Barbu d'Anvers

The Barbu d'Anvers is a small, compact, and broad bantam. When viewed from the side, the front half of the body is dominant. They exhibit an upright posture, but the body itself does not appear to lean backward. They are generously feathered, presenting a smooth and well-developed appearance.

Key Features:

• Weight: Roosters typically weigh 1.4-1.5 lbs (600-700g), and hens are slightly lighter at 1.1-1.3 lbs (500-600g).
• Head: The head is relatively large, broad, and short, with the face covered by the beard. Their eyes are large, lively, and prominent, eye color varies with plumage.
• Comb: They have a rose comb, which is small, fairly broad at the front, and slightly arched. The top surface is covered with fine points (work). The short comb spike (doorn) follows the curve of the neck. The comb is red.
• Beard and Muffs: A distinguishing feature is their richly developed, three-part beard. It grows horizontally backward from the sides of the beak, extending to and beyond the eyes, and vertically downwards under the beak, forming a distinct beard. The small, red earlobes are completely covered by the beard. Wattles are undeveloped or only minimally present, covered by the beard.
• Legs and Feet: The legs are short, strong, and clean (unfeathered), with four toes. Leg color varies with plumage, typically slate-blue.
• Plumage: The feathering is full, well-developed, and tight-fitting. The rump is very short and broad between the shoulders, with a broad, well-developed saddle hackle. The breast is broad, well-rounded, and carried well forward and high. Wings are medium-long, carried downwards and curved inward at the tips. The tail is carried high, almost vertically in roosters, and slightly lower in hens, with well-developed main tail feathers and sickles.
• Temperament: Barbu d'Anvers are known for being lively, active, and trusting birds. They are generally docile and make excellent pets, thriving in both confined and free-range settings.

Barbu d'Anvers hens are quite good layers for a true bantam breed, providing a consistent supply of small, tinted eggs.

• Egg Production: Hens can lay approximately 120-150 eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: They lay small eggs, typically weighing around 1.1-1.2 oz (30-35g), which are white or tinted.
• Broodiness: Barbu d'Anvers hens are known to go broody and are considered good mothers, making them suitable for natural incubation and rearing of chicks.

Beyond the general size difference, the Barbu d'Anvers hen and rooster share many core characteristics, particularly their prominent beard and rose comb. However, some distinctions are notable:

• Rooster: The rooster is typically larger and more robust. His rose comb is generally more prominent and firm. His tail is carried high, almost vertically, with well-developed sickle feathers.
• Hen: The hen is smaller and has a slightly lower tail carriage. Her comb is similar but often less imposing. The dense feathering of the beard and neck hackles is equally pronounced in both sexes. The overall impression of the hen is compact and deep-bodied, reflecting her good laying capacity.

The Barbu d'Anvers is a hardy breed, well-suited to temperate climates. Originating in Belgium, these birds are accustomed to varied weather conditions and are generally robust. Their dense feathering, particularly the beard and neck hackle, provides good insulation.

They are active and intelligent foragers, and while they can adapt to confined spaces, they thrive best in free-range environments or spacious runs where they can exercise their natural instincts. A dry, draft-free coop is essential for their comfort and health, especially in colder months. Their overall hardiness contributes to their popularity as a backyard breed.

The Barbu d'Anvers is recognized in a wide array of beautiful color varieties, showcasing the breed's versatility and appeal. Many of these colors are also seen in its rumpless variant, the Barbu d'Everberg.

Recognized Varieties:

• Black (Zwart): Solid, glossy black plumage.
• White (Wit): Pure white plumage.
• Blue (Blauw): A uniform slate-blue color, often with darker lacing.
• Partridge (Patrijs): A classic wild-type pattern.
• Silver Quail (Zilverkwartel): A silver-white ground color with fine black peppering, often appearing 'quail' patterned.
• Quail (Kwartel): A golden-brown ground color with fine black peppering.
• Mille Fleur (Duizendkleur): This is one of the most popular and striking varieties, characterized by a golden-brown base, with each feather having a black tip, followed by a white 'pearl' or V-shaped spot.
• Porcelain (Isabel porselein): A lighter, more diluted version of Mille Fleur, with a creamy-white base and soft blue-gray and golden spangling.
• Black Mottled (Zwart witgepareld): A black base with white V-shaped tips on the feathers, which become more pronounced with age.

Other varieties mentioned in related texts and standards include Blue Mottled, Buff, and Cuckoo, indicating the broad genetic potential within this charming breed.