Broekhoff Schrijver Partnership 2026

Visit to the Broekhoff-Schrijver Partnership

Quality and Passion in Schalkhaar, Netherlands

Text and photos: Peter van Amelsvoort, Raalte (NL)
Source: Wellensittich Welt Magazin

The adult Lacewing hen, cage 161, was Best Opp Sex in Show, Best Adult Hen (EKO), Best Rare Colour Variety (WVK) of the Show, Best EKO Rare Colour Variety and Best EKO Champion Opp Sex. Many prizes for one bird, but four hands are just enough.

The Grey cock, centre, ring 2025, is a son of the Opaline Grey Green cock pictured alongside him. There are clear differences in the plumage, but also similarities in their features.

On Wednesday evening, 17 September 2025, Wilco Alfing and I had the pleasure of visiting the breeding partnership of Broekhoff-Schrijver – Gerard and Annemiek – in Schalkhaar, situated in the Salland region near the border with Gelderland in the eastern Netherlands.

This friendly couple approach their birds with calm dedication and true commitment, striving for success at the highest level.

Our arrival was enthusiastically announced by a lively little dog, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the evening. Wilco was particularly interested in acquiring a few split Lacewing cocks, and during the visit we were shown several excellent hens of this colour variety.

These were not offered for sale, but rather presented with pride as evidence of the outstanding quality of their breeding.

As every serious fancier knows, the very best birds remain within the stud, yet they are shown gladly as a mark of distinction.

The Birdroom

The aviary has undergone a thorough renovation. A large glass panel was installed in the partition wall, allowing more light into the area while providing excellent visibility of the flights from the breeding room.

The layout has also been improved, making the flights more organised and allowing the birds to be observed more easily.

In the separate breeding area, the nesting cages are now positioned opposite each other, which can help encourage breeding behaviour. The parrot has its own room, with the ability to fly freely in the corridor between the budgerigar flights.

It is a clever use of the available space, while the lighting within the birdroom also presents the birds beautifully.

New Additions to the Stud

Recently, several birds were acquired from Walter Ruttijn. A very young Yellow Faced Grey cock particularly stood out, along with Albino hens and a Spangle Sky Blue cock.

One of the hens was already in the nesting box and appeared ready to lay an egg.

The Grey cock, ring 2025, is a son of the Opaline Grey Green cock. There is a clear difference in feather quality between the two birds, while several similarities in their characteristics can also be seen.

Within the Grey Green variety there are several quality birds, although some are borderline in feather quality, which can potentially create feather problems.

However, it is not only the Grey Greens that impress. The Broekhoff-Schrijver partnership also has considerable quality among its Spangles and Dark Factor varieties.

Lacewing Success

The major success for the partnership this year has come with the Lacewings.

Several birds placed within the top three, while one was awarded Best Opp Sex at the major national show.

One outstanding Lacewing hen collected an impressive range of honours, including:

• Best Opp Sex in Show
• Best Adult Hen (EKO)
• Best Rare Colour Variety (WVK) of the Show
• Best EKO Rare Colour Variety
• Best EKO Champion Opp Sex

The bird also received an exceptionally large rosette from the club in Kuwait.

The Lacewing hens were already in the nesting box at the time of our visit, which made their breast feathers appear puffed up and gave the impression that they were over weight.

However, when it mattered on the show bench, they presented themselves perfectly at the crucial moment.

Quality, Health and Passion

All in all, it was an inspiring and rewarding visit to a partnership whose passion and expertise are clearly reflected in the strength, health and quality of their stud.

The Broekhoff-Schrijver partnership continues to work with dedication to develop strong, healthy and high-quality exhibition budgerigars, with their recent Lacewing successes demonstrating the rewards that can come from careful breeding, observation and commitment.

Text and photos: Peter van Amelsvoort, Raalte (NL)
Source: Wellensittich Welt Magazin