He is considered one of the most successful racing pigeon breeders of recent years: Heinz Bindacz. The northern German competes in Regionalverband 100 in the strong RV 24 Südholstein. With his hens, he has consistently achieved top positions in the German Championship for many years, and his offspring are also performing very well. In 2021, he secured the title of 1st German Yearling Champion. For his hens and young pigeons, he relies on the feeds Mifuma Relax, Energy, and Power-Mix. Mifuma Relax plays a particularly important role, as it forms the foundation during the racing season. Heinz Bindacz and Frederik Wolf met for this interview at his home loft in Hamburg.
Frederik Wolf: On behalf of Mifuma, congratulations on your successes last year. In 2021, you became 1st German Yearling Champion. But this title did not come out of nowhere, as you have consistently been among the top performers in previous years.
Heinz Bindacz: Thank you. 2021 went very well and was crowned with the title. But the years before were also strong. In 2019, I placed 9th German Yearling Champion and had the 4th Ace hen. In 2020, I became 4th German Old Bird Champion and had the 10th Ace hen.
You compete with Wolfgang Roeper in the club and with Alfred Berger in the regional association. You are always among the leaders and often alternate national titles. How is it possible that so many German champions come from one region?
We are a strong club, one of the strongest in Germany, and the regional association reflects that. Having three fanciers from one club among the top ten German champions is a great achievement. It also speaks for good race organization and a strong race director. Alfred Berger has done an excellent job. We have had consistently good races, with very few cancellations in recent years.
Still, even with good races, the right pigeons have to perform.
Of course. You need the right pigeons. The real challenge is selecting the right six that will perform and return on time.
You were particularly successful last year, but also in previous years. How do you select your pigeons?
I start with about 45 hens, around 25 yearlings and 20 older ones. From this group, I nominate pigeons that I already expect to perform well. With experience, you develop a sense for which pigeons might succeed. If you have a strong breeding line, you can anticipate which ones will stand out.
Do you also consider previous race performances or rely more on family lines?
More on family lines. If many pigeons from one family perform well, I select more from that line.
What are your goals for 2022?
To be successful again, of course.
So your goal is to become German champion again?
You cannot say that. Every year starts from zero. It depends on the races, the weather, and the form of the pigeons. Everything has to come together.
A few years ago, your breeding pigeons were stolen. Have you rebuilt your breeding stock?
That was a terrible experience. Fortunately, not all pigeons were taken. I had two breeding sections, and only one was affected. The other remained untouched.
Were the pigeons ever recovered?
No, unfortunately not.
Did this affect the quality of your pigeons?
Luckily not. In 2019, the same year, I was back at the top. In 2020 and 2021 as well. I had already secured part of my breeding line beforehand.
Do you breed from your racing pigeons?
No, I pair them dry, twice a year, in February and April.
How do you prevent hens from pairing during the season?
They must not pair, it is that simple. I manage this by keeping them separated. Strong pairing tendencies can also be bred out over time.
Do you show hens their partners before races?
Yes, it makes handling easier and reduces stress.
You race only hens. Since when?
For about five years. It is simpler, and they train more reliably at home.
Have you ever regretted this decision?
Not at all. It reduces workload significantly.
You have been feeding Mifuma for about ten years. Which products do you use?
Relax, Energy, and Power-Mix. The quality is very good.
How do you structure your feeding?
Relax is the base at the start of the week. Then I use Energy and Power-Mix, depending on race distance and difficulty.
Do you feed to a fixed amount or freely?
I feed until the pigeons are satisfied, sometimes even adding more if needed.
Do you add any extras?
Yes, hemp and sunflower seeds. Peanuts occasionally as a treat.
How do you handle young pigeons?
I mainly use them for learning, without special treatment. Still, I achieved 4th place in the young bird championship.
What advice would you give beginners?
Health is the most important factor. Clean housing and regular checks are essential. I also use natural supplements like herbs, garlic, and onions.
What would you do in case of a sudden drop in performance?
Have the pigeons checked immediately. A healthy pigeon will perform well.
What are the key success factors?
Health and feeding. Good feed is essential, along with proper loft ventilation.
How do you see the future of pigeon sport?
It used to be more social, with more fanciers and stronger community spirit. Today, competition is tougher, but the camaraderie has decreased.
You have several top pigeons from the same line?
Yes, even siblings that performed exceptionally well. Strong genetics play a major role.
Thank you very much for the detailed interview.
