When the mercury rises, so does our responsibility.
In the sport of pigeon racing, everything revolves around timing, preparation, and above all: respect. Respect for our pigeons. Respect for the sport. And respect for the circumstances in which we ask our birds to perform.
That’s why today, as The Pigeon Boss, I want to clearly explain the Dutch Heat Protocol, which is now active across the Netherlands this weekend. Understanding the “why” and “how” of this protocol helps all of us play our part in keeping our feathered athletes healthy and safe.
🌡️ Why the Heat Protocol Exists
The Heat Protocol is issued by the NPO Board, based on expert advice from the IWB (Institute for Race Guidance). It’s not about limiting the sport, but about protecting it – and the pigeons that make it possible.
When temperatures exceed 25°C, the protocol activates automatically. The hotter it gets, or the more extreme the circumstances (transport, distance, wind), the more protective measures are enforced. The goal? To reduce stress, dehydration, and health risks for the pigeons involved.
🚚 Key Measures at a Glance
📦 During Basking, Transport & Arrival
When the outside temperature hits 25°C or more, the following rules apply:
- Reduced number of pigeons per basket:
- Max 23 pigeons in a large Ruco basket
- Max 20 pigeons in a small Ruco or Oomens basket
- Extra drinking time:
- At least 1 hour before departure
- And upon arrival at the release location
🌡️ Inside the Transport Truck
If:
- the temperature inside the truck hits 28°C, or
- the outside temperature while driving is 25°C or more,
Then:
- The driver must stop every 4.5 hours for the pigeons to drink for at least 1 hour
🐣 Young Bird Races – Special Attention
For races where young birds are entered, and when 29°C or more is expected on race day:
- Max 1 night in the basket
- Max flight duration 3 hours
(≈ 210 km with headwind, ≈ 270 km with tailwind) - Only one release per department and per release site
This is to prevent exhaustion and overheating in younger, less experienced birds.
🕊️ Middle & Day Long Distance (Old Birds)
If temperatures are forecasted at 32°C or more:
- Limit the race to 2 nights maximum in the basket
- Flight time should not exceed 6–7 hours
(≈ 450 km with headwind, ≈ 600 km with tailwind)
⛔ When Will a Race Be Cancelled?
Some situations are too risky – and that’s when flights must be cancelled altogether:
- Young birds racing in 32°C or hotter
- Midfond/day-fond at 35°C or more
- Marathon races when temperatures hit 41°C or more
These decisions are never taken lightly. But they are taken with the heart – for the pigeons, not against the fanciers.
💬 The Pigeon Boss Speaks
Let me say this loud and clear: I fully support this protocol. It’s built with logic, care, and experience. It doesn’t aim to stop our sport – it aims to sustain it through responsible practices. We cannot allow short-term thinking or panic-driven decisions to guide us. This protocol gives us a solid, fair framework to work with, so we know what to expect and how to act. It’s not about “cancel culture.” It’s about care culture. As fanciers, we should be proud to follow guidelines that protect what we love.
🏁 Final Thoughts from The Pigeon Boss
Let’s be honest – we all want to race. But we should only race when it’s safe. When we choose to follow the Heat Protocol, we’re not giving up on the sport. We’re standing up for our pigeons.
This weekend, and every hot weekend that follows, let’s race smart, race proud, and race with heart.
🗣️ And now it’s your turn – what do YOU think about the Heat Protocol? Do you feel it’s fair? Too strict? Or maybe not strict enough?
👉 Share your thoughts in the comments! Let's have an open, respectful discussion – because this sport thrives on shared experience and dialogue.
Until the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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