Mille Fleur d’Uccle Chickens: A Guide to This Beautiful Bantam Breed
Introduction
The Mille Fleur d’Uccle (pronounced “mill-FLOOR doo-KLE”) is a stunning bantam chicken breed known for its ornamental beauty, gentle temperament, and feathered legs. With its distinctive mille fleur (thousand flowers) plumage pattern, this breed is highly sought after by backyard chicken keepers and poultry enthusiasts.
This article explores the history, characteristics, egg production, benefits, challenges, and care requirements of Mille Fleur d’Uccle chickens.
History of the d’Uccle Breed
The d’Uccle breed originated in Uccle, Belgium, in the late 19th century. It was developed by Michael Van Gelder, a Belgian breeder who crossed bearded bantams with feather-legged chickens to create a small, ornamental breed with exceptional beauty and personality.
The Mille Fleur variety is the most popular color pattern, named for its rich mahogany feathers speckled with white and black, resembling a field of flowers.
Today, the Mille Fleur d’Uccle remains one of the most beloved bantam breeds, commonly found in poultry shows and backyard flocks.
Physical Characteristics
Mille Fleur d’Uccle chickens are small, elegant, and heavily feathered with distinctive markings.
Breed Standard Traits:
• Plumage: Rich mahogany-brown feathers with white and black spangling, creating a “thousand flowers” effect.
• Beard & Muffs: Full facial beard and muffs, giving them a fluffy appearance.
• Comb: Small single comb, bright red.
• Wattles & Earlobes: Tiny or absent wattles; small white earlobes.
• Legs & Feet: Short, feathered legs with vulture hocks (long feathers extending backward).
• Body Shape: Compact, round, and slightly upright stance.
• Size:
• Hens: 22–26 oz (1.5–1.75 lbs)
• Roosters: 26–30 oz (1.75–2 lbs)
Their tiny size and delicate feathering make them ideal ornamental birds, often kept for their beauty rather than meat production.
Temperament and Behavior
Mille Fleur d’Uccles are known for their affectionate and friendly personalities, making them an excellent choice for families.
• Extremely Gentle & Docile – They enjoy human interaction and make great pets.
• Loves to Be Held – One of the few breeds that actively seek attention from their owners.
• Curious & Playful – They enjoy exploring but are not overly flighty.
• Good in Small Flocks – They are non-aggressive and do well in mixed flocks.
• Can Be Broody – Hens often go broody and make excellent mothers.
Due to their calm nature, Mille Fleur d’Uccles are perfect for small farms, backyard flocks, and even indoor pet settings.
Egg Production
While Mille Fleur d’Uccles are not prolific layers, they provide a steady number of small, cream-colored eggs.
• Egg Color: Light cream or tinted white.
• Egg Size: Small.
• Egg Production:
• 100–150 eggs per year (2–3 eggs per week).
• Tendency to Go Broody: High—hens will frequently try to hatch eggs.
Because they often go broody, their overall egg production is lower than high-production breeds like Leghorns. However, they are excellent mothers and can hatch their own chicks with ease.
Benefits of Raising Mille Fleur d’Uccle Chickens
1. Stunning Ornamental Appearance – Their vivid mille fleur plumage and feathered legs make them a show-quality breed.
2. Super Friendly & Docile – One of the best breeds for children and families.
3. Cold-Hardy & Small Coop Friendly – Their small size and thick feathers help them adapt to various climates.
4. Great Broody Hens & Mothers – If you want a breed that can naturally incubate eggs, they are a top choice.
5. Low Space Requirements – Perfect for backyard coops and small urban flocks.
Challenges of Raising Mille Fleur d’Uccles
• Delicate Feathers Require Care – Their leg feathers can get muddy or damaged in wet conditions.
• Not High Egg Producers – If you need a high-volume egg layer, this may not be the best choice.
• Broodiness Can Interrupt Egg Laying – They often stop laying while sitting on eggs.
• Vulnerable to Larger Chickens – Due to their small size, they can be bullied by aggressive breeds.
Despite these challenges, their friendly disposition and beauty make them a favorite among poultry keepers.
Caring for Mille Fleur d’Uccle Chickens
- Housing & Space Requirements
• Coop Space: 2–3 square feet per bird inside the coop (small birds need less space).
• Run/Free-Range Space: 6–8 square feet per bird in an outdoor run.
• Roosting Bars: Provide low roosting bars, as they are small and prefer lower perches.
Because of their tiny size, they can fit in smaller coops but still need secure housing to protect them from predators.
- Diet & Nutrition
• Starter Feed (0-8 weeks): 20–22% protein chick starter for proper growth.
• Grower Feed (8-18 weeks): 16–18% protein to maintain healthy development.
• Layer Feed (18+ weeks): 16% protein with calcium for eggshell strength.
• Treats & Supplements:
• Oyster shell for strong eggshells.
• Grit for digestion, especially if free-ranging.
• Fresh fruits, vegetables, and mealworms for variety. - Health & Wellness
• Monitor Feathered Legs: Keep leg feathers dry and clean to prevent infections.
• Parasite Prevention: Due to their fluffy feathers, they can attract mites and lice, so provide regular dust baths.
• Cold & Heat Management:
• Cold Hardy: Their thick feathers help in winter, but keep coops dry.
• Heat Sensitive: Provide shade and cool water in hot climates. - Breeding Considerations
Breeding Mille Fleur d’Uccles requires careful selection to maintain their feather quality and mille fleur pattern:
• Choose birds with well-defined white spangles to enhance the mille fleur effect.
• Select for strong beards and muffs to keep the signature fluffy face.
• Avoid inbreeding to ensure healthy offspring.
Because they are naturally broody, hens can hatch their own chicks, making them an easy breed to raise naturally.
Conclusion
The Mille Fleur d’Uccle is a charming, friendly, and beautiful bantam breed, perfect for poultry enthusiasts who want a small, affectionate chicken with striking plumage.
While they are not the best choice for high egg production, their docile nature, unique feathering, and excellent mothering abilities make them a top choice for backyard chicken keepers, show exhibitors, and small farms.
