Belgian Bearded Mille Fleur d'Uccles? PICS pg 7

[wegotchickens]

Quote:
I did a lot of reading as my birds were growing, and relied on comparisons with other birds in shows as well as the judging to see how my birds lived up to the standards. I'm very pleased with my d'Uccles and do believe they are true to standard. Their chicks are as beautiful as well.

A difficulty in breeding heritage birds is that they are slower to mature. My d'uccles hatched April of last year and didn't begin laying until April of this year. I sold chicks, but no eggs until they were judged post-molt just to make sure they really were true SQ as adults. And now they're stopped laying again

Another aspect is the breeds personality, though. My hens and pullets are very sweet and docile. The roo isn't mean, although he's protective of his girls. He submits to handling patiently, which includes during judging.
I

my millies and love having chickens that will climb in my lap for cuddles when I sit still.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
I did a lot of reading as my birds were growing, and relied on comparisons with other birds in shows as well as the judging to see how my birds lived up to the standards. I'm very pleased with my d'Uccles and do believe they are true to standard. Their chicks are as beautiful as well.

A difficulty in breeding heritage birds is that they are slower to mature. My d'uccles hatched April of last year and didn't begin laying until April of this year. I sold chicks, but no eggs until they were judged post-molt just to make sure they really were true SQ as adults. And now they're stopped laying again

Another aspect is the breeds personality, though. My hens and pullets are very sweet and docile. The roo isn't mean, although he's protective of his girls. He submits to handling patiently, which includes during judging.
I

my millies and love having chickens that will climb in my lap for cuddles when I sit still.

I just love the d'uccles, more so than silkies (

don't tell). My roo is a bit of a butthead, but even he will let me touch him from time to time. I was breaking up a 'fight' between him and my bantam cochin roo (who thinks he is 10 feet tall and bulletproof

), and pushed the d'uccles roo away with my foot after picking up the cochin. That little

bit my toe!!

He's usually pretty nice though, and the hens/pullets are just the sweetest birds!

wegotchickens, your birds are just gorgeous! I think I need to sweet-talk you out of some eggs, whenever they start laying again

 

[Godiva]

This is a pic of Amber (fluffed up) a few months ago, pullet.

I have a few more that I am in the process of uploading... hold for pics ... it takes time...

 

[Godiva]

THese two birds are a few weeks shy of their first birthday. Pearl has more white, Amber is darker. These are not the best shots but the best I could do hanging upside down in a chicken tractor

Please remember that these birds are midmoult, Pearl is a little further down the road to being feathered in again but the tail etc is not quite there yet.

So, please give me your opinions on these two. Just educating myself... I am guessing that these are pet quality but would like to know specifics on what is good and what isn't and what it should be like. Thanks for your time!

 

[missfitch]

They are beautiful! No expert, just admiring

 

[Godiva]

Thanks - they are beautiful! Whether or not they are good quality is immaterial because they are wonderful little birds and my 6 yr old and 3 yr old are adoring fans! They are carried everywhere and fed bugs as fast as the kids can find them. VERY sweet. They were hatched by a silkie and when she died unexpectedly one night I found them standing guard over her. One had her head stuffed under the hen's wing even though she was stiff and the other wouldn't let any of the other birds near so the hen was totally untouched instead of plucked and cannibalised as has happened on other occasions.... I think they are awesome birds... a convert

 

[KittyKelly]

Quote:
Often when you pluck a feather with incorrect colouring its replacement will grow in correctly coloured. So I personally would not consider that cheating; however if you pull out your little paint pots of black white and tan to paint the colours on...

lol! That would be so hard to do!

 

[KittyKelly]

Quote:
Those are stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The whole reason I became interested in this breed is from looking at beautiful pictures like yours. It made me want to have some of my own. I began to go to a lot of local shows and even nationals in Columbus last year. It was so much fun! After learning about the local shows here in KY, and how I could actually take part... it made me want to know more about the different breeds that I have.... I now know I have different breeds than I thought.
Thanks to Godiva for starting this very informative thread!

 

[KittyKelly]

Quote:
I personally think that Pearl is gorgeous.... I like the larger white tips.

 

[NateinFL]

wegotchickens does have excellent quality d'uccles if only the freeloaders would lay us all some eggs!!!