History
Diminutive chickens of similar coloration to today's Dutch Bantams have been seen in the Netherlands for hundreds of years, but the exact origin of the breed is unclear. It is likely that the ancestors of the Dutch Bantam were Southeast Asian bantams brought back by sailors from the Dutch East Indies. Historically, it is supposed that these tiny chickens were selectively bred because only small eggs could be kept by peasant farmers, while larger ones were required to be sent to the kitchens of the landed gentry. The first written referring to Dutch Bantams (as a distinct breed) is from a Hague zoo record dated to 1882, and the Dutch Poultry Club recognized the breed by 1906.
The first transatlantic export of Dutch Bantams was to the United States after World War II; they were first shown in the country in the early 1950s. This initial overseas population died out due to lack of interest from breeders, and the next exportation, to both the United Kingdom and the U.S., was not until the 1970s. The British Dutch Bantam Club was formed in 1982, and 13 colors are standardized. The American Poultry Association accepted the breed in the show ring in 1992, and the Standard of Perfection describes ten color varieties.
Characteristics
Dutch Bantams are the smallest breed of bantam currently recognized by the American Poultry Association, and are among the smallest chickens worldwide. Males weigh no more than 20 ounces (567 grams), and females 16 ounces (454 grams). Due to their light weight and relatively large wings, Dutch Bantams fly well for chickens. The original type of plumage for Dutch Bantams was a partridge pattern sometimes called bankiva. Today, there are dozens of colors, though only some are accepted in showing. All varieties possess single combs, white earlobes, slate blue shanks, and white skin.
The breed is friendly in temperament, but somewhat flighty. Their small size and comb type makes them not especially cold hardy, but they bear confinement well. Dutch Bantam hens make good mothers and will readily go broody. Uniquely for bantams, and especially ones popular in showing, Dutch Bantams lay well; they can produce 160 cream or light brown eggs in a year, though the size of the egg is much smaller than commercial layers. Due to their friendly character and egg laying ability, the breed is well suited to hobbyists and backyard keepers needing a bantam bird.
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