A Description of our Allies' Favourites
By F. J. S. Chatterton
(writing in The Poultry World 24 October 1919)
The Belgian Bearded Bantam section at the late Crystal Palace show will be remembered by many as the
prettiest and best arranged show of poultry ever brought together in this country. The attraction was great, and the interest shown by all who visited the exhibition was considerable.
These quaint and unique little birds were becoming very popular in this country, but the war stopped their advance, as it did many other things. It is now hoped that breeders and admirers of these quaint birds will make a fresh start. Therefore a few remarks about their characteristics may be useful and welcome, more especially to those who have lately started with them and those about to take up one of the varieties of the breed.
As a rule they are hardy little birds, very active, and excitable, with plenty of spirit. Some of the hens are excellent layers and make first-class mothers, carefully brooding their chickens and attending to them, calling them to any dainty morsels of food they find for quite a long time, in fact, until they are fully feathered, which is of great help in rearing these birds. Some of the chickens when hatched are so small one wonders if they will live, but they are strong, and can run about quickly, and soon begin eating. One has to be careful with their allowance of food or they will eat till they are full up, and get crop-bound and die. They feather well and quickly, and are not much trouble to rear. It is advisable to keep the cocks away from the hens during the moulting season. As is usual in other varieties of poultry, both large and small, the clean-legged varieties are far more popular than the feathered-legged ones.
All varieties of the Barbu d'Anvers, the Antwerp Bearded, are clean-legged and have rose combs, whilst the Barbu d'Uccle, the Uccle Bearded, are all feathered on the legs and feet and have single combs. The varieties of the Antwerp Bearded are:- Quails, Blacks, Whites, Blues, Cuckoos, Mottled (black, with white tips), Buffs (with black in neck hackle and tail), Millefleurs, Porcelains, and there are also a few similar in colour of plumage to Brown-red and Birchen Game Bantams.
The Quails are by far the most unique, and quite different in colour of plumage to any race of fowls, but at the same time they are also the most difficult to breed, one has so many difficult points to obtain in a specimen approaching the standard of perfection. However, one is well repaid for the thought and trouble as really good specimens are very handsome and uncommon.
In shape they do not resemble the Rosecomb Bantams as some folks think, the male bird's head has a large appearance owing partly to the extent of the whiskers and beard; the comb should be of medium size, large combs being very objectionable; the leader of the comb should follow the line of the head and not point outwards or upright like a Rosecomb. The wattles should be exceedingly small; in fact, in good specimens it is difficult to find them. The neck hackle has the appearance of having been brushed back, forming a kind of mane, near the head. Another important difference is the shape and carriage of the tail; this is carried almost upright, and the sickle feathers are far shorter than a Rosecomb's, the hen-feathers being fan, not whip-tailed. Ear lobes red, and very small, fitting close. The eyes large and dark, and full of fire. Back short, sloping downwards, with rather short legs, and the wings carried low, the points at times near the ground. The head is carried well back, and the breast carried high and forward, very broad and round in shape. The whole appearance is of a bird full of spirit, quick in its actions, and very lively, standing very upright. Toes well spread. The hen resembles the cock in shape, but is usually shorter on the leg, and the comb is very
small.
Regarding the plumage of the Quails the hens are far nearer perfection than the cocks, and at present it is exceedingly difficult to breed a cock that really excels in colour of plumage. Space forbids description of the colour of plumage fully, but this can be read by obtaining a copy of the Standard (printed in English) from Mr. R. Terrot, the hon. sec. of the British branch of the club. After reading this one will have some idea of the difficulty of obtaining a perfect specimen, and this should be borne in mind by judges when judging a class; the difference in breeding a good Quail compared to a Black or other self-colour is indeed very great. The dark plumage on the Quail hens consists of feathers of a deep brown colour, having a thin buffish-coloured lacing round the edge, with light shafts of a similar colour. When good they look very pretty.
The Blues are also very charming, especially the hens, and the aim of the breeder is to get them as pure in colour as possible, and quite free from any brownish or rusty colour. The Cuckoos should be marked like Scotch Greys, each feather being distinctly barred. The Buffs, with the black neck hackle and tail, should be of a pure and rich buff colour, quite clear, except in neck hackle and tail, which should be marked with black in a similar manner to the Light Brahma.
The shape of the Uccle Bearded Bantams is best described by the illustration. The breasts of these birds should also be carried high and outwards, and have an upright carriage generally, their heads look small compared to those of the Antwerp Bearded, and their wattles should also be very small, with a full beard and whiskers, their whole appearance being short and broad.
A Description of our Allies' Favourites
By F. J. S. Chatterton
(writing in The Poultry World 24 October 1919)
The Belgian Bearded Bantam section at the late Crystal Palace show will be remembered by many as the
prettiest and best arranged show of poultry ever brought together in this country. The attraction was great, and the interest shown by all who visited the exhibition was considerable.
These quaint and unique little birds were becoming very popular in this country, but the war stopped their advance, as it did many other things. It is now hoped that breeders and admirers of these quaint birds will make a fresh start. Therefore a few remarks about their characteristics may be useful and welcome, more especially to those who have lately started with them and those about to take up one of the varieties of the breed.
As a rule they are hardy little birds, very active, and excitable, with plenty of spirit. Some of the hens are excellent layers and make first-class mothers, carefully brooding their chickens and attending to them, calling them to any dainty morsels of food they find for quite a long time, in fact, until they are fully feathered, which is of great help in rearing these birds. Some of the chickens when hatched are so small one wonders if they will live, but they are strong, and can run about quickly, and soon begin eating. One has to be careful with their allowance of food or they will eat till they are full up, and get crop-bound and die. They feather well and quickly, and are not much trouble to rear. It is advisable to keep the cocks away from the hens during the moulting season. As is usual in other varieties of poultry, both large and small, the clean-legged varieties are far more popular than the feathered-legged ones.
All varieties of the Barbu d'Anvers, the Antwerp Bearded, are clean-legged and have rose combs, whilst the Barbu d'Uccle, the Uccle Bearded, are all feathered on the legs and feet and have single combs. The varieties of the Antwerp Bearded are:- Quails, Blacks, Whites, Blues, Cuckoos, Mottled (black, with white tips), Buffs (with black in neck hackle and tail), Millefleurs, Porcelains, and there are also a few similar in colour of plumage to Brown-red and Birchen Game Bantams.
The Quails are by far the most unique, and quite different in colour of plumage to any race of fowls, but at the same time they are also the most difficult to breed, one has so many difficult points to obtain in a specimen approaching the standard of perfection. However, one is well repaid for the thought and trouble as really good specimens are very handsome and uncommon.
In shape they do not resemble the Rosecomb Bantams as some folks think, the male bird's head has a large appearance owing partly to the extent of the whiskers and beard; the comb should be of medium size, large combs being very objectionable; the leader of the comb should follow the line of the head and not point outwards or upright like a Rosecomb. The wattles should be exceedingly small; in fact, in good specimens it is difficult to find them. The neck hackle has the appearance of having been brushed back, forming a kind of mane, near the head. Another important difference is the shape and carriage of the tail; this is carried almost upright, and the sickle feathers are far shorter than a Rosecomb's, the hen-feathers being fan, not whip-tailed. Ear lobes red, and very small, fitting close. The eyes large and dark, and full of fire. Back short, sloping downwards, with rather short legs, and the wings carried low, the points at times near the ground. The head is carried well back, and the breast carried high and forward, very broad and round in shape. The whole appearance is of a bird full of spirit, quick in its actions, and very lively, standing very upright. Toes well spread. The hen resembles the cock in shape, but is usually shorter on the leg, and the comb is very
small.
Regarding the plumage of the Quails the hens are far nearer perfection than the cocks, and at present it is exceedingly difficult to breed a cock that really excels in colour of plumage. Space forbids description of the colour of plumage fully, but this can be read by obtaining a copy of the Standard (printed in English) from Mr. R. Terrot, the hon. sec. of the British branch of the club. After reading this one will have some idea of the difficulty of obtaining a perfect specimen, and this should be borne in mind by judges when judging a class; the difference in breeding a good Quail compared to a Black or other self-colour is indeed very great. The dark plumage on the Quail hens consists of feathers of a deep brown colour, having a thin buffish-coloured lacing round the edge, with light shafts of a similar colour. When good they look very pretty.
The Blues are also very charming, especially the hens, and the aim of the breeder is to get them as pure in colour as possible, and quite free from any brownish or rusty colour. The Cuckoos should be marked like Scotch Greys, each feather being distinctly barred. The Buffs, with the black neck hackle and tail, should be of a pure and rich buff colour, quite clear, except in neck hackle and tail, which should be marked with black in a similar manner to the Light Brahma.
