Print Article
BookMark Article
10 newest articles RSS
The Fabulous Booted Bantam Chicken
Author : kor rassad
Submitted : 2011-02-16 09:30:40 Word Count : 601 Popularity: 14
Tags: booted bantam chicken, bantam chicken, bantam, chicken, chickens, breed
Anyone who likes chickens for more than wing dings and eggs cannot help but love the booted bantam chicken. More formally named the Dutch Booted Bantam, this tiny but gorgeous bird is popular all over Europe and in the new world as a show bird and as a pet.
The Booted Bantam is a true bantam, not a larger breed that has been miniaturized over successive generations. The origin is disputed, but many believe the chickens were alive and well in the Netherlands in the 1500s. You can find different versions of its history on different websites.
The Booted Bantam is tiny, with the British show standards limiting cocks to thirty ounces and hens to no more than twenty seven ounces. The American Poultry Association standard sets even lighter weight for birds to be accepted in a show. The small size does not make this a fragile or sickly type, however. They are not hardy in cold weather but otherwise can take care of themselves just fine.
Poultry standards are both interesting and necessary. While breeders have developed over twenty colors that will 'breed true', the official standards only admit eleven in Britain and seventeen in the United States. The standards are designed to keep show birds true not only in color and feathering but also to the physical characteristics that have been shown to be best for healthy and productive poultry flocks. For instance, there is a broad backed and high breasted shape that makes for a good layer, and that is one thing that judges look for.
The cocks have wings that are large and dramatically swept back and down, combs that are bright red and erect, and long tail feathers that point up. With their broad breasts and upright posture, these are very proud and alert little chickens. The hens lay small white or cream-colored eggs several times a week and would like to hatch them all. The eggs are perfectly good to eat, although you need quite a few for an omelet.
The many different colors are all dramatic, with the Millefleur being the most popular. Even in this category, there are variations, however. The patterns and colors truly have to be seen to be believed, so check the poultry catalogs, online sites about fancy chickens, and club websites. The cocks have big, red, upright combs with five sharp points and red ears and wattles as well. Their wings sweep down and back, at the same angle as their dramatic hock feathers. They stand very upright and their fully-feathered tail stick up, too. The whole effect is perky.
As far as other uses are concerned, these birds are broad backed and round breasted, so what meat there is on them is well-proportioned. The hens lay small white or cream-colored eggs which are perfectly edible, although the hens would prefer to keep all of them and raise babies. They are not hardy so will need heated quarters in winter, must be confined on soft and frequently cleaned bedding if the perfection of their feathers is important, and do well both in and out of confinement.
There are clubs for those who are real fans of the Booted Bantam chicken. Check out their websites to see if there is one near you. You can also search for local hatcheries, although many will not have poultry this exotic. There are national suppliers, however, that send chicks all over in the spring and early summer.
Author's Resource Box
For more info about the Booted Bantam chicken Visit ChickenCoopAdvice.com
Article Source:
Pet Love Infos And Tips