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Origin
: The exact origin of the Herve bantam is not known. They sporadically
appeared since half of last century but the never had a prosperous
period. They are identical to the very ancient large Herve fowl in every
feature except of course size.
Characteristics
: The appearance and character of the Herve bantam is identical to the
large Herve fowl. They can fly easily and should therefore best be kept
in closed pens. It is a very strong breed which prefers to sleep outside
in trees throughout the year. The hens lay little white-shelled eggs
that weigh about 35 gram and they sit on them easily. The chicks usually
grow up without any problems.
Appearance
: The Herve bantam is a small bantam that weighs 550 to 650 gram. It is
a proud rather cubic bantam with rounded forms. The face, wattles and
single comb are always bright red. The eyes, beak and shanks are always
dark in the black and blue varieties but respectively orange, white and
pinkish white in the cuckoo variety.
Varieties
: There are only three recognized varieties. The most common one is
black. The other two are blue laced and cuckoo. These last two have a specific
name, ‘mauheid’ and ‘cotte de fer’.
State
: Rare to very rare. Only bred in the Southern French-speaking part of
Belgium. Unknown in other countries.
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