The shape of the Uccle Bearded Bantams is best described by the illustration. The breasts of these birds should also be carried high and outwards, and have an upright carriage generally, their heads look small compared to those of the Antwerp Bearded, and their wattles should also be very small, with a full beard and whiskers, their whole appearance being short and broad.
First Honorary Secretary of the club when it was formed in 1915
By Richard Terrot
(writing in
The Feathered World 20 June 1920
In my last contribution on Belgian Bearded Bantams I promised to give some particulars as to their origin. I am sorry to say my friend Monsieur de Bruycker was too ill to reply to my queries, but deputed Monsieur Delin who is an old enthuisiast of the breed, and who judged them at the Crystal Palace Show of 1913, to answer my letter for him. He says: “The origin of the breed is imperfectly known. Charles Jacque, the French artist (1813-94), in his book on poultry le Poullailler, written in 1860, gives a good description of it and a plate of a feather, neatly barred with five stripes (coucou). According to this author, they are a Netherlands breed, Belgium and
Holland.”
The late Louis Van der Snickt, in his remarkable work on continental, and especially Belgian breeds writes: “The Barbus were imported at the end of the seventeenth century by navigators from the Sunda and Malaya isles to the port of Antwerp, from which they were given their name.” Van der Snickt founded his opinions on documents of that time. They were known then, as since twenty years ago, only in coucou, black and golden varieties. The golden were perfected as quails. I am sure my readers will greatly appreciate the kindness of Monsieur Delin in taking the trouble to write the foregoing account of the origin of the breed, but it still leaves us wondering a little in certain details.
By Richard Terrot
(writing in
The Feathered World 20 June 1920
In my last contribution on Belgian Bearded Bantams I promised to give some particulars as to their origin. I am sorry to say my friend Monsieur de Bruycker was too ill to reply to my queries, but deputed Monsieur Delin who is an old enthuisiast of the breed, and who judged them at the Crystal Palace Show of 1913, to answer my letter for him. He says: “The origin of the breed is imperfectly known. Charles Jacque, the French artist (1813-94), in his book on poultry le Poullailler, written in 1860, gives a good description of it and a plate of a feather, neatly barred with five stripes (coucou). According to this author, they are a Netherlands breed, Belgium and
Holland.”
The late Louis Van der Snickt, in his remarkable work on continental, and especially Belgian breeds writes: “The Barbus were imported at the end of the seventeenth century by navigators from the Sunda and Malaya isles to the port of Antwerp, from which they were given their name.” Van der Snickt founded his opinions on documents of that time. They were known then, as since twenty years ago, only in coucou, black and golden varieties. The golden were perfected as quails. I am sure my readers will greatly appreciate the kindness of Monsieur Delin in taking the trouble to write the foregoing account of the origin of the breed, but it still leaves us wondering a little in certain details.
Their History, Breeding and Management
By C. A. House, author of Bantams and How to Keep Them
(writing in The Poultry World 1927)
White birds with an odd black feather or two are invaluable for breeding purposes. In
Belgium breeders do not show their Whites so well as we do in this country, and they do not look so well.
The breeder of Whites should never use birds that show a yellow or strawy tint in the plumage. To keep the purity of colour the Whites should be housed in covered runs, or the sun will turn the plumage yellow. Should a breeder find his birds throwing yellow strawy feathers he should mate a Black hen to a White cock or cockerel, and select the best White pullets for breeding back to their feather. Cockerels from such a cross should never be bred with. Nor should any of the pullets that show signs of any other colours than black or white. The beaks, legs, and toes of Whites should be white, and the eyes orange.
An Attractive Variety Cuckoos, generally speaking, are the most typical of the bearded bantams, especially in their possession of the true owly head, the sloping comb, and broad full beards. Cuckoos should have orange eyes, white beaks, legs and toes. Cockerels and pullets often show a trace of blue in the legs, but this is not considered a fault, although the purer the leg the better.
In Cuckoos the finer and closer the stripes on the feathers the more valuable the bird. Birds with four or more stripes on each feather are the more highly esteemed, as birds with only three or fewer stripes are too light for good competition. Mottling in the plumage is a bad fault, as is red in the hackle or on the shoulders. For breeding purposes hens that have a few solid black feathers should not be discarded, but those with the least red should be avoided.
