Blue Old English Bantam

The Blue Old English Bantam is a stunning and elegant variety of the Old English Game bantam, known for its striking blue plumage and energetic, confident personality. Here’s a closer look at this captivating breed:

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Blue Old English Bantam has a beautiful, soft blue-gray color across its body, with darker shades appearing on its wings, tail, and hackles. This gives it a unique, almost silvery appearance. The males (roosters) tend to have slightly more vibrant blue hues, while hens have a more muted, softer tone of blue. This subtle, elegant coloring makes them stand out in any flock.
• Size: As a bantam breed, the Blue Old English Bantam is small and compact. Roosters typically weigh around 22-26 ounces (625-750 grams), while hens are slightly lighter. Their small size makes them perfect for ornamental purposes or smaller backyard flocks.
• Body Type: The breed has a slim, athletic, and upright body, typical of Old English Game bantams. They have a graceful posture and an alert, energetic demeanor, reflecting their agile nature.
• Comb: The Blue Old English Bantam has a small, upright single comb that is typically red, which contrasts beautifully with its blue plumage.

Personality:

• Temperament: The Blue Old English Bantam is energetic, alert, and confident. These bantams are highly active and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Roosters can be territorial and assertive, while hens are more docile but still lively and spirited. Their bold and curious nature makes them stand out in any flock.
• Hardiness: The Blue Old English Bantam is generally hardy, though it may require extra care in extremely cold climates. Like most bantams, they are more vulnerable to the cold due to their small size. Providing them with proper shelter and protection is important.
• Social: While the Blue Old English Bantam can be independent and sometimes flighty, it is generally not aggressive. They do well in smaller flocks, where they can move freely and explore. Although they are energetic and may display some territorial behavior, especially the roosters, they are typically not overly aggressive.

Egg Production:

• Eggs: The Blue Old English Bantam is not known for prolific egg production. They typically lay small white eggs, and their egg-laying capacity is moderate compared to larger breeds. These birds are more valued for their ornamental qualities than for their egg-laying abilities.
• Broodiness: Like many bantams, Blue Old English Bantams can occasionally go broody, but they are not the most reliable mothers. They are more often kept for their beauty and agility rather than their ability to hatch eggs.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: The Blue Old English Bantam requires a secure, well-ventilated coop to protect them from predators. Due to their active and curious nature, they need a spacious run or yard to explore and forage. It’s essential to give them enough room to move freely and express their energetic personality.
• Diet: These bantams need a balanced diet that includes high-quality poultry feed, fresh water, and occasional treats like mealworms, vegetables, or greens to keep them healthy and active.
• Space: Although they are bantams, Blue Old English Bantams are very active and require plenty of space to roam. A larger run or yard is ideal for allowing them to explore, forage, and exercise.

Popularity:

The Blue Old English Bantam is highly regarded by poultry enthusiasts for its striking appearance and energetic nature. While not typically raised for egg production, this bantam is prized for its beauty, agility, and unique coloration. It is often kept for ornamental purposes and is a favorite in poultry shows due to its elegant and vibrant plumage.

Summary:

The Blue Old English Bantam is an elegant and energetic breed known for its soft blue-gray plumage and confident personality. Though not prolific egg layers, they are highly valued for their beauty, agility, and spirited nature. Perfect for ornamental flocks, exhibitions, or anyone seeking an active and stunning bird to add to their collection, the Blue Old English Bantam is sure to impress.

Blue Old English Bantam