The Poultry Keeper

stephen · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 7:34 am Post subject: Belgian bantams

This thread is for Belgian bantams

fenwoman · Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 2:14 pm Post subject:

Belgian bantams come in 6 different varieties. They are a true bantam with no large counterparts. They take their names froim the area in Belgium where they originate. The first part of their name means 'bearded' in Flemish. The breeds are:
Barbu d'Anvers (bearded of Anvers pronounced Onvare)
Barbu d'Watermael,
Barbu d'Uccles,( pronounced dookle)
Barbu d'Grubbe
Barbu d'Everberg
Barbu d' Bosvoorde
The latter 3 are rumpless equivalents of the top 3 types and are very very rare with only one or two breeders listed in the whole of the UK and in the latter, none at all.
Barbu d'Uccles are often referred to as 'millefleurs'.
This is really incorrect as the word 'millefleur' refers to the very pretty colouring of a sort of black and white spangled on a rich brown body. The word means 'thousand flowers' and I think describes the colour very well. The colour is not unique to the breed however. You can get the colour millefleur in several other breeds so to avoid confusion it is a good idea to refer to the breed by the correct name.
I used to keep several varieties of the breed but now have only Barbu d'Anvers and Barbu d'Watermael due to the fact that my heavy clay soil is not good for feathery footed breeds like the Barbu d'Uccles.
They are active and attractive little birds with a jaunty upright carriage. The little Barbu d'Anvers cockerels think they are bigger than they are and one breeder told me that her feisty little cockerel actually chased a fox out of the field, flying at him like a feathered fury, pecking him on his back and around the head, gashing him with his spurs in a blur, so fast that the poor fox had no chance to retaliate and literally ran off. The cockerel came back triumphantly with a clump of red fur in his beak!
I have to admit, that during the breeding season, my little Barbu d'Anvers cockerels are the only ones which are keen to attack the back of my legs too. All 4 cockerels are the same so it seems a trait in them. I don't mind at all, but people with small children might need to be careful and not keep a cockerel. The hens are delightful.
here is a photo of my little black Barbu d'Anvers.You will see that they are a very smart tidy looking little bird. If you could hold one, you would find they have the softest feathers imaginable.

You will get much more details of the different breeds on the Belgian bantam club website including pictures which clearly explain the differences between all the breeds.
http://www.jatman.co.uk/belgians/

mgf · Joined: 02 Dec 2005 Posts: 10

My Mille Fleur d'Uccle...

http://www.ruleworks.co.uk/poultry/MilleFleurDuccle.htm

psywhizz · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 15

I have 3 Barbu d'Uccles! (I just found out this was the breed!)

a pic of Rainbow our rooster:

All 3:

They are so beautiful, very delicate. They are so soft! They are very active and you sure have to dash after them!! Very timid once you have them! They like to perch on your shoulder! Rainbow our rooster can be a bit rough. VERY territorial. I'm hoping to breed them next year. Am going to have to build another nesting box that means!