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.
