Let's Go Dutch II!

You may see the Dutch as a simplistic breed, clean lines, and smooth plumage, small in stature and in definition but it is their simplicity in appearance not in characteristic. One of the assets of the Dutch is the quality of the hens taking to setting upon their own clutch. For many a breeder this is a preferred method rather than the incubator but for some it can be a frustrating time. Hens that go broody do not lay and will not be in condition for the up and coming shows. The Dutch hens can be unrelenting in their instinct to brood. One may find various nests in the most peculiar places with a determined hen covering hers and possibly her companion’s eggs. No matter the generations of breeding this instinctive characteristic is still an abiding quality for the Dutch. Just a handful of eggs left ungathered for a few days can trigger a hen to brood. Eggs are of exceptional quality and moderate in size. The Dutch are the smallest of the bantams recognized by the American Standard of Perfection, but do not let this mislead you into thinking they are not prolific layers of distinction. One may expect a tiny egg from this tiny bantam but that is not what you will get on the average, well defined in size and ranging in shades of white to tinted.

Dutch hens show fine mothering characteristics in defense and rearing of their young. So often times in viewing I am given a glimpse of exceptional beauty as she stands bearing her chest, wings down and tail spread ready for an encounter. Their instinct for care and gathering of their chicks seems not to have been altered by domestication. One may view this type of behavior as aggression but I would rather define it as a temperament of “sugar and spice” with a dash of “sophistication”. In raising large flocks of hens one may notice that as a hen matures she begins to exhibit some of these qualities in her personality even to the point of how she carries herself. The sophisticated mature hen many times will be the one that will come to the defense of another and settle a dispute even if it is with a cock. She leads the flock into roost. Or be the one that demands your attention. She often times will be the one to let a young pullet know her position as she is introduced into the flock. All typical behavior for a flock, but what is exceptional about the Dutch hens is they all do it with such class and a “sophisticated air”. Not only do they rank in beauty but also they seem to rank themselves and each other. Thus introductions of a pullet into this ranking system of maturity by personality can be quite trying. She is neither mature in “type” nor sophistication which says give way to the elders. Many fowl when hence the rank is lost can never retrieve their social standing, yet a Dutch hen that has achieved this level of maturity seems to remain that way regardless. I have noticed in my large flock not only a ranking but also grouping, not by age or introduction but by personalities exhibited. A group, with their own elder, the same elder year after year holding court. It is not unusual for a young pullet to rise to occasion quickly. Showing herself as an equal match to the sophistication and grace of her elders. Her “spicy” attitude will get her into a show to compete against her elders.

This “sugar and spice” attitude not only makes them quite enjoyable to watch from day to day but it is best viewed when it is exhibited in a show. It is easy to see the glamour of these fowl but it is the sophisticated way they present themselves that is so desired.

The Dutch exhibits a powerful simplicity that many breeds have lost. Yet they cannot be simply defined. The hens are graceful, classy, and elegant but at the same time complex and intriguing. Males are masculine in nature and station yet elegant in their own appearance. This empowering nature makes them a superior breed.