Self Blue Old English Bantam

The Self Blue Old English Bantam is an elegant and striking breed known for its unique color and lively personality. Here’s a closer look at this captivating bantam:

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Self Blue Old English Bantam features a soft, uniform slate-blue or lavender color. Unlike other blue varieties that may have a mix of colors, the Self Blue variety has a consistent, solid color that gives it a smooth and refined appearance. This beautiful blue tint is most prominent in the males (roosters), while females have a slightly lighter, more muted version of the same color.
• Size: As a bantam breed, it is small and compact. Roosters usually weigh around 22-26 ounces (625-750 grams), while hens weigh slightly less, making them ideal for smaller backyards and ornamental flocks.
• Body Type: The Self Blue Old English Bantam has a sleek, athletic build with a proud, upright posture. It has a refined, agile appearance, characteristic of the Old English Game bantams. Its elegant, upright stance and small, compact body add to its charm.
• Comb: They have a small, upright single comb that is red, contrasting beautifully with the bird’s soft blue plumage.

Personality:

• Temperament: Self Blue Old English Bantams are known for being active, alert, and independent. They are energetic birds that love to explore their surroundings. Roosters can be a bit assertive or territorial, while hens are generally more docile but still lively and curious.
• Hardiness: This breed is relatively hardy but may require extra care in extremely cold climates, as bantams tend to be more vulnerable to the cold than larger breeds.
• Social: While the Self Blue Old English Bantam can be flighty at times, they are generally non-aggressive and can get along well in smaller flocks, especially in a peaceful and spacious environment. However, their energetic nature means they need room to roam and explore.

Egg Production:

• Eggs: Self Blue Old English Bantams are not prolific egg layers. They lay small white eggs, but their egg production is generally moderate compared to larger chicken breeds. They are more valued for their ornamental qualities than for their egg-laying ability.
• Broodiness: While they can occasionally go broody, Self Blue Old English Bantams are not particularly reliable mothers and are not commonly used for hatching eggs.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: These bantams need a secure and well-ventilated coop to protect them from predators. The coop should be comfortable and spacious enough to allow them to move around. Since they are active birds, they also need a larger run where they can explore and forage freely.
• Diet: Like all chickens, the Self Blue Old English Bantam needs a balanced diet, including high-quality poultry feed, fresh water, and occasional treats such as mealworms, vegetables, or greens to stay healthy and happy.
• Space: Despite their small size, these bantams are active and energetic. It is essential to provide them with ample space to roam, especially if kept with other chickens.

Popularity:

The Self Blue Old English Bantam is admired for its unique, solid blue color and elegant appearance. It is often raised for ornamental purposes and exhibition, as it is part of the Old English Game family, which is known for its beauty and agility. This breed is appreciated in poultry shows for its attractive feathering and graceful build.

Summary:

The Self Blue Old English Bantam is a stunning, small chicken with a soft blue plumage and a lively, energetic personality. While not a prolific egg layer, its beauty and elegance make it a popular choice for ornamental flocks and poultry exhibitions. Its refined appearance and active nature make it a prized addition to any backyard flock!

Self Blue Old English Bantam