Belgian Bearded d'Anvers
Small but emphatic in type, the Belgian bearded d'Anvers is a true bantam from Antwerp, known in French as the Barbu d'Anvers. It has no large-fowl counterpart. The breed is clean-legged, compact, and broad in front, with a high-carried tail, a rose comb, small or hidden wattles, and a heavy beard and muffs that frame the face. Quail and mille fleur are widely recognized patterns, and many countries also maintain black, blue, mottled, cuckoo, and other color varieties.
These bantams are kept mostly for exhibition, breed preservation, and small ornamental flocks. They are active, quick birds that benefit from secure pens and covered runs, especially where predators can exploit their size. Eggs are small and light-colored; some hens brood, but production is secondary to type and condition. The beard should be kept dry and clean around drinkers, and breeding selections usually focus on a short back, full front, correct rose comb, and the bold, confident carriage that separates d'Anvers from longer-bodied Belgian bantams.
Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Laced, Lavender, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White
