The Mille Fleur d’Uccle pullet is a stunning and popular bantam chicken breed known for its striking feather pattern and friendly personality. This breed originates from Belgium and has become a favorite among backyard poultry enthusiasts due to its small size, unique coloration, and gentle temperament.
In this topic, we will explore everything you need to know about the Mille Fleur d’Uccle pullet, including its appearance, temperament, care requirements, and benefits of keeping one in your flock.
What is a Mille Fleur d’Uccle Pullet?
A pullet is a young female chicken under one year old that has not yet started laying eggs. The Mille Fleur d’Uccle is a variety of the Belgian d’Uccle breed, which is classified as a true bantam, meaning there is no larger standard-sized counterpart.
The name "Mille Fleur" translates to "thousand flowers" in French, referring to the bird’s beautiful speckled feather pattern. This pattern consists of rich reddish-brown feathers tipped with black and white, creating a distinctive and eye-catching appearance.
Appearance and Characteristics
1. Feather Pattern and Color
The Mille Fleur d’Uccle pullet has an extraordinary tricolor feather pattern, featuring:
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Rich mahogany or reddish-brown base color
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Black crescent markings near the tips
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White speckles at the end of each feather
As the pullet matures, its feathers become more defined, with each new molt enhancing the speckled pattern.
2. Size and Weight
Since this breed is a true bantam, it remains small throughout its life. A Mille Fleur d’Uccle pullet typically weighs 20-24 ounces (1.5 pounds or 680-750 grams), making it a manageable and lightweight chicken for backyard flocks.
3. Distinctive Features
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Feathered Feet – Like all Belgian d’Uccles, Mille Fleurs have fully feathered legs and feet, adding to their elegant appearance.
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Beard and Muffs – These birds have a full beard and muffs, giving them a round-faced, fluffy look.
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Single Comb – A small, bright red single comb sits on their head, making them easily recognizable.
Temperament and Behavior
1. Friendly and Gentle
Mille Fleur d’Uccle pullets are known for their sweet and docile nature. They enjoy human interaction and can be easily tamed with regular handling. Many owners describe them as affectionate birds that love perching on their shoulders.
2. Curious and Active
Despite their small size, these pullets are active foragers. They love to explore their surroundings and will happily scratch around in search of bugs and treats.
3. Good for Families and Pets
Their gentle personality makes them ideal for families with children and even households with other pets. They rarely show aggression and are usually friendly with other chickens.
4. Can Be Slightly Noisy
While not as loud as some breeds, Mille Fleur d’Uccle pullets can be vocal, especially when they want attention or are excited. However, their soft clucking is not overly disruptive.
Egg Production and Broodiness
1. When Do Mille Fleur d’Uccle Pullets Start Laying?
Most Mille Fleur d’Uccle pullets begin laying eggs between 5 to 6 months of age. However, since they are a bantam breed, their egg production is moderate compared to larger chickens.
2. Egg Characteristics
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Small-sized eggs
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Cream to light brown in color
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Average of 2-3 eggs per week
3. Tendency to Go Broody
Mille Fleur d’Uccles are known for being broody, meaning they often want to hatch their eggs. This can be an advantage if you want to raise chicks naturally, but if you prefer continuous egg production, you may need to discourage broodiness by collecting eggs frequently.
Housing and Care Requirements
1. Coop Setup
Since Mille Fleur d’Uccle pullets are small, they do not require as much space as larger breeds. However, they should still have:
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2-3 square feet per bird in the coop
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4-5 square feet per bird in the run
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A covered area to protect them from rain and cold
Their feathered feet make them more susceptible to mud and damp conditions, so keeping their coop dry is essential.
2. Roosting and Nesting
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Mille Fleur d’Uccles prefer to roost higher than some other bantam breeds, so provide elevated perches in the coop.
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Nesting boxes should be cozy and enclosed, measuring around 10×10 inches for comfort.
3. Diet and Nutrition
A proper diet ensures healthy growth and strong egg production. Feed your Mille Fleur d’Uccle pullet:
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High-quality starter feed (chick crumbles) for the first 6 weeks
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Grower feed until 16-18 weeks
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Layer feed with 16-18% protein once egg-laying begins
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Calcium supplements like crushed oyster shells for strong eggshells
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Occasional treats like mealworms, vegetables, and grains
4. Protection from Predators
Due to their small size, Mille Fleur d’Uccles are vulnerable to predators like hawks, foxes, and raccoons. Protect them by:
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Securing the coop with hardware cloth
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Providing covered runs to prevent aerial attacks
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Locking them in at night
Common Health Issues
1. Foot and Leg Problems
Their feathered feet can collect mud and debris, leading to infections like scaly leg mites. Regularly check and clean their feet to prevent issues.
2. Respiratory Infections
Like many bantams, they can be sensitive to cold and damp conditions. Ensure good ventilation in the coop to reduce moisture buildup.
3. Mites and Lice
Their fluffy feathers provide a hiding place for mites and lice. Routine dust baths and inspections help prevent infestations.
Why Choose a Mille Fleur d’Uccle Pullet?
1. Stunning Appearance
Their unique Mille Fleur feather pattern makes them stand out in any flock.
2. Great for Small Backyards
Being a bantam breed, they require less space and are perfect for urban or suburban settings.
3. Friendly and Affectionate
They make excellent pets due to their docile and interactive nature.
4. Good Mothers
If you plan on hatching chicks naturally, their broody instincts make them reliable mothers.
The Mille Fleur d’Uccle pullet is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add a beautiful, friendly, and unique bantam chicken to their flock. With proper care, these charming birds will reward their owners with companionship, eggs, and natural beauty. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced poultry keeper, this breed is sure to bring joy to your backyard.