


Mille Fleur D'Uccle
Also called Belgian Bearded D’uccle (pronounced like “dew-clay”), Barbu d’Uccle, or Millie, the Mille Fleur d’Uccle is known for its feather patterns that look like a thousand flowers, which is exactly what its French name means. They are popular for egg farming, ornamental purposes, and as pets.
Mille Fleur d’Uccle chickens hail from Uccle, a town in Belgium, and stands as one of the oldest pedigreed bantam breeds.
Their creation is attributed to Michael Van Gelder, a Dutch businessman with a passion for poultry. In the late 1800s, he undertook a mission to develop this breed, investing years and significant funds.
In particular, his breeding strategy involved crossing the Barbu d’Anvers, known for its beard, with the Dutch Sabelpoot, recognized for its feathered legs. This explains the unique look of Mille Fleur d’Uccles.
Today, these birds are among the most sought-after bantam chicken breeds, beloved for their distinctive appearance and historical significance.
Mille Fleur d’Uccles are among the smallest chicken breeds out there, other than Kiki Riki. Roosters of this species typically weigh between 1.5 and 1.7 pounds, while hens are slightly lighter, ranging from 1 to 1.4 pounds.
In terms of height, these birds stand between 9 and 14 inches tall. This short stature is a defining characteristic of the breed, making them ideal for aspiring poultry owners with limited space.
Mille Fleur d’Uccle chickens are reliable egg layers, producing 150 to 250 eggs annually. However, they are not typically favored by large-scale farmers, mainly because their eggs are smaller in size.
In addition, these chickens have a medium to high level of broodiness, often leading them to stop laying eggs to focus on hatching their young.
While this trait can indeed reduce egg production, it is ideal for those interested in raising chicks. In particular, their natural inclination to brood makes them excellent mothers.

