[steve_in_devon]

We lost our only d'uccle bantam, she was my 9 year old sons and we had her for 3 years. He loved her so much, the tears were running.
Our chickens are freerange and he found her feathers in the field.
A very sad day as she was a real favourite

Does anyone know where I can get one to replace her. We are in Devon, but the dont seem to be places that do Belguim Beared d'uccle bantam. And looking for the Millefleur.
It would make a little boy happy again.

[zarzar]

bloody fox, there were a few milliefleurs at revels auction yesterday but where making a fair price between 20-40 a cage, havent seen any Belguim Beared d'uccle bantam there yet though.

[Mammyshaz]

So sad, it's bad enough preparing youngsters for losses when their pets are old or poorly but to have it swiped away like that 

Hope you find another soon 

[Maggie]

So sorry to hear that.  I really do understand how sad your little boy must be.  Some people don't realise just how full of character our chooks are.   You could try Gillian Dixon (she's now president of DASH - Devon Association of Smallholders) if you belong to that society.  She breeds several varieties of chickens.  I also have a friend who breeds some bantams and I'll call him in the morning and get back to you.  Then there's Moonridge Farm on the A377......  I'll see what I can find out ..............

[HesterF]

  Sorry - my seven year old has lost a lizard (to the cat  ) and his hen this year and it's awful when you know there's nothing you can do to make it better. I let my son have a look through the chicken book to decide what sort of replacement hen he wanted - he did actually decide on exactly the the same breed and colour again but I think he liked the  decision process.

Gillian Dixon doesn't have Millefleur or D'Uccle as far as I know (I've just bought hatching eggs from her - which have had brilliant fertility incidentally) but she's well connected to point you in the right direction, I imagine. Her breeds are here:

http://www.southyeofarm.co.uk/poultry/our_breeds.html

H

[plumseverywhere]

Really sorry for your son, its harsh. My 8 yr old walked into a run full of feathers last xmas - fox had taken 9 hens. Following week 2 loose German shepherds mauled her pet lamb and we had to have him destroyed.  At that age its so upsetting for them, I guess it helps with dealing with loss and livestock but as mummyshaz says this is a different kettle of fish when they've been killed.
hope you manage to find a new hen 

[steve_in_devon]

Hi all, thanks for all the responses. I searched and searched the internet last night for Millefleur barbu d'uccles, and really struggled to find any sellers.
I see you can buy the eggs off ebay, so we might have to look at that when one of our hens go broody.

Would love to have surprised him after school but I guess it will have to wait.

[ZaktheLad]

How about contacting these people - they might be able to help with some breeders nearer to you?
http://www.jbpoultry.com

[Maggie]

Sorry my friend in Chumleigh can't help but he's keeping a lookout as well, and will get back to me.  Good luck.

[steve_in_devon]

Maggie, thanks very much. We still looking too.