In a general way the pullets come better marked than the cockerels, but this can be avoided by carefully noting the breeding stock, and by avoiding the use of light coloured cocks or cockerels. Cuckoos do not breed so true as the Blacks and Whites, and there is always a large proportion of wasters - some too light, others too dark, others in which the colours are blurred and not distinct. But these troubles will only urge the true fancier on to keener effort, and the exercise of greater care in the selection of his breeding stock. In breeding Cuckoos it is usually easy to pick out the birds that will be the best colour almost as soon as they are hatched, as they usually have a white spot on the head whilst those that will be too light in colour are light blue.
To keep the balance of colour some breeders resort to double mating, using dark cocks to normal coloured and light hens for the production of cockerels, and the lighter coloured cocks with dark hens for the production of pullets. Black Cuckoo bred birds are most useful in the breeding pen. The Cuckoos are not yet up to the pre-war standard of the variety.
An Inconstant Colour Very beautiful are the Porcelains when they are of high quality, but, unfortunately, they too often are irregular in colour, owing to the spangles at the ends of their feathers being shaded, or too dark in colour. The feather of the Porcelain should be a pale lavender-silver with a light cream spangle at the end.
Blues are difficult to produce, and really most disappointing. It is said that the best Blues have been the result of mating a Cuckoo cock to White hens. Blues have also come from Porcelains, and Porcelains from Blues. With both there is a great tendency to throw birds with a creamy or yellow tint when the rest of the colouring is good.
The Millefleurs, or Spangles, breed fairly true to colour, but care needs to be taken not to breed with birds that show too much white, or that are weak or washy in the other colours. To preserve the colour and secure birds rich in colour and with well defined spangling, light coloured birds should be avoided in the breeding pen. There is always a tendency for the chicks to be lighter in colour than the parents, therefore one should use breeding stock that is on the dark side The breeder of the d'Uccle bearded bantam has a more difficult task than he who breeds the d'Anvers, as in addition to colour and markings he has also to consider the feathering of the legs, but the difficulty is more apparent than real because the other properties are of greater importance than leg feathering, and a bird that is otherwise good will not lose much by being a bit short of leg feathering.
By C. A. House, author of Bantams and How to Keep Them
(writing in The Poultry World 1927)
White birds with an odd black feather or two are invaluable for breeding purposes. In
Belgium breeders do not show their Whites so well as we do in this country, and they do not look so well.
The breeder of Whites should never use birds that show a yellow or strawy tint in the plumage. To keep the purity of colour the Whites should be housed in covered runs, or the sun will turn the plumage yellow. Should a breeder find his birds throwing yellow strawy feathers he should mate a Black hen to a White cock or cockerel, and select the best White pullets for breeding back to their feather. Cockerels from such a cross should never be bred with. Nor should any of the pullets that show signs of any other colours than black or white. The beaks, legs, and toes of Whites should be white, and the eyes orange.
An Attractive Variety Cuckoos, generally speaking, are the most typical of the bearded bantams, especially in their possession of the true owly head, the sloping comb, and broad full beards. Cuckoos should have orange eyes, white beaks, legs and toes. Cockerels and pullets often show a trace of blue in the legs, but this is not considered a fault, although the purer the leg the better.
In Cuckoos the finer and closer the stripes on the feathers the more valuable the bird. Birds with four or more stripes on each feather are the more highly esteemed, as birds with only three or fewer stripes are too light for good competition. Mottling in the plumage is a bad fault, as is red in the hackle or on the shoulders. For breeding purposes hens that have a few solid black feathers should not be discarded, but those with the least red should be avoided.
In a general way the pullets come better marked than the cockerels, but this can be avoided by carefully noting the breeding stock, and by avoiding the use of light coloured cocks or cockerels. Cuckoos do not breed so true as the Blacks and Whites, and there is always a large proportion of wasters - some too light, others too dark, others in which the colours are blurred and not distinct. But these troubles will only urge the true fancier on to keener effort, and the exercise of greater care in the selection of his breeding stock. In breeding Cuckoos it is usually easy to pick out the birds that will be the best colour almost as soon as they are hatched, as they usually have a white spot on the head whilst those that will be too light in colour are light blue.
To keep the balance of colour some breeders resort to double mating, using dark cocks to normal coloured and light hens for the production of cockerels, and the lighter coloured cocks with dark hens for the production of pullets. Black Cuckoo bred birds are most useful in the breeding pen. The Cuckoos are not yet up to the pre-war standard of the variety.
