Tiense Vechter Bantam

The Tiense Vechter bantam is defined by its large, muscular stature and aggressive, attacking posture. It is a 'high-stationed' bird, meaning it stands very tall on its legs. One of its most critical breed-specific traits is the total absence of pigment, regardless of feather color, the skin, beak, and legs must always be white or pinkish-white.

Key physical traits include:

• Build: Very broad shoulders and a deep body that tapers toward the rear.
• Head: Features a flat skull with prominent 'beetle brows' (overhanging eyebrows) that give it a somber, fierce expression.
• Comb: A small, three-row pea comb (erwtenkam) with a narrow base.
• Legs: Long, thick, and powerful, colored white to pinkish-white.
• Bevedering: Hard, short, and very tight-fitting to the body.

While primarily bred for its striking appearance and exhibition qualities, the Tiense Vechter bantam is a reasonable layer for a game breed. Hens typically produce around 110 eggs per year. The eggs are cream to light yellow in color and weigh approximately 1.4 oz (40g).

Mothers: Hens are not known for being exceptionally broody, as the focus of the breed has historically been on its physical vitality and meat quality in the large fowl version.

There is a distinct difference in the carriage between the sexes. The rooster carries himself in a nearly vertical, highly upright position, weighing between 3.3-3.7 lbs (1500-1700g). His tail is carried at a 45-degree angle and is somewhat open, with moderately curved sickles.

The hen is slightly smaller, weighing 2.6-3.1 lbs (1200-1400g), and stands in a more horizontal position than the male. Uniquely for this breed, spurs on the hen are considered a positive trait in show standards, reflecting the breed's 'fighting' heritage.

Thanks to its pea comb, the Tiense Vechter bantam is relatively resistant to frostbite compared to single-comb breeds. They are hardy birds that grow slowly, often requiring up to 18 months to fully mature. While they are robust, their tight feathering provides less insulation than fluffier breeds, so they appreciate protection from extreme wind and wet conditions.

The most iconic and traditional color for the Tiense is Cuckoo. However, Belgian standards recognize a wide array of varieties, including:

• Solid Colors: Black, White, and Blue.
• Patterned Varieties: Partridge, Silver Partridge, and Wheaten.
• Birchen Styles: Gold and Silver Birchen, as well as Gold and Silver-necked.

Regardless of the plumage, the pinkish-white leg color must remain consistent across all varieties.

The Tiense Vechter originated in the late 19th century in the 'Belgian triangle' formed by the provinces of Brabant, Limburg, and Liege, specifically around the city of Tienen. In earlier times, it was often referred to as the 'Brabantse Vechter'.

It is closely related to the Liege Game (Luikse Vechter), but local breeders in the Tienen region specifically selected for white skin and legs to differentiate their birds. After nearly disappearing, the breed saw a revival in the late 20th century. The bantam version was standardized more recently, with official recognition in the early 21st century (around 2013 in the Netherlands).