Nederlandse Uilebaard

The Nederlandse Uilebaard, or Dutch Owlbeard, is a rare old chicken from the Netherlands named for the full beard and muffling that frame its face and give an owl-like expression. Unlike the Dutch bearded crested fowl, it does not carry a large crest; the focus is on the beard, small horn or V-shaped comb, clear eyes, and clean-legged, light build. It is kept in several color varieties, including solid, cuckoo, laced, and pencilled or spangled forms in different standards, and hens usually lay white eggs.

Uilebaards are most often found with poultry conservation breeders and exhibition keepers rather than commercial farms. They are lively foragers and appreciate room, but the beard should be kept clean and checked for mites or feed buildup. Dry, draft-free housing helps preserve the facial feathering through wet winters, and secure pens are sensible because lighter Dutch breeds can be alert and flighty. Buyers should confirm whether they are getting large fowl or bantams and look for balanced type: strong body, open vision, even beard, and no exaggerated features that interfere with eating or drinking.

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