Braekel Chicken

     The Braekel, or the Brakel, is one of the oldest European Chicken breeds. Its history dates back probably to the 15^th century, when it was mentioned as a successful poultry breed in the Brakel region in Belgium. Braekels were believed to have been brought to Belgium during the Middle Ages, and are probably related to the Fayoumi chicken breed which still exists in Egypt to this day.

     The Braekel was developed for egg production, as it lays approximately 200 white eggs per year, but the hens aren’t prone to broodiness. The chicks mature quickly, and are very hardy and disease resistant too.

    Braekels are very similar in appearance to the Campine chicken breed, that was developed and raised in Antwerp in the northern part of Belgium. The hens of both speacies are almost identical, but Braekel roosters have normal cock feathering, whilst Campine roosters have hen feathering. There are also subtle differences in weight between the two breeds (Campines are slightly smaller).

     Several color varieties exist for the Braekel, with the golden-penciled and the silver-penciled color-varieties being the most common. These birds have single combs, white earlobes and slate-blue legs. A bantam version is also available for this breed.