 
On the breeding loft houses 30 couples, formed with pigeons directly Henny La Grouw, Dirk Van Dyck, Willem de Bruijn, Verkerk Bas and Gerard, Henri Diks, Johny Heylen, Hans Veraart and Piet Veraart and as last acquisitions John Van Dongen. 

System

"May I give you some good advice", Evert continues, "I used to be a slave to my pigeons. All time and energy was put in the pigeon sport but when I saw how Willem de Bruijn kept it all so simple, I decided to organize my pigeon sport the same way. Keep it simple, go for quality pigeons and if there is a problem I always consult Bas Verkerk. His knowledge of pigeon sport is unlimited and I know that Bas will always answer in all honesty, even if we are competitors."
Around January 10, the 24 racing couples are coupled and they can raise a couple of youngsters. Once the youngsters grow up, they are separated and released once a week to find their flying rhythm again. 
As soon as the weather gets warmer, the trainings are increased and from the beginning of March, they are released daily. For the rest, there are no or few secrets to discover. Before a race, the racers are never motivated, only when they come home, they are allowed to come together. 
The old pigeons are darkened from the 1st of March till the middle of April, for 14 hours a day. 
As for the feed, the mixtures of Versele-Laga (Gerry Plus), Beyers (Verkerk Light, Verkerk Sport and Koopman All-in-one) are on the menu. Every day, they are fed during 1 hour full. 
In the morning, they get the "morning mix" recipe Willem de Bruijn. This mix consists of Tovo, grit, candy seed, vegetable pellets and cat food. 
From a medical point of view, the medicine cupboard is kept closed as much as possible. When the pigeons are moulting, they get Para Control Boost (De Weerd). During the season, medical intervention is only used in case of poor performance. 
 

Especially for internet sales Pigeon Bids, Evert selected some top birds and youngsters from his very best breeding lines. A unique opportunity to strengthen your breeding loft!

"Queen Beppie" NL19-1668707 

"Hendrika" NL19-1668772

"Daughter Jolene" NL21-1195611

"Son Michella" NL21-1195630

"Son Sascha" NL21-1195472