Belgian Malines (Mechels)

[DeannaA]

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.

Do you have any new pictures or video? I'd love to see what they look like now.

 

[NanaKat]

Would be nice to see an update on these too.
Shellz has a good thread on her birds in Canada.

 

[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.

 

[Shellz]

Gorgeous birds! Thanks for the update.

 

[redrooster99]

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

do you work a greenfire farms.

 

[NanaKat]

Beautiful breed. The single combed is a great addition to your flocks

Wish the Golden Cuckoo....Turkey headed was available, but there are breeders overseas trying to reinvent it since it appears extinct.

 

[Shellz]

I have started a new thread here, if anyone is interested called, Belgian Cuckoo Malines - Next Generation.
NanaKat, I don't know how far you've gotten in trying to get the turkey head variety, but I hope there's someone in North America willing to import. Last year I thought I had someone looking into it, but looks like it may take a few more years. :/ I think these birds might fair better in regions with more extreme climates. They are said to be larger than the single combed cuckoo Malines as well.

Best of luck to you NanaKat.

 

[bayocum]

Just wanted to share our pics here...

 

[Shellz]

Nice chicks! How old are they? 4-5 weeks? I see a nice roo there - top right chick.