When I was just entering my teens in the 1950s I first became aware of the name of Hansenne, for within a valley of the Sperrin Mountains some members of the two local pigeon clubs which included my father, had representatives of this pigeon strain. Little did I know then that this was considered one of the great distance strains. In fact I was ignorant of the meaning of the word 'strain' and of the country of its origins, Belgium. In my recall of a period of time long gone I wonder how the Hansennes managed to play a part in the sport in a small valley beyond the foothills of the Sperrins. Where did they come from? Who brought them? Yet they succeeded in channel races from Milford Haven, Bude and Penzance. So in researching this article I am now more informed about the strain although still ignorant of their origins beside the Roe in County Derry, in Ireland. For, alas, generations of local fanciers from the area have since gone to that big loft in the sky and I am bereft of their knowledge.
Alexander Hansenne was from Verviers in Belgium and before he died in 1903 he had moulded a strain of outstanding racing pigeons. In fact the late A.H. Osman attributed the Hansennes as being the primary base of the then emerging English strains at the beginning of the last century. In his writings the same authority believed that Hansenne was the greatest long distance racer of his day.
Some of Hansenne's best birds included 'Le Criquet', hatched in 1877, and as a racer was 1st National from Paris, 1st from St. Benoit and 3rd from Tolosa. There was also an outstanding racer known as 'Calvi' who amongst other successes was 1st from Calvi. There was also the great 'Le St. Vincent ' which was 2nd St.Vincent and 1st St. Benoit and Agen respectively.
Alexander Hansenne was known to have bought up more than one loft in his pursuit of a particular bird or birds, culling the others in the process. Where breeding was concerned he had a policy of never breeding off a cock until it was raced hard at the longer races. As a family they were composed mostly of dark chequers with traces of bronze and short in legs and necks. Chest wise they were not so broad as other families of the time. His commitment to the long distance races was extreme by reputation and there is no doubt although he would not have been aware of it, that this contributed to the advancement of the long distance and marathon type of pigeon racing which we are witnessing today.
The Hansenne bloodlines lies at the base of many of the old Belgian, British and other world strains. Indeed this maestro was a pivotal figure in our sport and Wanroy, and Aarden, etc, and others of today owe much to this outstanding pioneer.
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.
