Golden Duckwing Old English Bantam

The Golden Duckwing Old English Bantam is a beautiful and striking variety of the Old English Game bantam, known for its vibrant feather coloration and bold personality. This bantam is admired for its energetic nature and its unique color pattern, making it a favorite among poultry enthusiasts.

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Golden Duckwing Old English Bantam is famous for its rich golden-yellow body with vibrant, contrasting black and red feathers. The males (roosters) have golden feathers on their bodies with red and black accents on their wings, tail, and hackles. Hens are more subdued in color, but they still display a lovely golden base with darker accents. The vivid contrast between the golden body and the darker tail and wings gives this bantam a striking, ornamental appearance.
• Size: As a bantam, this breed is compact and lightweight. Roosters usually weigh around 22-26 ounces (625-750 grams), and hens weigh slightly less, making them a great choice for smaller backyards or ornamental purposes.
• Body Type: The Golden Duckwing Old English Bantam has an upright, athletic build, characteristic of the Old English Game family. They are known for their slender, graceful bodies and proud posture. Their long, angular bodies convey an alert and energetic demeanor.
• Comb: They have a small, upright single comb that is typically bright red, providing a beautiful contrast against their golden and dark plumage.

Personality:

• Temperament: The Golden Duckwing Old English Bantam is active, energetic, and confident. Known for their curiosity, they enjoy exploring and are quite alert to their surroundings. Roosters can sometimes be territorial and assertive, while hens are typically more docile but still lively and spirited. Their energetic nature means they can be more independent and less docile than other bantams.
• Hardiness: This bantam is relatively hardy but may require additional care in cold climates, as small birds are generally more vulnerable to extreme weather. Proper shelter and protection from the elements are important for maintaining their health.
• Social: While Golden Duckwing Old English Bantams are generally not aggressive, they can sometimes be flighty or independent. They do well in smaller, peaceful flocks, where they have enough space to explore and interact without feeling overcrowded. They can get along with other chickens, but their energetic and independent nature may sometimes make them stand out in the flock.

Egg Production:

• Eggs: The Golden Duckwing Old English Bantam is not known for high egg production. They typically lay small white eggs, and their egg-laying capacity is more moderate compared to other breeds. This bantam is primarily valued for its ornamental and show qualities rather than for its egg production.
• Broodiness: Like many bantam breeds, the Golden Duckwing Old English Bantam can sometimes go broody, but they are not typically reliable mothers. They are generally not used for hatching eggs, as their main appeal is their appearance and show potential.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Due to their small size and energetic nature, Golden Duckwing Old English Bantams require a safe and secure coop to protect them from predators. The coop should be well-ventilated and spacious enough to allow movement. Since they are active and curious, they also need a larger run where they can explore, forage, and stretch their legs.
• Diet: These bantams need a balanced diet, including high-quality poultry feed, fresh water, and occasional treats like vegetables, greens, and mealworms to keep them healthy and active.
• Space: Despite being bantams, Golden Duckwing Old English Bantams are very active birds that need plenty of space to roam and exercise. A larger run is ideal for them, allowing them to forage, explore, and display their energetic nature.

Popularity:

The Golden Duckwing Old English Bantam is highly admired for its striking appearance, making it a favorite among poultry enthusiasts and in poultry shows. While not typically raised for egg production, it is cherished for its beauty, grace, and athletic build. This bantam variety is often exhibited in shows, where its colorful plumage and energetic demeanor make it stand out.

Summary:

The Golden Duckwing Old English Bantam is a beautiful and vibrant breed, known for its golden and black plumage and energetic personality. Though not a prolific egg layer, it is highly prized for its ornamental qualities, agility, and striking appearance. This bantam is perfect for ornamental flocks, poultry exhibitions, and anyone looking to add an active and stunning bird to their collection.

Golden Duckwing Old English Bantam