Naine de Waes
The Naine de Waes, also written Waas bantam or Waasland bantam, is a rare Belgian bantam chicken associated with the Pays de Waes, the Waasland lowland between Antwerp and Ghent. It represents a regional true-bantam tradition: small framed, lively, and economical to keep, with birds selected historically for local preference rather than large-scale production. English-language information is limited, and the breed may be listed under French or Dutch names in continental poultry references.
Flocks are usually kept by specialist fanciers and conservation-minded breeders, so unrelated stock can be hard to find. The practical value is in preservation, exhibition, and small household eggs, not commercial output. These active bantams need tight fencing or covered runs, dry litter in damp lowland weather, and roosts scaled to their size. Breeding plans should keep track of source and color variety to avoid losing the narrow regional identity through casual crossing.
