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Barbu d'Uccle

The Barbu d'Uccle as a separate distinct breed has only been traced to the beginning of this century in Belgium although there had been various types of small feather legged bantams found throughout Europe and Asia for several centuries. In some countries they were known as Booted Bantams, with many having whiskers, but not beards. The Dutch Sabelpoot is a related breed but without the "bull" neck and beard.

During the 17th century several Dutch artists, such as Albert Cuyp and Peter Casteels painted the Booted Bantams and Chabos (Japanese Bantams) which were already in the country. These paintings show an imperfect Millefleur colour pattern with yellow shanks, but birds of good type.

The emergence of the d'Uccle has been accredited to Michel van Gelder who combined existing feather legged European bantams with the Barbu d'Anvers to create what was to be named the Barbu d'Uccle. These were first exhibited in 1905. He bought all the Booted bantams he could from Mr Entwistle and Messrs E. and 0. Binns, so English blood actually went into the first Barbu d'Uccle.

In 1911 Belgian fanciers staged a magnificent show of d'Uccle at the Crystal Palace in England and this led to the breeding of them in the United Kingdom. The Belgian fanciers returned the following year, but by that time the breed was already established in England. Early English breeders were Kenneth Ward, John Sears and W. Entwistle. The two main colours found in these early d'Uccle were Millefleur and Porcelaine, followed by Black and White.

As with the Barbu d'Anvers, both World Wars had a bad effect on the breed and they did not regain prominence until the 1960's, mainly due to Charles and veronica Mayhew, who began breeding them in ernest. During the 1970's d'Uccle increased in show entries to record levels. Today they are still very popular in England.

   Original Web design, graphic art and manufacture by
   Stephen Miller.
 

Said the first little chick, with a wiggle and a squirm,

I wish I had a nice fat worm.

Said the second little chick, with a giggle and a squeal.

I wish I had some fine yellow meal.

Said the old mother hen, from the green cabbage patch,

If you really want it, then get out and scratch!

   Above left:  Black Mottled d'Uccle hen                 Above right:  Millefleur d'Uccle hen

Above:  A selection of feathers

Above:  
White Barbu d'Uccle hen  and Black cock (from a 1941 Rene Delin painting) 

Right: 
Black d'Uccle cockerel

Please direct inquires to the Secretary: (Mrs) Irene Hannan
"Mountain View", 930 Caparra Road,
Caparra, via Wingham, NSW 2429
 Telephone:  (02)  65507295  
Email: channan@tpgi.com.au 

The contents of these pages will always remain the property of the Belgian Bantam Club of Australia.  The material may be used for the purposes of private study, research, or to further pass on this information as
permitted under copyright legislation, but only if the source is fully credited at all times.  No part may be reproduced or re-used for any commercial purpose without the written permission of the Belgian Bantam Club of Australia. Further no modification to any of the information may be made without prior written consent.

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