🌸 Mille Fleur in Brahmas: The Spangled Quest Down Under 🇦🇺🐓

[rhysbrahma]

Mille Fleur in Brahmas: The Spangled Quest Down Under
By Wings and Waddles – Agnes Water, Central QLD Brahma Breeder


Hey fellow chook fanatics!
I’m a Brahma breeder from sunny Agnes Water, Central Queensland with a love for big fluffy butts and genetics that make your brain hurt (in the best way). I’ve got over 50 beautiful birds here at Wings and Waddles, and I’m diving head-first into the elusive and eye-popping Mille Fleur colouring for Brahmas.


So, let’s talk GENETICS (I promise to keep it fun, not like year 10 biology where everyone just wanted to dissect frogs).

---

What is Mille Fleur Anyway?​

"Mille Fleur" is French for "a thousand flowers" – and in chicken terms, it’s that gorgeous speckled pattern: deep mahogany feathers tipped in black and then edged in white. The effect? A walking flower garden with fluffier feet.


But here's the kicker – Brahmas don’t naturally come in Mille Fleur. This pattern is more commonly seen in Belgian d'Uccles and Pekins. So... how do we make it happen in Brahmas?

---

Cracking the Code: Mille Fleur Genetics​

To break it down simply, Mille Fleur is the result of three main genetic ingredients:

• Columbian (Co): Restricts black pigment to the neck, tail and wingtips.
• Melanizers (Ml, Pg, etc.): Help deepen the black areas and shape the pattern.
• Mottling (mo/mo): Creates the white tip on each feather (essential for the "flower").

Combine these with a base of mahogany (to get that rich golden/red tone), and you’re on your way!

---

So, How Do You Get There with Brahmas?​

Short answer: crossbreeding and lots of patience.


Here’s a (simplified) pathway:

1. Start with a Gold Partridge Brahma (for that rich mahogany base).
2. Introduce mottling by crossbreeding with a Mottled Pekin or Mottled Cochin.
   Yes, you’re introducing another breed, but this is how most colour projects start.
3. Select for feathered legs, size, and Brahma shape every generation.
   It’s a balancing act – you're breeding for colour and Brahma features.
4. Work in Columbian genetics if needed.
   This can come from Light Brahmas – but be aware this will mess with colour, so it’s a multi-generation project.
5. Breed back to Brahma every generation to regain type.

Expect this to take 4–6+ generations to get a true Mille Fleur Brahma.
It’s not a weekend project. It’s a “chook-nerd” life quest.

---

Aussie-Specific Challenges​

• Limited access to mottled Brahmas or suitable crosses.
• Import restrictions mean we can't just buy Mille Fleur Brahmas from Europe.
• Need to rely on smart outcrossing, great record keeping, and a network of breeders willing to collaborate.

---

Tips from the Coop:​

• Track genetics: Use a breeding journal or app. Trust me, your brain will thank you later.
• Cull hard, but fair: Keep your best birds and don’t be afraid to rehome those that aren’t progressing the line.
• Focus on feather quality and foot feathering: Mille Fleur’s great, but without the Brahma type it’s just a fancy chicken.
• Network! Talk to fellow breeders – the more we share, the better the quality in Oz.

---

Let’s Chat!​

I’d love to hear from anyone else working on Mille Fleur or colour projects with Brahmas in Australia. Let’s share tips, photos, fails, and “OMG I got a white-tipped feather!” moments.


And if you want to follow my journey (and occasional dancing chicken vids), come find me on:
Instagram & TikTok: @wingsandwaddles


Stay fluffy,
Wings and Waddles

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

If buff Brahmas are available, it would be much easier to just cross a buff Brahma to a black mottled chicken. (Or cross to a calico cochin/pekin.) Mille fleur (as seen in d’uccles and pekins) does not have mahogany. The introduction of mahogany would give you what is often called “spangled”, as seen in speckled sussex and spangled OEGB.