Today in Belgium, the hot topic isn’t the weather, not a national win, not even a top auction. No… They’re arguing about water bowls. One or two per basket? As the Pigeon Boss, I watched this debate unfold and thought: Are we seriously debating something this obvious?
💬 One Small Detail, One Big Consequence
It may sound like a small detail — just a water bowl, right? But make no mistake: for young birds on their first journey in a transport basket, this "small detail" can make the difference between returning home or disappearing forever.
Over the past weeks, I’ve seen too many badly flown races with high losses. Not in extreme heat, not after two nights in the basket. No — just short, one-night races. Cooler temperatures even. And still, many young birds gone. And yet the KBDB and others still argue whether it’s “really necessary” to hang two drinkers on a basket instead of one.
🧪 Learning to Drink Is Not Optional — It’s Survival
At my own loft, I train my young pigeons from an early age to drink from the standard blue drinkers. It’s part of their education — just like loft flying and feeding routines. But even then, when they enter a full transport basket for the first time, many simply don’t drink. The stress, the crowd, the noise — it’s overwhelming.
And here’s what I’ve learned:
- Sometimes they need a second chance.
- An extra drinker might be that chance.
- Not because they’re lazy. But because they’re young, afraid, and learning.
- One small extra water source can literally be the line between life and death.
📉 Results Don't Lie — But Some People Do
This weekend, I saw proud social media posts. Loft managers celebrating their race. But when I looked at the actual race results? Let me be honest: some of them should be ashamed, not proud. You can’t boast about “a good race” when half your team is missing.
I say it loud and clear: don’t hide poor management behind good excuses. And don’t call those who ask for better care “dramatic”. The facts are louder than the opinions.
💔 Small Fanciers Suffer the Most
Let’s talk about the heart of the sport — the small-scale pigeon fancier. If a large loft loses ten young birds, it’s disappointing. But if a small fancier loses ten… it’s devastating. It can be the end of his season — or his entire passion.
We must realize: One bad flight can break someone’s dream.
And for what? To avoid placing a second drinker?
👊 The Pigeon Boss Stands Up
So yes — in Belgium, they argue about one or two drinkers. Meanwhile, I stand here and say: Why are we even discussing this? Two drinkers cost no effort. No fortune. No special training.
And they could save thousands of young pigeons each year.
As Pigeon Boss, I care about this sport. I fight for its future. And the future starts with better care. Smarter transport. And less arrogance and more action.
🕊️ Let’s Be Better. Not Just Louder.
We talk a lot in this sport. But talking doesn’t bring pigeons home. So here’s my question to every fancier, transporter and federation: Do you want to be proud… or do you want your pigeons home?
Let’s not wait for another bad weekend. Let’s act today. Two drinkers per basket — always. No debate needed.
💬 What’s your view? Do you agree? Let’s open the conversation — the pigeons depend on us.
Until the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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