Belgian d'Uccle Chicken
Breed Origin: Belgium
Uses: Exhibition and Ornamental
Large Fowl: No
Weight: Cockerel: 0.75-0.85 kg, Hen: 0.62-0.75 kg
Hen colour: Mille Fleur, Porcelain, and other color varieties
Egg Colour: Cream to tinted
Average Egg Weight: 30-35 grams
Egg Quantity: Approximately 160-200 eggs per year.
Belgian d'Uccle Chicken: A Beautiful Bantam Breed
Belgian d'Uccle chickens, also known as Barbu d'Uccle, are a bantam breed of poultry that originated in the town of Uccle, near Brussels, Belgium. They are a small, elegant breed with feathered feet, a full beard, and a tiny, V-shaped comb. Belgian d'Uccles are known for their striking appearance and their use in exhibition and ornamental purposes.
Origin and History of Belgian d'Uccle Chickens
Belgian d'Uccle chickens were first developed in the late 1800s in the town of Uccle, near Brussels, Belgium. They were bred by crossing Dutch bantams, with feathered feet, with other bantam breeds, including the Barbu d'Anvers, to create a unique and beautiful breed.
Belgian d'Uccles were originally bred as a meat and egg-producing breed, but they quickly became popular for their ornamental value and were exhibited in poultry shows throughout Europe. In 1914, the breed was introduced to the United States, where it quickly became a favorite of backyard chicken keepers and exhibition breeders.
Appearance and Characteristics of Belgian d'Uccle Chickens
Belgian d'Uccle chickens are a small and elegant breed with feathered feet, a full beard, and a tiny, V-shaped comb. They have a compact body with a broad breast, and their wings are held tightly against their body. Belgian d'Uccles come in a variety of color varieties, including Mille Fleur, Porcelain, White, Black, and others.
Belgian d'Uccles have a friendly and docile temperament, making them a great choice for small-scale chicken keeping. They are also known for their broodiness and make excellent mothers, often sitting on their eggs and chicks for extended periods of time.
Uses of Belgian d'Uccle Chickens
Belgian d'Uccles are primarily used for exhibition and ornamental purposes. Their striking appearance and unique features, including their feathered feet and full beard, make them a popular breed for show purposes. They are also used as ornamental birds, as they add a touch of elegance and beauty to any backyard flock.
Belgian d'Uccles are not typically raised for meat production, as they are a small breed and their meat yield is relatively low compared to other breeds of poultry. However, their meat is known for its flavor and tenderness, and some small-scale chicken keepers raise Belgian d'Uccles for meat as well as for their ornamental value.
Eggs of Belgian d'Uccle Chickens
Belgian d'Uccles are not known for their egg-laying ability, but they can produce approximately 160-200 eggs per year. Their eggs are cream to tinted in color, and they weigh between 30-35 grams on average.
Belgian d'Uccle chickens are a beautiful and unique bantam breed of poultry that are known for their striking appearance and ornamental value. While they are not the most practical breed for egg or meat production, they are a great choice for exhibition and small-scale chicken keeping. If you are looking for a friendly and docile breed that will add elegance and beauty to your backyard flock, consider adding Belgian d'Uccles to your flock.
