OWLBEARD
(PROPOSED)
LARGE FOWL
Origin: The Netherlands
Classification: Light: Rare
Egg colour: White
LARGE FOWL
Origin: The Netherlands
Classification: Light: Rare
Egg colour: White
The original name of this breed, Nederlandse Uilebaard, is often used by fanciers in the UK, as well as the English version of their name. Netherlands Owlbeards were depicted by Dutch artists in the seventeenth century, although they were not standardised in their homeland until 1882. This delay was probably one cause of them seriously declining in numbers during the late nineteenth century, but they were revived by members of The Nederlandse Hoenderclub, which was formed in 1900. They found all surviving Netherlands Owlbeards, plus useful looking crossbreds, and stabilised the breed population by about 1910. Netherland Owlbeard bantams were not standardised until 1935, died out during World War Two, and were remade in the 1950s.
General characteristics: male
Carriage: Alert and active.
Type: Body moderately long with well-rounded breast. Back slightly sloping when standing normally. Large tail, well fanned and carried fairly high. Body plumage fairly tight.
Head: Horned comb, the spikes about 2cm long on adult large males. Most specimens have traces of a crest, but complete absence preferred. Although they do not have crests, they retain the prominent nostrils associated with crested breeds. Owlbeards have well developed beard and muffs, which cover their earlobes.
Neck: Medium length with well-developed hackles.
Legs and feet: Legs medium length. Toes, four, well spread, with no trace of feather stubs.
Female
Except for a more horizontal back, the general characteristics are similar to males, allowing for natural sexual differences. Comb spikes are about 1cm long on hens.
BANTAM
Owlbeard bantams follow the large fowl standard.
General characteristics: male
Carriage: Alert and active.
Type: Body moderately long with well-rounded breast. Back slightly sloping when standing normally. Large tail, well fanned and carried fairly high. Body plumage fairly tight.
Head: Horned comb, the spikes about 2cm long on adult large males. Most specimens have traces of a crest, but complete absence preferred. Although they do not have crests, they retain the prominent nostrils associated with crested breeds. Owlbeards have well developed beard and muffs, which cover their earlobes.
Neck: Medium length with well-developed hackles.
Legs and feet: Legs medium length. Toes, four, well spread, with no trace of feather stubs.
Female
Except for a more horizontal back, the general characteristics are similar to males, allowing for natural sexual differences. Comb spikes are about 1cm long on hens.
BANTAM
Owlbeard bantams follow the large fowl standard.
Please contact the breed registrar for more information - [email protected]
