The OLD DUTCH BANTAM, also called PARTRIDGE Bantam because of hen plumage colour, is a very old breed of bantam
and ancestor of other Dutch Bantams (also related to Old English Bantam). They are true Bantams and cockerels have white ear lobes and a single,
upright serrated comb. They were developed by peasants to provide small eggs since large eggs had to go to the lord of the manor.
Shown is a Golden Dutch Bantam but there are several other plumage varieties.
The DUTCH BOOTED BANTAM is one of oldest true bantam breeds - ie it doesn't have an equivalent breed of full-sized chicken.
A adult weighs around 750g.
There are several colour varieties of the Dutch Booted, all with feathered legs and feet. Shown above
is one of the most popular plumage colours.
The BEARDED D'UCCLE (pronounced dew-clay) Bantam was developed in Belgium. It is also called the Mille Fleur,
easier to say and one of the most popular plumage colours, as above left and centre (but other chickens come in Mille Fleur plumage).
In addition to its feathered legs and feet and upright tail, it has a beard of feathers and feathered "ear muffs" on its face.
The similar booted bantam above right is NOT a Bearded d'Uccle since, among other traits, its "jubilee" plumage does not have the additional facial feathers.
The bantam cockerel above has a "rose comb" - his comb is not a single upright but multiple -
but he is not a Rosecomb Bantam (old British) breed since they have large, bright white ear lobes. He may be a hybrid Rosecomb.
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Serama Bantam
Chicken breeds