An Inconstant Colour Very beautiful are the Porcelains when they are of high quality, but, unfortunately, they too often are irregular in colour, owing to the spangles at the ends of their feathers being shaded, or too dark in colour. The feather of the Porcelain should be a pale lavender-silver with a light cream spangle at the end.
Blues are difficult to produce, and really most disappointing. It is said that the best Blues have been the result of mating a Cuckoo cock to White hens. Blues have also come from Porcelains, and Porcelains from Blues. With both there is a great tendency to throw birds with a creamy or yellow tint when the rest of the colouring is good.
The Millefleurs, or Spangles, breed fairly true to colour, but care needs to be taken not to breed with birds that show too much white, or that are weak or washy in the other colours. To preserve the colour and secure birds rich in colour and with well defined spangling, light coloured birds should be avoided in the breeding pen. There is always a tendency for the chicks to be lighter in colour than the parents, therefore one should use breeding stock that is on the dark side The breeder of the d'Uccle bearded bantam has a more difficult task than he who breeds the d'Anvers, as in addition to colour and markings he has also to consider the feathering of the legs, but the difficulty is more apparent than real because the other properties are of greater importance than leg feathering, and a bird that is otherwise good will not lose much by being a bit short of leg feathering.
Fanciers of the Fancy
From Modern Poultry Keeping 23 May 1957
This week we feature a well-known Belgian breeder-The Belgian - an ancient breed of increasing popularity
Belgian bantams were first introduced to England in the 19th century, but their original ancestry is lost in antiquity. Due, however, to the increasing efforts of breeders in this country and abroad, this fine little breed is becoming more and more popular with poultry and bantam fanciers today.
Enthusiasm was such that, after the war, the British Belgian Bantam Club was re-formed, the principal instigators being Mr Kenneth Ward, of Haxby, Yorkshire, undoubtedly one of the most knowledgeable breeders in England today and Mr J. L. Sears, of Shamley Green, Guildford, Surrey, breeder of Belgians
for the past 30 years and secretary of the club.
At his country home in Shamley Green, Mr. Sears breeds nearly every variety of Belgian. There are two main varieties: the Barbu d'Uccle (Uccle Bearded), and the Barbu d'Anvers (Antwerp Bearded), with different colours in each variety. Colours mainly seen now under the d'Uccles are Millefleur, Porcelain, Lavender and, to a lesser extent, white and black mottled. Under d'Anvers, Quails head the list in popularity, followed by Cuckoos, Millefleurs. Porcelain, black-and-lavender mottled, lavender and an occasional white. The most popular colours are Millefleur d'Uccle and Quail d'Anvers and Mr. Sears said the demand now far exceeds supply for all Belgians.
He has personally translated the official breed standards from those adopted in Belgium and Holland, where the breed is very popular. He has judged Belgians for many years, and visits shows on the Continent nearly every year to judge Belgians and pigeons, of which he is one of the best-known breeders in England. "Belgians abroad are in a similar category to our own - we excel in some colours, they in, others," he said.
The colour lavender is common only to the Belgians, and the variety was originated, through the Porcelain, by the late Dr Renold, of Basle, in Switzerland. Dr Renold was a friend of Mr. Sears, and it was from him that he obtained his Lavenders. This variety remains true to its colour, and does not deviate to white or black, as in the case with normal blue breeds.
Together with other breeds such as Japanese, Sebrights and Rosecombs, Belgians are one of the few breeds which have no large fowl counterpart, and in consequence are true bantams.
With regard to actual breeding methods, Mr Sears has 10 breeding pens each accommodating a cock and two or three hens, comprising all the well-known colours. He also has 8 or 10 cockerels and some 20 pullets, which are not bred from until they are two years old.
"We do not breed from pullets and cockerels of the Millefleur, Porcelain and Mottled varieties because they do not obtain their adult plumage until they are two years of age at least," said Mr. Sears. "Although they may appear promising as pullets and cockerels, it is no guarantee that they will be birds from which one chooses to breed as adults."
The other varieties can be bred from as pullets and cockerels, in so far as their colour is concerned, but although they may show promise of being good type at this age, it is usually advisable to wait until they are two years old, as beards and boule (feathers at the back of the neck) do not develop fully until the birds are adult.
