A Treasure for the Loft and a Legacy with a Purpose
In late 2023, DuijvesteinHattem received two exceptional pigeons, 036 and 037, generously gifted by Coos van Houten.
These young birds came from a prestigious line, with their mother boasting impressive results like 19th National Barcelona 2023 and a top ranking of 37th International Barcelona over two years.
Their father, a proven winner himself, added further strength to their pedigree, with family members placing highly in races such as Bordeaux, Limoges, and Agen.
But there’s more to this story than just racing legacy. DuijvesteinHattem has decided to breed from these two brothers, not only to carry forward their remarkable bloodlines but also to serve a noble cause. The proceeds from the sale of their offspring will be dedicated to supporting elderly care in Moldova, bringing hope and comfort to those in need.
With the breeding plans in motion, the loft at DuijvesteinHattem is filled with excitement.
These two pigeons are not just destined for the racecourse—they are set to make a real difference in the world. The team is eager to see what the future holds, knowing that each bird raised will carry not only the legacy of champions but also the spirit of giving.
It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the best victories are the ones that reach beyond the skies.
19e Nat. Barcelona ’23
156e Nat. Perpignan ’24
210e Nat. Periqueux ’21
304 NPO Limoges ’23
453e Nat. Barcelona ’24
Pipa Ranking:
37e Int. Barcelona 2 years
Sister won:
87e Nat. Marseille ’22
The father won:
1008e Nat. Barcelona
Brother won:
198th NPO Bordeaux 2023,
260th NPO Limoges 2021,
194th National Agen 2020,
332nd National St. Vincent 2019.
Coos
The Legacy of Coos van Houten
In Coos van Houten’s loft, a carefully curated team of around 20 pairs of pigeons takes flight, consistently delivering outstanding results. Known for his impressive standing in the ZLU (Zware Lichte Fond Union), Coos has long been a fixture in the top 100 rankings. Over the years, he has achieved remarkable national results: 8th and 18th in Brive, 17th, 42nd, 45th, 68th, and 70th in Sint Vincent, 20th in Barcelona, 20th in Limoges, 58th in Mont de Marsan, and many more.
After the significant sale of his loft in 2009 following the international victory of his prized pigeon “Nellie” in Barcelona, the celebrated “Van Houten” bloodlines made a swift return to the brothers’ lofts, thanks to the generosity of friends and acquaintances. By 2010, Coos had already reclaimed victory, finishing 34th nationally and 5th in the female category in Barcelona, as well as triumphing in Perpignan within his strong local association. That year, he was also crowned pigeon champion for both afternoon and morning releases.
However, in recent years, Coos shifted his focus to more personal matters, prioritizing his wife’s health and enjoying the precious time spent with his grandchildren. With everything now settled, his passion for pigeons has been rekindled.
This renewed dedication was evident in 2020 when Coos participated in both NPO races and the entire ZLU program. Except for Pau, he achieved prizes on every race, entering around four pigeons per competition. His results were impressive: 166th, 392nd, and 566th nationally in Sector 3 on Sint Vincent, competing against 2,958 pigeons. On Agen ZLU for old pigeons, he had two out of three pigeons home in the evening, securing remarkable 56th and 194th places out of 6,844 pigeons.
Coos believes that success in pigeon racing is not driven by money alone; the “gun factor”—a term for the respect and mutual admiration among fanciers—is just as important. Over the years, several top pigeon fanciers have acquired birds from the Van Houten family, and their success has led to generous gifts of pigeons back to Coos, including contributions from Jan Morsink, Herry Peeters, and the legendary Combinatie Janssens-Hausoul from Epen. Coos takes great pride in the pigeons from this renowned Limburg combination.
Despite the challenges life has thrown his way, Coos remains a dedicated and passionate pigeon fancier, but above all, a family man. He is always open to a friendly conversation and hosts a popular coffee morning every Saturday. Starting at 8 am, his home fills with the sounds of the almost nationally known Coffee Club, with many familiar faces stopping by for a warm cup and a good chat. Coos’ world is a blend of family, friends, and pigeons—a legacy built on passion, respect, and the joy of shared moments.
DuijvesteinHattem Netherlands 