Preserving the Bruges Fighter – Part V:

Blue-Based Elite Genetics Retained in Europe

December 13, 2026

I purchased four black hens from master breeder and mentor Joost De Meyer. These hens were part of his core breeding stock. Joost entrusted these birds to me, together with a stunning young blue, darkly pigmented cock. Initially, Joost’s intention was to keep these hens and this cock together as a dedicated breeding pen for the 2026 season. However, due to the unavoidable necessity of downsizing and reducing his breeding groups, he preferred that these birds be placed with me. In this way, he can always return directly to me in the future for this bloodline.

As a mentor and leading authority within the breed, Joost will actively assist me in 2026 with the selection of the young offspring.

In addition, I received from him a heavy blue gold-necked cock. Although this cock is over-marked on the breast, he transmits a strong partridge pattern. This bird was again personally recommended by Joost, knowing that I was specifically looking for a suitable male to test on my colonial partridge hen.

I wish to state explicitly that neither I nor AOBA consider ourselves “experts” in the Bruges Fighter. We simply had the good fortune of inheriting what we have. All credit belongs to the breeders who came before us.

Special thanks
I would like to thank Joost De Meyer, a true master breeder of Brugse Vechter, for his guidance and valuable advice. His knowledge and passion are a great inspiration to me as a starting breeder.

Jean Kiala-Inkisi
President – African Ornamental Breeders Association (AOBA)