All eggs are hatched in an incubator and the chicks are reared under electric hovers. Although he considers that broodies are the ideal way in which to hatch and rear them, the labour involved is far too great, and extremely successful results have been obtained with his present method, which is followed by a large number of Belgian fanciers.
Mr Sears hopes to rear about 15 to 20 chicks from each pen making a total of about 175 to 200 birds. These are gradually thinned down until those left - usually about 50 per cent of the original number - are available for retention or sale.
Breeding stock is kept in houses which are approximately 8 by 6 ft., and each of these is in a large grass pen. A number of the breeding groups are kept in small arks, which are moved every two or three days when necessary. Some Belgians have the unfortunate habit of plucking each others beards, and to obviate this trouble, 12 or 18 birds which will be used for showing are put in large, single pens where they are kept until the show season is over. Belgians will remain good show birds until they are four or five years of age, but the tendency then is for varieties such as Millefleurs to become too much like a "snowball", having too much white on them. They will, however, still be valuable for use as stock birds as they are an extremely tame variety.
It must not be forgotten that the popularity of Belgian bantams throughout the last half-century, and the flourishing state of the club and Belgian fancy today, is primarily due to the unceasing work and interest of Mr Kenneth Ward. It is of tremendous benefit to the fancy that, although he has no birds, his interest is as keen as ever and he never fails to give help, and advice at all times
From Modern Poultry Keeping 23 May 1957
This week we feature a well-known Belgian breeder-The Belgian - an ancient breed of increasing popularity
Belgian bantams were first introduced to England in the 19th century, but their original ancestry is lost in antiquity. Due, however, to the increasing efforts of breeders in this country and abroad, this fine little breed is becoming more and more popular with poultry and bantam fanciers today.
Enthusiasm was such that, after the war, the British Belgian Bantam Club was re-formed, the principal instigators being Mr Kenneth Ward, of Haxby, Yorkshire, undoubtedly one of the most knowledgeable breeders in England today and Mr J. L. Sears, of Shamley Green, Guildford, Surrey, breeder of Belgians
for the past 30 years and secretary of the club.
At his country home in Shamley Green, Mr. Sears breeds nearly every variety of Belgian. There are two main varieties: the Barbu d'Uccle (Uccle Bearded), and the Barbu d'Anvers (Antwerp Bearded), with different colours in each variety. Colours mainly seen now under the d'Uccles are Millefleur, Porcelain, Lavender and, to a lesser extent, white and black mottled. Under d'Anvers, Quails head the list in popularity, followed by Cuckoos, Millefleurs. Porcelain, black-and-lavender mottled, lavender and an occasional white. The most popular colours are Millefleur d'Uccle and Quail d'Anvers and Mr. Sears said the demand now far exceeds supply for all Belgians.
He has personally translated the official breed standards from those adopted in Belgium and Holland, where the breed is very popular. He has judged Belgians for many years, and visits shows on the Continent nearly every year to judge Belgians and pigeons, of which he is one of the best-known breeders in England. "Belgians abroad are in a similar category to our own - we excel in some colours, they in, others," he said.
The colour lavender is common only to the Belgians, and the variety was originated, through the Porcelain, by the late Dr Renold, of Basle, in Switzerland. Dr Renold was a friend of Mr. Sears, and it was from him that he obtained his Lavenders. This variety remains true to its colour, and does not deviate to white or black, as in the case with normal blue breeds.
Together with other breeds such as Japanese, Sebrights and Rosecombs, Belgians are one of the few breeds which have no large fowl counterpart, and in consequence are true bantams.
With regard to actual breeding methods, Mr Sears has 10 breeding pens each accommodating a cock and two or three hens, comprising all the well-known colours. He also has 8 or 10 cockerels and some 20 pullets, which are not bred from until they are two years old.
"We do not breed from pullets and cockerels of the Millefleur, Porcelain and Mottled varieties because they do not obtain their adult plumage until they are two years of age at least," said Mr. Sears. "Although they may appear promising as pullets and cockerels, it is no guarantee that they will be birds from which one chooses to breed as adults."
The other varieties can be bred from as pullets and cockerels, in so far as their colour is concerned, but although they may show promise of being good type at this age, it is usually advisable to wait until they are two years old, as beards and boule (feathers at the back of the neck) do not develop fully until the birds are adult.
