Ulens as described by Dr W Anderson in his book "The Sport of Pigeon Racing"
"This appears to be the oldest recognised strain in the historical record. It is said to be founded on crossing the Antwerp with the Persian Carrier and the Cumulet with the Smyter (farmyard pigeon). At all events we know M. Ulens was an outstanding fancier and was memorable in his day in races from all distances organised in his region - Antwerp.
He was not a great believer in loft hygiene, if the names of his best pigeons are any criterion - the "Rotten Ulens". These birds were often suffering from wet eyes, discharging wattles, etc., and many fanciers objected to their birds travelling in the same panniers. Still, with such disadvantages, his birds had always to be reckoned with (I got much of this information from M. Janssens and M. Stassart). His birds went to make the Vekeman family. M. Vekeman purchased them in 1889 at Ulens dispersal sale.
The Ulens blood must exist in a large number of lofts because at Vekeman's sale many of his birds went to such distinguished fanciers as Hansenne, Wegge, and Grooters.
M. Vekeman seems to have been a collector of racing pigeons rather than a fancier who was interested in the racing side of the sport. Like many others, he owed much of his success to his loftman, M. Beernaerts, who was a very good fancier. This old loftman had also an ancient family of pigeons which mould well with the Ulens.
Among many distinguished fanciers who did well with the blood were M. Pittevil, M. Salsmans, M. Dardenne, M. Ruhl, M. Carpentier, etc. With regard to the colour, it is interesting to note many silvers and silver Cheqs. were present, also mealies and red cheqs. The eye was often pearl and the head was well developed.
The birds were medium size or under and were usually well feathered with rich silky feathers. The Ulens blood is known to have had an affinity with the Wegges, Grooters, and Van Schingens."
TCC Lofts - Racing Pigeons - Mike Taylor
