Lemon Blue Old English Bantam

The Lemon Blue Old English Bantam is an elegant and captivating breed known for its soft, unique feather coloration and energetic personality. This bantam is part of the Old English Game family, which is prized for its beauty and agility. Here’s a closer look at the Lemon Blue Old English Bantam:

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Lemon Blue Old English Bantam has a beautiful and distinctive color pattern. The males (roosters) have soft lemon-colored bodies with a blue (grayish) tint to their wings, tail, and sometimes the hackles. This gives the bird a unique, almost pastel-like look. Hens are usually a more muted version of this color pattern, with a lemon base and slightly less vibrant blue accents.
• Size: Like all bantams, the Lemon Blue Old English Bantam is small and compact. Roosters generally weigh between 22-26 ounces (625-750 grams), while hens are a little lighter. Their small size makes them ideal for ornamental purposes and smaller backyard spaces.
• Body Type: The breed has a sleek, upright, and athletic body type, characteristic of the Old English Game bantams. They are slender and graceful, with an elegant, alert stance. This breed is agile and energetic, reflecting the qualities of the Old English Game family.
• Comb: The Lemon Blue Old English Bantam has a small, upright single comb, typically red in color, which contrasts beautifully with the bird’s soft plumage.

Personality:

• Temperament: These bantams are energetic, alert, and independent. They are very curious and enjoy exploring their environment. While they can be a bit flighty and feisty, they are generally not aggressive. Roosters can sometimes display territorial behavior, especially during breeding season, while hens are more docile but still lively.
• Hardiness: While they are generally hardy, like other bantam breeds, they may require additional care in very cold climates, as smaller birds tend to be more vulnerable to extreme weather. Providing them with proper shelter is important.
• Social: Lemon Blue Old English Bantams are typically social but can be independent. They do well in smaller flocks where they can interact but may not always thrive in larger, more chaotic environments. They are usually not as docile as some other bantam breeds but can coexist peacefully if given adequate space.

Egg Production:

• Eggs: The Lemon Blue Old English Bantam is not known for high egg production. They lay small white eggs, but their egg-laying is usually modest compared to larger breeds. These birds are more valued for their ornamental qualities and beauty than for their egg production.
• Broodiness: They can occasionally go broody, but they are not generally known for being reliable mothers. This breed is more often kept for its appearance than for its ability to hatch eggs.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Due to their small size, the Lemon Blue Old English Bantam requires a secure and well-ventilated coop to protect them from predators. They are active and curious, so they should be provided with enough space to explore and roam.
• Diet: Like all chickens, the Lemon Blue Old English Bantam should be fed a balanced diet that includes high-quality poultry feed, fresh water, and occasional treats such as mealworms, vegetables, or greens to keep them healthy.
• Space: These bantams need plenty of space to roam and forage. Despite being small, they are energetic and enjoy moving around. A spacious run or yard is recommended to allow them to exercise and explore.

Popularity:

The Lemon Blue Old English Bantam is a beautiful and lesser-known variety of the Old English Game family. While not as commonly seen as some other bantam breeds, it is still prized by poultry enthusiasts for its striking appearance and agility. These birds are often raised for ornamental purposes and exhibitions, as their unique coloration and graceful posture make them stand out in shows.

Summary:

The Lemon Blue Old English Bantam is a stunning, small breed with soft lemon-colored and blue plumage. Its elegant body, energetic personality, and curiosity make it a wonderful addition to ornamental flocks and poultry exhibitions. While not prolific egg layers, their beauty and agility make them a prized bird for backyard flocks and show enthusiasts.

Lemon Blue Old English Bantam