Barbu d'Uccle

The Barbu d'Uccle is a short, broad, and compact bantam, characterized by its lavish beard, prominent neck hackle, vulture hocks, and feathered feet. Despite its rich feathering, it should appear small and refined without exaggeration.

Key Features:

• Weight: Roosters typically weigh 1.5-1.8 lbs (700-800g), while hens are slightly lighter at 1.2-1.4 lbs (550-650g).
• Head: Relatively small in proportion to the body.
• Comb: They possess a single comb, which is finely textured, upright, and not overly large. It has five regular points, and the comb blade should follow the curve of the neck without touching it. The comb is lively red.
• Beard and Muffs: A distinguishing feature is the richly developed, three-part beard that grows horizontally along the sides of the beak, extending up to and beyond the eyes, and vertically downwards under the beak. The small, red earlobes are mostly hidden by the beard. Wattles are absent or minimally developed.
• Eyes: The eyes are slightly prominent with a lively expression, and their color varies by variety, often orange-red.
• Legs and Feet: The legs are short, strong, and well-feathered on the front and outer sides, forming distinctive 'vulture hocks' (long, stiff feathers curving outwards and upwards at the hock joint). The feet also have feathered middle and outer toes. The leg color varies with the plumage, typically slate-blue, though some varieties may allow yellow soles.
• Feathering: The plumage is luxuriant but firm, not excessively soft, creating a dense, rounded appearance.

Barbu d'Uccle hens are generally good layers for a bantam breed, providing a consistent supply of eggs, though their production is moderate compared to commercial layers.

• Egg Production: Hens can lay approximately 120-150 tinted or creamy white eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: The eggs are small, typically weighing around 1.1-1.4 oz (30-40g), and range in color from creamy white to light brown.
• Broodiness: D'Uccles are known to be good sitters and devoted mothers. They will readily go broody, making them an excellent choice for natural incubation and rearing of chicks.

The Barbu d'Uccle exhibits clear sexual dimorphism, especially in secondary characteristics. Roosters are larger and more upright. Their single comb stands erect, whereas the hen's comb often lops or folds to one side, a common trait in Mediterranean-type laying breeds. Roosters also possess longer, more abundant neck and saddle hackles, along with well-developed sickle feathers in their tail, which is carried at a moderate angle.

While both sexes share the characteristic beard, crest, and feathered legs, the hen's beard and crest feathers are generally fuller and more rounded, giving her a slightly more compact appearance. The hen's tail is carried slightly lower and is less spread than the rooster's.

The Barbu d'Uccle is a hardy breed that tolerates cold weather well due to its dense feathering, including its beard and muffs which offer protection. However, like all breeds with single combs, precautions should be taken in extreme freezing temperatures to prevent frostbite on the comb.

They are adaptable to various housing setups, from confined runs to free-range environments. Their docile nature makes them easy to manage, but their elaborate feathering, especially on the feet, requires clean and dry conditions to prevent mud and ice accumulation, which can lead to discomfort or health issues. Dry litter and elevated feeders/waterers are recommended to keep their beard clean and prevent wetting.

The Barbu d'Uccle is recognized in a wide array of beautiful color varieties, with Mille Fleur being the most iconic and sought-after. Other colors often found include:

• Mille Fleur (Porcelain): This is the signature color, featuring a golden-ochre or warm brown base, with each feather having a black tip, followed by a white 'pearl' or V-shaped spot. This intricate tri-color pattern creates a stunning effect.
• Black: Solid, lustrous black plumage across the entire body.
• White: Pure, brilliant white plumage.
• Blue: A uniform medium slate-blue color, often with darker lacing around each feather, giving a 'blue laced' appearance.
• Black Mottled (or Spangled): A glossy black base with irregular white tips or 'spangles' on the feathers.
• Quail: A partridge-like pattern, often with a grayish-brown base and intricate dark lacing or peppering.
• Silver Quail: Similar to Quail, but with a silver-white base replacing the golden-brown tones.

Other less common varieties mentioned or implied from related breeds include Ocher White Porcelain, Buff Blue Columbia, Silver Porcelain, Silver Blue Mottled, and White Blue Columbia.

The Barbu d'Uccle, or Uccle Bearded Bantam, originated in Belgium in the early 20th century, specifically around 1900. It was developed by Michel Van Gelder in the town of Uccle, near Brussels. Van Gelder is credited with creating this distinct bantam breed by crossing various existing bantams, likely including the Barbu d'Anvers (Antwerp Belgian Bantam) for the beard and potentially a rumpless breed to introduce the lack of a prominent tail in some lines.

The breed quickly gained popularity, especially for its unique combination of a full beard, feathered legs, and a charming small crest. It was officially recognized in Belgium in 1905, and later in other countries. The Barbu d'Uccle remains a beloved ornamental and exhibition breed worldwide, often seen in its striking Mille Fleur variety.