Barbu de Grubbe

General Appearance

The Barbu de Grubbe is a rather short, broad, and compact true bantam. It is explicitly characterized by its rumplessness, the presence of a beard, small crest, well-developed vulture hocks, feathered legs, and a two-horned comb. These birds are noted for being especially small but without exaggeration. The body is broad and deep, narrowing slightly towards the rear, with the hindquarters appearing broad and deep, covered by saddle feathers.

Physical Traits

• Weight: Roosters typically weigh between 21-25 oz (600-700g), while hens are slightly smaller at 17.5-21 oz (500-600g).
• Head: Relatively small in proportion to the body. The face is covered by the beard.
• 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. The short comb spike follows the curve of the neck. The comb is red.
• Beak: Short and slightly curved, its color depends on the variety.
• Wattles: Barely developed, preferably entirely absent, and covered by the beard.
• Earlobes: Small, red, and hidden by the beard.
• Eyes: Eye color varies with the plumage color, displaying a lively expression.
• Beard: Richly developed and abundant, forming a three-part beard that covers the cheeks and throat, extending horizontally along the beak sides up to and beyond the eyes, and vertically downwards under the beak.
• Neck: Rather short, well-arched, with very thick and prominent hackles that can form 'manes' at the back of the neck, covering the shoulders.
• Body: Broad, compact, narrowing slightly towards the rear. The back is very short and broad between the shoulders, with well-developed saddle hackles. The breast is very broad and deep, carried well forward and high.
• Wings: Medium-length, directed downwards, and curved inwards at the ends. They are held tight to the body. Shoulders are proportionally broad.
• Tail: Completely absent. The rear is covered by saddle feathers.
• Thighs & Shanks: Thighs are rather short, strong, and well-feathered, with well-developed vulture hocks. Shanks are short, strong, and well-spaced, feathered on the front and outside. Foot feathers are short at the top of the shanks and increase in length downwards, being stiff and pointing upwards at the tip in an outward arch. They have four toes, with the outer and middle toes feathered. Shank color depends on the variety.
• Feathering: Luxuriantly developed with full down, but not soft or loose.

While primarily an ornamental breed, Barbu de Grubbe hens are known to be good layers for bantams and exhibit strong broody instincts.

• Egg Production: Specific numbers are not detailed, but they are generally considered to lay well.
• Egg Size & Color: They lay small, cream-colored eggs.
• Broodiness: Barbu de Grubbe hens are known to be good mothers and are often broody, willing to sit on eggs and raise chicks. This makes them suitable for natural incubation.

The Barbu de Grubbe hen and rooster share many characteristics, especially in their rumpless nature, beard, crest, and feathered legs. Key differences include:

• Rooster: The rooster may appear slightly more upright and exhibit a more pronounced two-horned comb.
• Hen: Hens are typically smaller in overall size and may have a slightly more rounded appearance due to their compact body and well-developed down.

The Barbu de Grubbe is described as a hardy breed, similar to its Antwerp Bantam ancestors. This implies good adaptability to various temperate climates. Like most feathered-legged breeds, they benefit from dry conditions to prevent mud and ice from accumulating on their foot feathering. Providing adequate shelter from extreme weather, both cold and wet, is advisable to maintain their health and plumage condition. They are active birds that appreciate space to forage.

The Barbu de Grubbe is recognized in the same color varieties as the Barbu d'Anvers, which include:

• Partridge (Patrijs)
• Silver Partridge (Zilverpatrijs)
• White (Wit)
• Black (Zwart)
• Blue (Blauw)
• Black Mottled (Zwart witgepareld)