The pigeon strain of Georges and Victor Fabry of Liege, Belgium, played an important part in the history of European pigeon racing, in fact the Fabrys have been successful wherever the sport has put down its roots.
The creator was Georges Fabry, and Victor was his son. Georges really started in in the sport in1913 when he
arrived in Liege to start a pharmacy business where he built a loft over his shop.To stock it he decided upon theHansenne strain, for Alexander Hansenne then was considered by many as the best pigeon man in the world. This purchase of Hansennes indicated Georges Fabry's astuteness for to start he was determined to stock the very best.
Between the two world wars competing against approximately 4,000 flyers, the Fabry lofts were champions in1928 and1929. From1930 to the start of the Second World War the Fabrys won many championships and National races including scoring nine times in the Angouleme National taking the gold medal for the highest number of prizes with an entry of 12 pigeons.
Unfortunately the German invasion of Belgium interrupted more success and many of the Fabry family ended up in Germany where some were destroyed. However, Fabry managed to retrieve a number and after the war ended bolstered his remaining stock withBricoux's followed in about1950 with a a hen fromVanbruaene and another fromDe Scheemaecker. This was not the last occasion to introduce other bloodlines but one of his important acts of management was to purchase his own bloodlines from those where successful at racing Fabry's. This ensured a revitalization and continuing conformity of the phenotype.
There then began a very successful period for the Fabry's including the hatching in1947 of a blue check hen called'Heroine' who was to prove a fabulous racer and breeder winning as a yearling1st National St. Vincent at a distance of 945 kilometres in atrocious conditions. This great hen mothered in due course'Porthos' the winner of two million Belgian francs within the period of 2 years and who in turn became the grand sire to theJanssen Brothers' Halve Fabry'. Then there was'Zotteke' who bred amongst others the famous'Monty' and'Aiglon' and the exceptional racer called'Fangio' who won one million Belgian francs over a period of four years. Oh one could go on and on but the space is limited. Georges Fabry was a meticulous record keeper and good ventilation was necessary for his lofts. He cleaned out twice per day and yearlings and old birds were raced on widowhood. The young birds were trained up to 250 kilometres and contrary to most widowhood flyers, he did not believe in breeding his widowers before the racing season began because this method helped the cocks maintain their form longer. As a family the Fabry's cross well with theJanssens and the strain have proven to be very successful in the USA.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
Hello Dale, Donnie & Pam
Firstly, I would like to thank Dale for his persistence yesterday. Both
Linda and I were so sorry that your crossing was so difficult.
Originally, you texted me that you would wait for us---so of course we
would wait for you!!
We had a very pleasant return home with clear roads etc. But were
extremely tired and went to bed early!! I am extremely happy with the
selection of birds you sent even the replacement for 20512.
It was a pleasure dealing with the Zehr family. I spent time with the
birds in the garage last night and today speaking "Zehr Sion" to them.
Think they understood---at least until they learn "Trini Sion". Lol!!!
Thank you all once again.
Wishing you all and your families a very Happy Holiday Season!!!
Dave and Linda
The 3 birds arrived this morning in Aurora, Colorado safe and sound. Thanks. We'll do business again!!
Hello. We received the two boxes today with the four Hansenne pigeons. Arrived in excellent condition.
She is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you guys for looking out for me. Can’t say enough about how much I love the bird and birds you have sent me.
Thank you so much, i got the bird! He's so beautiful, pin tail apple body, nice wing :)
Hello there, My name is Mike and live in Az, I had racing pigeons when I was young and now Im not young haha 61, Semi retired and determined to move to a place where I can fly birds again, want to get my grandkids involved. Anyway as a kid I flew some Sions and really enjoyed your website. When Im ready would love to get a few Sions again and see how they do. Any advice for an old newbie? lol
Hey Donnie, Saw your Birds on Ipigeon and must say, those are some Beautiful Heitzmans. They are very true to what I called the real thing. Beautiful Hansennes as well. Take Care, Chuck
Hi
I have placed the pigeon recieved from you recently in a priority express shipment back to you in same box recieved. Bird was beautiful and healthy but we realized it’s nature is such that it needs to fly and be a racing pigeon. We can’t offer that life to it and realize it was a mistake to try this based on our situation
Bird has had not been outside and has been confined indoors in isolation since recieved.
Please give it the home it deserves.
Appreciate the care you took getting it to us!!!
Need some color on my team. Had some sion couple years ago when i had a partner who sick and could not care for his own birds. He liked sions so i bought some from you on pigeonauction.com. We alot of fun his sions against my team .He has since past on. His family called me and thanked me for letting fly with me he really looked forward race day. HE WON EVERY WEEK
Path: https://www.clayhavenfarms.com/pigeons/for-sale
Thank you guys so much for allowing me the opportunity to love these birds.