History - Belgian d'Anver

Belgian Bearded d'Anvers

History of the Belgian Bearded d'Anver

    The Antwerp Belgian was recognized by the American Poultry Association Standard in 1949. The name was later changed to Belgian Bearded d'Anvers (though they are known as Barbu d'Anvers or Antwerp Belgians in Europe) after the region in Belgium where this bird was claimed to have originated, Anver. (d'Anver means "from Anver.")
     Like many Belgian bantams, most well-socialized d'Anvers have a bold, fearless character full of self confidence and pride. This is more often true as the birds get older. Their inherent character predisposes these little bantams to being excellent show birds. Well-bred and -raised d'Anvers rarely hesitate to display their beauty in the show room.
    Aside from being ideal show birds, d'Anvers have a few other traits that might make them attractive. They are generally active (especially while young), healthy, and are good foragers. Strains usually vary in their capacity for egg production, but most strains will lay 3 or more eggs a week. For show birds, this is about average. The hens and cocks make wonderful pets, and they usually get along well with other breeds of bantams. In addition, there are several colorful varieties that fit to the taste of many fanciers.
    The Belgian Bearded d'Anver is one of the true bantams, meaning there is no large version of this type of bird. In the American Poultry Association, this breed has 9 recognized varieties: Quail, Blue, Self Blue, Mottled, Mille Fleur, Black, Cuckoo, Porcelain, and White.   In the American Bantam Association, this breed has 5 more recognized varieties: Blue Quail, Buff, Columbian, Buff Columbian, and Black Breasted Red.
    Another type of Belgian Bearded is the Belgian Bearded d'Uccle. This species is the same as the d'Anver, but they are feather-legged. (Their colors are the same, too.)

Quail cock