Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam

The Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam is a captivating and historic breed known for its vibrant feather colors and energetic personality. Here’s a closer look at this remarkable bantam:

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The most striking feature of the Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam is its unique feather pattern. The males (roosters) have a bright silver body with rich, golden-red wings and a contrasting dark tail. The hens are more subdued in color, with a silver base and subtle reddish accents. The overall effect is visually stunning, especially when the birds are in motion.
• Size: As a bantam breed, it is small but sturdy. Roosters usually weigh around 22-26 ounces (625-750 grams), and hens are a little lighter. Their compact size makes them ideal for smaller backyards or ornamental purposes.
• Body Type: The Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam has a sleek, athletic, and upright posture, with a well-proportioned body and a proud, alert stance. They have a slender, angular build that is characteristic of the Old English Bantam breed.
• Comb: They have a small, single comb that stands upright, adding to their elegant appearance. The comb is typically bright red, complementing their vivid plumage.

Personality:

• Temperament: The Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam is known for its energetic, active, and confident nature. They are very alert and curious birds, often seen exploring their surroundings. They can be a bit independent and even a little feisty, especially the males.
• Hardiness: They are relatively hardy but, like many bantams, they may not be as well-suited to very cold climates. It’s important to protect them from extreme cold temperatures.
• Social: While they can be a bit flighty, they are generally good with other chickens, though the males may display some territorial behavior, particularly during mating season. They can be kept in flocks, but it’s essential to ensure a balanced and peaceful environment.

Egg Production:

• Eggs: The Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam is not known for being a prolific egg layer. They typically lay small white eggs, and egg production tends to be on the lower end compared to larger breeds. However, their ornamental and show qualities make them more sought after for their appearance than their egg-laying abilities.
• Broodiness: Like many bantam breeds, they can occasionally go broody, though they are not typically considered reliable for hatching eggs.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Because of their small size and active nature, they need a safe and secure coop with plenty of space to roam. Due to their inquisitive nature, a larger run where they can forage and explore is ideal.
• Diet: A balanced diet of high-quality poultry feed, fresh water, and occasional treats such as mealworms, greens, or vegetables will keep them healthy and happy.
• Space: Despite being a bantam, they are active birds that enjoy exploring. Providing them with enough space to roam will help them stay fit and content.

Popularity:

The Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam is prized for its stunning appearance and history. This breed is often raised for exhibition and ornamental purposes rather than for egg production. It has a long history, being part of the Old English Game family, which is known for its beauty and agility.

Summary:

The Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam is a striking and lively bird with a beautiful plumage pattern. Known for its energetic personality, unique feathering, and elegant posture, it’s perfect for ornamental flocks and poultry shows. Though not a prolific egg layer, its beauty, intelligence, and show qualities make it a prized addition to any backyard flock!

Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam