Tournaisis Bantam

The Tournaisis Bantam is a relatively large bantam of the land-fowl type, characterized by its powerful, broad-shouldered build. Roosters typically weigh between 26-30 oz (750-850g), while hens weigh around 23-26 oz (650-750g). They possess a Single Comb that is medium-sized and upright, with the heel of the comb carrying horizontally without touching the neck.

• Body Shape: Stretched and deep, showing significant muscle development.
• Eyes: Large and alert, with an orange-red iris.
• Earlobes: Ideally red, though some white is tolerated in older hens.
• Legs: Clean, medium-length legs in a rose-white color.
• Temperament: Known for being very familiar and tame, they were traditionally allowed to walk freely on the decks of ships.

Hens are recognized as quite good layers for their size. They produce eggs with nearly white shells weighing approximately 1.2-1.4 oz (35-40g).

A standout trait of the Tournaisis is their maternal instinct. They were historically used to hatch the eggs of more delicate birds like partridges and pheasants. While they don't go broody immediately, they will typically sit after a clutch of 10 to 12 eggs has accumulated. Once they have chicks, they are fierce protectors of their young.

The breed displays typical secondary sexual characteristics, but also some specific differences in color intensity and carriage:

• The Rooster: Features a more upright posture with a tail carried almost perpendicular to the back. The roosters tend to develop more black pigment, especially in the breast area, as they age.
• The Hen: Carries her tail at a 45-degree angle and possesses a well-developed 'egg-belly.' In hens, the brown (cinnamon) ground color often dominates over the black and white mottling.
• Comb: The hen's comb is small and straight, while the rooster's is larger and more pronounced.

The Tournaisis Bantam is described as very hardy. Having been developed in the damp, windy conditions of the Belgian river regions, they are highly resistant to cold and variable weather.

While they strongly prefer free range or a large run to explore, their calm and quiet nature allows them to adapt well to more restricted spaces if necessary. Their history on ships proves their ability to stay calm in unique environments.

Unlike many other breeds, the Tournaisis Bantam is recognized in only one specific and unique color variety: Tricolored Mottled (Driekleurig bont).

• Composition: A ground color of mahogany-brown (roosters) or cinnamon (hens), with irregular black and white spots distributed throughout the body.
• Pattern: The drawing is intentionally irregular and harmonic, lacking the sharp boundaries seen in breeds like the Belgian d'Uccle.
• Pepper: In hens, a fine black 'pepering' (peppering) in the ground color is common and often difficult to breed out entirely.

Originating at the end of the 19th century in the Tournai region (Belgium), specifically near the small village of Bléharies, the breed was famously known as the Schipperskip (Skipper's Chicken). These birds were kept on the flatboats that navigated the Schelde river and its canals, living among the boatmen and their horses.

The breed was nearly wiped out during World War I. After World War II, a dedicated reconstruction effort began using the few remaining local birds crossed with Old English Game Bantams (of the older, less extreme type). This resulted in the modern Tournaisis Bantam, which retains the spirit and hardiness of the original canal boat chickens.