All eggs are hatched in an incubator and the chicks are reared under electric hovers. Although he considers that broodies are the ideal way in which to hatch and rear them, the labour involved is far too great, and extremely successful results have been obtained with his present method, which is followed by a large number of Belgian fanciers.
Mr Sears hopes to rear about 15 to 20 chicks from each pen making a total of about 175 to 200 birds. These are gradually thinned down until those left - usually about 50 per cent of the original number - are available for retention or sale.
Breeding stock is kept in houses which are approximately 8 by 6 ft., and each of these is in a large grass pen. A number of the breeding groups are kept in small arks, which are moved every two or three days when necessary. Some Belgians have the unfortunate habit of plucking each others beards, and to obviate this trouble, 12 or 18 birds which will be used for showing are put in large, single pens where they are kept until the show season is over. Belgians will remain good show birds until they are four or five years of age, but the tendency then is for varieties such as Millefleurs to become too much like a "snowball", having too much white on them. They will, however, still be valuable for use as stock birds as they are an extremely tame variety.
It must not be forgotten that the popularity of Belgian bantams throughout the last half-century, and the flourishing state of the club and Belgian fancy today, is primarily due to the unceasing work and interest of Mr Kenneth Ward. It is of tremendous benefit to the fancy that, although he has no birds, his interest is as keen as ever and he never fails to give help, and advice at all times
Says J L Sears
( writing in Poultry World & Poultry 24 September 1959)
Even though he rears the exceptional number of 200 to 250 chicks each year and in all the well-known colours - Mr J L Sears, whose Belgians have taken the highest honours, says "the demand for stock far exceeds the supply."
Knowing only too well that this demand is based on the unique attractions which the breed offers, Mr Sears now lets readers into some of the secrets of his success. Here is his story about Belgians, their varieties and management.
In England, these bantams are bred in two distinct varieties. These are the Barbu d'Uccle (single comb and feathered legs) and the Barbu d'Anvers (rose-combed and clean legs). They are one of the few breeds of bantams that have no counterpart in large fowl - Sebrights and Japaneses being, for instance, in the same category.
Their main advantages can be quickly summed up: Belgians are very tame; they are perfectly hardy and they can muster more colours than any other breed of bantam.
In the Barbu d'Uccle, to start with, we have Millefleurs (each feather mahogany or chamois with a black bar and white tip), Porcelain (each feather straw-coloured with a blue bar and white tip),Caillouté (each feather black or lavender with a white tip) and Lavender (a true breeding form of blue).
Occasionally I have seen White or Black, but these colours are not so popular in this country.
Then, in Barbu d'Anvers, there are, of course, Millefleur and Porcelain, though the most popular are undoubtedly Quail. These are best described as birds with back and wings of dark brown colour, each feather with a golden shaft, the breast being pale nankin.
There are also excellent Cuckoos, Caillouté, Lavenders and a certain number of Blacks and Whites.
( writing in Poultry World & Poultry 24 September 1959)
Even though he rears the exceptional number of 200 to 250 chicks each year and in all the well-known colours - Mr J L Sears, whose Belgians have taken the highest honours, says "the demand for stock far exceeds the supply."
Knowing only too well that this demand is based on the unique attractions which the breed offers, Mr Sears now lets readers into some of the secrets of his success. Here is his story about Belgians, their varieties and management.
In England, these bantams are bred in two distinct varieties. These are the Barbu d'Uccle (single comb and feathered legs) and the Barbu d'Anvers (rose-combed and clean legs). They are one of the few breeds of bantams that have no counterpart in large fowl - Sebrights and Japaneses being, for instance, in the same category.
Their main advantages can be quickly summed up: Belgians are very tame; they are perfectly hardy and they can muster more colours than any other breed of bantam.
In the Barbu d'Uccle, to start with, we have Millefleurs (each feather mahogany or chamois with a black bar and white tip), Porcelain (each feather straw-coloured with a blue bar and white tip),Caillouté (each feather black or lavender with a white tip) and Lavender (a true breeding form of blue).
Occasionally I have seen White or Black, but these colours are not so popular in this country.
Then, in Barbu d'Anvers, there are, of course, Millefleur and Porcelain, though the most popular are undoubtedly Quail. These are best described as birds with back and wings of dark brown colour, each feather with a golden shaft, the breast being pale nankin.
There are also excellent Cuckoos, Caillouté, Lavenders and a certain number of Blacks and Whites.
