Belgian Malines (Mechels)

[NanaKat]

I'm looking for breeders of the Belgian Malines...Malinois Kalkoenkop. I would like to purchase eggs or chicks to start a breeding program.

The breed was recognized in1898 developed in Mechelen area of Belgiam.. They have been bred in the US once they were imported from the UK or Belgiam/Netherlands. The birds are large and a nice dual purpose breed (Cocks 11 lbs, hens 8.8 lbs). They make a nice table bird because their extra down allows the fat to be distributed thru the meat instead of just under the skn as in most breeds. Most of the birds in Belgian are bred now for the gourmet market.
http://ultimatefowl.com/wiki/index.php?title=Maline

A few pictures are posted on the link:
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGK/Mech/BRKMechels.html

This old card is what triggered my quest:

 

[stoneunhenged]

Here's a video of our Malines chicks at about two months of age. They are at that awkward teenage stage and beginning to show their adult cuckoo color pattern. I recommend you use the HD setting for a better view.

 

[Shellz]

Here is a 21 week old cockerel & below is a 30 week old cockerel.

Will be gearing up for the breeding season soon. These birds are a real pleasure to raise. Very docile. Harvested a 16 1/2 week cockerel back in the fall. He was 7 1/2 lbs live weight & dressed out at 5 lbs. Fed the 3 of us for 2 days & made an excellent chicken soup as well.
He free ranged with the flock with no special diet & remained tender & tasty. Males when raised together don't fight. I can't say enough good things about these birds. Now I know why they were the quintessential homestead bird of Belgium. I plan to raise these birds exclusively.

 

[stoneunhenged]

Here's are some updated pics. The Malines are now about six months old and just beginning to lay.

 

[bayocum]

Just wanted to share our pics here...

 

[Shellz]

I just received two chicks from GFF rare breed special!  I'm very excited to see them grow.

Nice! Please keep us posted.
Just weighed one of my 10 week olds. 4 lbs 10 oz.

 

[NanaKat]

It's been a while since I posted this request so I thought I would update.
A gentleman from Flanders has joined the BYC Cochin thread and knows of breeders in that area. A discussion is ongoing on possible importation of eggs to get some started here again.
Checking into the best way to accomplish that process.

 

[Bart Nagel]

Please PM me. I have them here in Canada.

 

[NanaKat]

I've sent you a pm filled with many questions! Thank you for responding.
I have been unable to acquire eggs or chicks as of yet.

 

[NanaKat]

Shellz from Canada has shared on another breed thread that she acquired the Black Barred single comb variety from Bart Nagel.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/447684/farming-and-homesteading-heritage-poultry/980
beginning at post 987. She has promised to keep us updated on the progress of her eggs/ chicks.

Here is a link Bart sent me a while back on the breed.
http://www.aviculture-europe.nl/nummers/06E01A07.pdf

And here is a link to his web page
http://www.bulbsoffire.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=48