About the Dutch Owlbeard
The Dutch Owlbeard is an ancient and distinctive light breed originating in the Netherlands. Its name comes from the large, rounded beard and muffs surrounding the face, giving the bird its characteristic owl-like appearance.
Dutch Owlbeards are alert, lively birds with an upright carriage. Their unusual facial feathering, horned comb and elegant build make them particularly distinctive among European heritage breeds.
History & Origin
The Dutch Owlbeard, known in the Netherlands as the Uilebaard, is one of the oldest Dutch poultry breeds. Owlbeard-type chickens can be seen in Dutch artwork dating from the seventeenth century, although the breed was not formally standardised in the Netherlands until 1882.
By around 1900, the breed had declined severely and was close to extinction. The newly formed Dutch poultry club gathered surviving Owlbeards and suitable related birds in an effort to restore the breed. La Flèche was among the breeds used during its recovery, and the population had stabilised by about 1910.
Dutch Owlbeard in Australia
The Dutch Owlbeard is a comparatively recent arrival in Australia, having been introduced in 2016.
Australian Poultry Standards recognise the large Dutch Owlbeard in Gold Spangled, Yellow-White Spangled, White and Moorkop varieties.
Characteristics
Egg colour: White to off-white.
Egg size: Medium to large.
Average egg production: Approximately 150–200 eggs per year, averaging around 3–4 eggs per week across the year.
Weekly egg figures are annual averages. Actual laying varies with age, season, daylight, nutrition and individual bird.
Day-old sexing: Dutch Owlbeards are not an autosexing or sex-linked breed, so males and females cannot be reliably distinguished by colour at hatch.
Temperament: Alert, active and lively. They are capable foragers and generally appreciate room to move.
Broodiness: Low. Dutch Owlbeard hens rarely become broody, although those that do can make good mothers.
Notable features: A large rounded beard and muffs, minimal or absent wattles, prominent nostrils, slate-blue legs and a distinctive horned comb consisting of two upright points. The facial feathering is already evident as fluff around the face of newly hatched chicks and develops into the characteristic beard as they mature.
Hardiness: Generally considered a hardy breed. The small horned comb and extensive facial feathering provide less exposed comb and wattle tissue than is found on many other light breeds, making the Owlbeard comparatively tolerant of cold conditions.
Rare Breed Status
The large Dutch Owlbeard is currently classified as OF CONCERN by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. The breed is therefore considered to have a low presence and/or low breeding-flock representation in Australia.
Current Availability
See what’s currently available from Deb’s Heritage Hens.