Belgian Bantams

Strictly birds for exhibition, Belgian bantams come in a number of varieties. The most common are the Barbu d'Uccles (single combs and feathered legs and feet) and Barbu d'Anvers (rose combs and clean legs and feet). These pretty little birds come in a myriad of colours and patterns and are quite popular. They are not particularly good layers and as with many exhibition breeds, the chicks can be quite difficult to rear. Some strains can be quite aggressive and by nature, Belgian bantams are quite flighty.

Japanese (Chabo)

These tiny birds originated in China, being exported to Japan where they were developed to a high standard and received their name. Japanese are beautiful little fowls, being developed solely for their quaint appearance. They carry a dominant gene for extremely short legs which makes them appear to creep along, almost sliding on their wings. This gene becomes lethal when two short-legged birds are mated together, with a percentage of chicks failing to hatch. Japanese have very large combs which further adds to their charm. Though not a popular show fowl, they do have a small following of breeders who enjoy the challenge these little birds present. They come in a wide range of colours with Black-tailed White being the most recognised.

Pekin

Pekin bantams are a true bantam in Australia with no large fowl counterpart. Overseas they are called Cochins. A delightful show bird, Pekins are hard to beat, especially the black and white varieties. Type-wise, the Pekin should appear like a ball from every direction, with soft, profuse feathering and heavily feathered legs and feet. They come in a wide range of colours. The carriage of a Pekin should be distinctly "head down, bum up"! Some strains of Pekins are extremely aggressive, which belies their soft, cute appearance. They are not particularly hardy and are more suited for the experienced breeder. They must be well protected from dogs and other vermin as they cannot fly well and make easy prey.

Rosecomb

Rosecombs are true show fowls. Possibly no other breed of bantam has been bred to such perfection as these. With jaunty carriage, cobby build, beautiful headgear and flowing plumage, Rosecombs are often among the major award winners at many shows. Rosecombs are quite hardy little fowls and they are generally friendly, however the males can sometimes become quite aggressive. The main points of a Rosecomb are the finely shaped comb (hence its name), the soft white lobes and the flowing plumage all packaged neatly in a cobby, sprightly little bird.
(Picture courtesy Steve and Wendy Watts)

Sebright

The Sebright is a "made" variety. They were developed by Sir John Sebright, using Hamburghs and various other breeds. Sebrights are "hen-feathered", which means the males do not have the pointed feathers like most other breeds, but carry rounded, more feminine plumage. They come in two varieties, gold and silver, which apart from a difference in ground colours sport the same markings. Each feather should be finely and evenly laced with black. Jaunty, sprightly little fowls, Sebrights are more suited to experienced breeders as they can be very difficult to rear due to lack of vigour in the chicks.

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