Groninger Meeuwen
or Groningen Gulls
A flock of Groninger Meeuwen
Photo courtesy of René Quax
This Dutch breed is related to the Fresian but is around 25% larger, with the males weighing around 2.5 kilograms (6 pounds). They are excellent foragers and good winter layers.
They are only found in two colors: "Zilverpel" (white with black markings) and "Goudpel" (golden brown with black markings). The eye is brown and the tail should not be carried higher than 60 degrees, unlike the similar Fresians, which carry their tails at nearly 90 degrees.
The Groninger Meeuwen were nearly extinct in 1980, with only 26 birds left, but fortunately a group of poultry enthusiasts in The Netherlands took notice of the breed and have brought it back.
[ed. note: I believe this is the same bird as, or very closely related to, the Ostfriesische Moewe.]
Breed clubs:
Groninger Meeuwen
Club
p/a W.D. Diemer
Ohner Strasse 128
D-48465 Samern (Duitsland)
The Netherlands
Groninger Links:
René's Groninger Meeuwen page
A Groninger Meeuw hen with chicks A Groniger hen Another shot of René's flock
or
Direct questions and comments to Barry at FeatherSite -- questions and comments
Photo courtesy of René Quax
Photo courtesy of Jed Dwight
Photo courtesy of René Quax