Silver Blue Old English Bantam

The Silver Blue Old English Bantam is a striking and elegant variety of the Old English Bantam breed, known for its unique coloration and lively personality. Here’s a closer look at this beautiful bantam:

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Silver Blue Old English Bantam features a stunning combination of soft silver and blue feathers. The males (roosters) typically have a more vibrant display of these colors, with a silver body and blue/gray wings and tail. The hens are more muted but still possess the elegant silver-blue coloration, with a softer blend of hues.
• Size: As a bantam, this breed is small and compact. Roosters usually weigh between 22-26 ounces (625-750 grams), while hens are slightly lighter. Their small size makes them ideal for smaller backyards or ornamental purposes.
• Body Type: The Silver Blue Old English Bantam has a sleek and upright body, giving it an athletic and proud appearance. The bird has an elegant posture with an alert and active stance, characteristic of the Old English Game bantams.
• Comb: They have a small, upright single comb, which is bright red and contrasts beautifully with their silver-blue plumage.

Personality:

• Temperament: Silver Blue Old English Bantams are known for their active, alert, and independent nature. They are energetic birds and tend to be very curious about their surroundings. Roosters can sometimes be territorial and assertive, while hens are generally more docile, though still lively.
• Hardiness: This breed is hardy but may need extra care in colder climates, as bantams are generally more vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
• Social: While the Silver Blue Old English Bantam can sometimes be a bit flighty, they are typically not aggressive. They can be social and do well in flocks, but it’s important to ensure there is enough space for them to move freely.

Egg Production:

• Eggs: Silver Blue Old English Bantams are not particularly known for their egg-laying abilities. They typically produce small white eggs, but egg production is moderate compared to larger breeds. They are more valued for their beauty and show qualities than for their egg-laying capacity.
• Broodiness: Like many bantams, the Silver Blue Old English Bantam can occasionally go broody, though they are not typically considered reliable mothers.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: The Silver Blue Old English Bantam needs a secure, well-ventilated coop to protect it from predators. They should have enough space to move freely and explore their environment. Since they are active and energetic, a larger run is beneficial.
• Diet: A balanced diet consisting of high-quality poultry feed, fresh water, and occasional treats like mealworms, greens, and vegetables will keep these bantams healthy.
• Space: Despite being a bantam, they are active birds that enjoy exploring. It’s essential to provide them with enough space to roam, especially if they are kept with other chickens.

Popularity:

The Silver Blue Old English Bantam is highly admired for its striking appearance and is often kept for ornamental purposes. It is also sometimes raised for exhibition due to its beauty and athletic qualities. This breed belongs to the Old English Game family, which is known for its history, grace, and agility.

Summary:

The Silver Blue Old English Bantam is a stunning, small, and energetic breed known for its elegant plumage and lively personality. While not prolific egg layers, its vibrant colors, alert nature, and charm make it a sought-after bird for ornamental flocks and poultry shows. Whether for exhibitions or just as a backyard beauty, this bantam is sure to impress!

Silver Blue Old English Bantam