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Origin
: The Waas bantam or ‘Steens Kieksken’ is nothing more than a
Belgian bantam with a rose comb. The exact origin is unknown but they
originate from the Land of Waas in the North of East-Flanders.
Characteristics
: The Waas bantam is a very easy breed to keep without any special
demands. Since they fly very well it is advisable to keep them in a
closed pen. That way they become tame very easily if one spends some
time with them. Another possibility is to keep them free range in the
garden (only in larger gardens with a high fence and tolerant
neighbours) and then they wander around all day in smaller groups. A
disadvantage by keeping them this way is that the hens will hide their
eggs. The hens lay little white-shelled eggs that weigh about 30 to 35
grams and they will easily sit on them. The chicks usually grow up
without any problems.
Appearance
: The Waas bantam is a breed without many striking features. They are
little, without exaggeration and weigh about 500 to 600 gram. The forms
are all very rounded and the plumage is rich. The back is short and
continues with a nice rounded curve in the tail which is well spread.
The rooster has a rather large and rough rosecomb. The comb of the hens
is much smaller and inconspicuous. The earlobes are red, without any
trace of white. The shanks and feet are slate blue.
Varieties
: The most popular variety is black-red. The other recognized varieties
are silver duckwing, blue-red, blue-silver, golden duckwing, blue golden
duckwing, wheaten, silver wheaten, blue, black and white.
State
: Very rare, even endangered. Is only kept by a dozen breeders in the
Northern Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. Extremely rare in the South and
in Holland. Unknown in other countries. If no new breeders are found,
this breed will be extinct in a few years time.
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