Albert is probably one of the smartest breeders in Belgium. With just a small basket he manages to win everything. For years he has done everything with just a small group of hens. Last season he started with 16 pigeons. He has such a good relationship with his hens that they fight to see who gets to sit on his shoulder first. He succeeds because he likes to spend time with his hens. The pigeons are always rewarded with a handful of grit with anise or a few seeds and so they do everything to get home as quickly as possible.

The basis of the stock is still the world famous “Paulien” and Albert was one of the first to pair her with the famous 'Harry' of Jan Hooymans. No less than 12 of Harry's children moved into Albert's breeding loft and often with good results from their offspring. The super pigeons, such as the national ace pigeons and Olympic pigeons, are not sold but remain in the loft and form the basis for the future.

We can also describe Albert Derwa as an extremely clever connoisseur of the pigeon scene. If someone scores with exceptional results, he pays them a visit and questions the breeder's breeding and system.

If system changes such as darkening and lighting promise better results, then he is not averse to them.

The 2024 season was more difficult due to Albert's health, but nevertheless he scored with some fabulous results. He takes no risks and is always very careful. Every day he checks the weather reports and if necessary, his hens stay in the loft. If he takes part, it's to win.

Trust in Röhnfried

The pigeons receive fresh water twice a day with Avidress Plus and UsneGano, which ensure good basic health. 'If you don't have many pigeons and only have to clean a few drinking troughs, you do it all with pleasure,' says Albert. During the season he uses products such as Witches' Beer, Carni-Speed and Rotosal because they make it much easier for the pigeons to stay in top shape.

Best flights:

• 11/05 Soissons (190 km) against 1,896 old birds: 1, 4, 5, 6, …. (16)
• 25/05 Soissons (190 km) against 1,310 old birds: 1, 1, 22, 27, ….(16)
• 08/06 Sermaises (343 km) against  287 Alte : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, ... (16)
• 23/06 Sermaises (343 km) against 1,272 Alte : 5, 6, 18, 21, 38, 48, ….(16)
• 29/06 Sermaises (343 km) against 957 Alte : 5, 8, 14, 18, 19, 20,…(10)
• 13/07 Sermaises (343 km) against 730 Alte : 1, 2, 3, 16, 29, 31, … (15)

Albert Derwa has been one of the most successful racing breeders in Belgium for years, despite only having a relatively small team. Albert Derwa has a special relationship with his pigeons. When he enters the loft, all the pigeons immediately seek his proximity. It is precisely this bond between breeder and pigeons that is one of the decisive factors for his long-term success. During the season, Albert always pays attention to the weather conditions on the middle distance. Because only when the conditions are good will he race his pigeons over longer distances. His motto is: never lose a very good pigeon if possible.

Which Röhnfried products do you use?

“For years I have been providing my racing pigeons with the best possible Röhnfried products. Outside of the racing season, they add Avidress Plus with UsneGano to their drinking water every day. During the season, the pigeons are given Avipharm and Mumm in their drinking water on the day they return home. During the week, the racing pigeons are given Hexenbier, Carni-Speed ​​and Rotosal. This combination means the pigeons are in top condition, which is reflected in the top prices. With the young pigeons, I pay particular attention to a strong immune system. I achieve this by continuously giving them Entrobac, Immunbooster and UsneGano. In addition, the pigeons are given a grit mixture twice a day, which I put together myself from Expert-Mineral, Leckerstein, racing mineral and breeding and moulting mineral.”

Albert, which pigeons were particularly strong in the races this year?

“First of all, I would like to mention BE22-2098006. This year, it not only won 4 first prizes, but also achieved countless top placings. Her lineage: Father: NL-13-1395551, J Hooymans – son Dolce Beauty, P Veenstra (Mister Blue x Dolce Vita) x Elfje (sister Harry!)

Mother: BE-16-4129417, granddaughter New Freddy – PEC (from 446 son New Freddy x My Favorite , Geerinckx) x 259-15, daughter Gladiator, Geerinckx .

Her sister, the BE21-2059251, was in no way inferior to her with 5 first places and many top prizes against high numbers of pigeons.

What advice can you give other fanciers?

“It is important to build a strong bond with your pigeons based on trust. Every fancier should carefully observe his pigeons to make sure everything is OK. A well-coordinated care program that is specifically tailored to the needs of the pigeons during the races is also crucial.”