Noppe Gilbert & Filip (Wevelgem) win 1st Prov. Argenton West Flanders against 1,903 yearlings

Wevelgem - Noppe Gilbert & Filip produced a remarkable performance in the national flight from Argenton last weekend. Their blue cock, BE23-3013617 named "Norberto", won the first provincial prize against 1,903 yearlings. Nationally, "Norberto" won 21st place against 11,777 yearlings.

Pedigree and Performance

The father of "Norberto" is a pigeon of the Willy Vanhoutte strain, known to us all. The mother comes from Kris Vandenbussche from Zwevegem.

"Norberto" has already shown his ability several times this year:
Clermont (169km):
27/549 local 
47/1.209 union
Bourges (442km): 
3/515 local
7/2.433 zonal
5/3.256 provincial
92/18.785 national
Sancoins (442km): 
15/200 local
77/1.122 zonal
72/1.275 provincial
1.784/12.958 national
Argenton II (483km): 
8/263 local
26/1.861 zonal
30/2.294 provincial
240/11.184 national
Argenton III (483km): 
1/280 local
1/1.782 zonal
1/1.903 provincial
21/11.777 national

Playing Method and Care

The pigeons are played on widowhood. Before basketing the cocks are allowed to see their hens for a while and after the flight they are allowed to stay together for 30 to 45 minutes. Training consists of two sessions a day: in the morning for about an hour and in the evening for as long as the pigeons want to fly.
Because of Gilbert's age (90) and the work commitments of son Filip and grandson Jonas, it is not always easy to keep everything running smoothly in the morning. Gilbert does what he can, such as cleaning the lofts and gets help from granddaughter Alicia in walking and feeding the pigeons. In the afternoon and evening, Filip and Jonas take over the other tasks.

Nutrition and Health

After the flight, the pigeons are given Purification Casaert by Vanrobaeys. During the week, this is mixed with Clicque Golden Racing feed, also from Vanrobaeys. On Monday, Med. Tollyamin Forte by Vet-Schroeder is given in the water, while the rest of the week the water remains pure. A health cure is held every two to three weeks.

Flying team 2024

For 2024, the team started with 14 widowers, consisting of six old birds and eight yearlings. The yearling team performed excellently, winning championships in the Gullegem pigeon society.

Breeding Team

The breeding team consists of 20 couples of breeders and the 14 widowers. The old widowers are allowed to raise their own young, while the yearlings serve as breeding pairs for the best breeders. 70 rings are ordered and all are used.

The success of Noppe Gilbert & Filip in Argenton shows that you don't need to keep many pigeons to be successful in pigeon racing, and with "Norberto" they have a champion in their loft who will undoubtedly achieve more successes.
The whole Herbots team congratulates the Noppe family once again with their recent achievements and wishes them lots of success in the future!

Maarten Herbots