Brabanter

I think they are beautiful birds.

*Mine came from Ideal hatchery, so they were not the best specimens of the breed*

One managed to some how drown itself at about 2 months of age while the others all vanished one day. The short while I had them they were the most flighty and brainless birds I've owned.

I live in a climate that has really harsh winters, and I allow my birds to free range over two acres. We sell eggs, and our customers love a rainbow of eggs, but new customers seem to be easier to break into farm fresh eggs if the shells are white (too used to the grocery store fare). So, we've been looking for an alternative to the leghorn for good production of white shelled eggs. This bird is it! No comb, hardly a wattle, smart, observant, healthy medium sized little wonders! I'm not one for looks of birds first- I'd rather have plain birds that do all of what this bird does. The fanciness doesn't concern me much- although the tophat thingy on them is pretty silly. We call ours "Misses T's" because they look like Mr T.

I have had about 20-25 different chicken breeds and the Brabanter is my favorite by far. She is SO sweet and always follows me around. Very friendly and always squats for me. She is so beautiful as well. Love my Dottie!

With several comments about finding it hard to obtain good quality Brabanters, has anyone purchased from Sandhill? Where have you found good quality stock? If our town changes it's regs, this is the breed I'd like to own again.

A friend bought a quad of Brabanter chicks and while the colors are strikingly beautiful, she had to name the rooster "Savage" as that is exactly what he is! Have helped her with chicken chores before and had to use a stick to keep him away from flogging my face!! Hens very friendly but watch out for the temperamental roosters!

I have had the pleasure of having a flock of Brabanters for several years now. I can not say enough good things about these intelligent chickens. Not one has fallen ill on me. Some hens are four years old and still laying well. Very friendly and follow me throughout the day when I am doing chores. They keep a great look out for predators and have the smarts to get away. They forage on the bluffs throughout most of the day and afternoon. The hens keep me in constant supply of editable eggs. I am happy to be able to provide hatching eggs and occasionally chicks, sub-adults and adults.
Let me add; The ONLY roosters no problem selling locally for $15 or $20 a piece, just because they are "so pretty"! That says something about their statuesque grandeur that make them so visually stunning.
I consider the Brabanter here in the USA to be a work in progress as flaws and DQ are going to pop up. I strive mostly for correct spangles, body confirmation, size, muff and beard, and personality. Flaw I see most in mine is the presence of too much crest. I know it is not desired as the standard but it is awful cute on a hen. Culling is crucial if your going to raise this breed to perfection. It is very easy to find homes for the culls.
The flaws I see most, not in my flock so much but others, is; lack of muff, crest and/or beard, lacing, irregular cream color, too much black, small in size and flighty/spastic around their keeper(s).
If you have a passion for poultry and like a breed that is easy to care for please considering having a flock of these wonderful birds and help preserve the Brabanter and lets get a standard set for breed.

I just love my cream brabanter, Loretta. She is my most favorite bird of all. Very sweet and loving, loves to be handled and talked to. Would highly recommend.

beautiful

Great chickens since there are plenty of kids around during the holidays. I love these guys and want more!

She never laid for me last year, but started up Jan/12 laying an average of 5-6 a week since! Beautiful white eggs of decent size, should know more as we get into summer. A little skittish, but has survived a coyote attack and 2 hawk attacks (1 cost her a set of tailfeathers and the other dropped her outside of our fence!). Is on the low end of the roost. Very chatty. Smart, comes to door for treats!

These are not lap chickens, but they are friendly and curious. They have to be in the middle of whatever I am doing.

I take it back. A couple of mine have become lap chickens.