Self Blue Old English Game Bantam

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The most striking feature of the Self Blue Old English Game Bantam is its unique blue-gray plumage. The "self-blue" color, also known as "lavender," gives the bird a soft, pale blue or light gray appearance, often with a slightly iridescent sheen when the light hits the feathers. This muted, elegant color makes them stand out compared to other more vibrant or darkly colored bantams.
  
  

• Body Type: As with other Old English Game Bantams, the Self Blue variety has a compact, slender, and athletic body. The bird is muscular yet small, reflecting its game bird heritage. Despite its small size, it has a strong, agile frame, making it quick and alert.
  
  

• Tail: The tail of the Self Blue Old English Game Bantam is high-set and upright, which is a key characteristic of the Old English Game Bantam breed. The tail feathers are long and graceful, contributing to the bird's overall elegance and poised appearance.
  
  

• Comb and Wattles: The Self Blue Old English Game Bantam has a small, upright single comb, which is bright red and in proportion to the bird’s small size. The comb is often one of the most noticeable features of the bird. The wattles are small but vibrant, and they provide a striking contrast against the bird’s soft blue feathers.
  
  

• Legs and Toes: The legs are clean and yellow, which enhances the bird’s refined and elegant appearance. Like most bantams, it typically has three toes on each foot, contributing to its compact and balanced frame.
  
  

Temperament:

• Active and Spirited: The Self Blue Old English Game Bantam is known for its high energy and agility. These bantams are constantly on the move, exploring, foraging, and scratching for food. They are highly alert and active, making them a good choice for free-range environments where they can roam and forage for insects and seeds.
  
  

• Independent and Courageous: As with other Old English Game Bantams, the Self Blue variety is independent and bold. They tend to be more self-sufficient and confident than some other breeds. These bantams are not as docile and may display dominant behavior in a mixed flock. They are courageous and unafraid, often asserting themselves within the flock.
  
  

• Good for Free-Range: These bantams thrive in free-range environments where they have plenty of space to move around. They are excellent foragers, making them great additions to any backyard or homestead where free-ranging is possible. They are agile and capable of short flights, so a secure yard with high fencing is important to keep them safe.
  
  

• Not Ideal for Small Flocks: Due to their dominant and independent nature, the Self Blue Old English Game Bantam is better suited for larger, more active flocks. They may challenge other chickens for dominance, so they are not ideal for small or passive flocks with breeds that are less assertive.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: Like other Old English Game Bantams, the Self Blue variety is not known for prolific egg production. They typically lay small white eggs, usually about 2-3 eggs per week. The eggs are small, but they are of high quality and taste.

• Egg Size and Quality: The eggs laid by the Self Blue Old English Game Bantam are small but flavorful. They are prized for their freshness and quality. While the egg production is not as high as other more prolific layers, the eggs are still perfect for small households or as a treat.

Health and Care:

• Hardy: Self Blue Old English Game Bantams are generally hardy chickens, able to adapt to a variety of climates. However, like most bantams, they may be more susceptible to frostbite due to their small size and single comb, especially in very cold weather. It’s essential to provide them with protection from the cold, such as a sheltered coop during winter months.

• Low Maintenance: These bantams are relatively low-maintenance. Their soft feathers require little grooming, but regular checks for parasites (such as mites or lice) should be done. As with all chickens, they need a clean and dry living space to stay healthy.

• Flight Risk: Like many bantams, Self Blue Old English Game Bantams are capable of short flights. They are agile and may be able to escape from low fences, so it’s important to have a secure enclosure to keep them contained and protect them from predators.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

• Poultry Shows: The Self Blue Old English Game Bantam is highly prized in poultry shows for its striking color, graceful movements, and elegant appearance. The unique self-blue color and graceful tail feathers make it a favorite among poultry enthusiasts who value both beauty and performance.

• Ornamental Value: These bantams are highly valued for ornamental purposes. Their beautiful and subtle blue feathers, along with their energetic and agile nature, make them an ideal choice for those who appreciate ornamental birds or want to add a bit of elegance to their backyard flock.

Frequently Asked Questions: