About us

Ben and Hans flying under the name B. Visser are both involved into the sport from childhood on. Since the early 80's they are seriously participating into the pigeon races. Before it was hardly possible because of work and study. Ben who is currently enjoying his retirement, takes the daily care on his behalf, while Hans mainly manages the administrative section for performance and pedigree etcetera.

The basis of the current stock is built with pigeons directly coming from Flor Engels and Sons (now because of the death of father Flor operating under the name Jos and Jules Engels), one of the best fanciers in Belgium. In the bloodlines of these birds, many topbirds of Flor Engels can be found such as the "Witpender" (ancestor) and "De dikke" (2 x first national). Over the years these birds are mixed with pigeons coming from very strong racers in the region with mainly Schaerlaeckens blood in the veins. The latest acquisitions are coming from Raats. Meanwhile, a balanced stock of pigeons is built.

(from left to right Jules Engels, Flor Engels and Ben Visser)

Currently the combination flies with only 15 widowers and about 30 youngsters. They posses a fairly wide breedingloft, partly due to the input of some breeders of Toon Raats, including the mother of several teletext pigeons.

Pairing finds place usually late December / early January, depending on the weather conditions. The youngsters are darkened to about two weeks before the flights and they are trained to about 80 km. Selection finds place continuously. Not good or not good enough performing youngsters will be deleted ruthlessly. New blood must prove within 2 to 3 years. Otherwise the line will be removed completely. Until 2010, the combination focused on the short and middle distance races as well as the youngsters program. In these parts they were every year to find with the champions in both the club, kring and departmental level. Since 2010, the combination has made a shift to the one day long distance, with amazing results immediately. They play traditional widowhood with cocks. The youngsters are playing "on the door". The loft is 11 meters long and 2.5 meters deep. In the preparing plays regularly, health, training and good food an important role.

There are several pigeon fanciers who are very successful with pigeons from Ben and Hans. A good example is Peter Pander's "Phenomenon". This cock flew in 2006/2007 up to 10 x 1st in the club with 5 x 1st in the ACC.