Dutch Bantam
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fait Amusant
The word 'bantam' — used everywhere to describe small chickens — comes from the port of Bantam in Java, where Dutch sailors first loaded small chickens onto their ships in the 1600s. The Dutch Bantam (Hollandse Kriel) is therefore named after the very place that gave all small chickens their universal name — making it the bantam that named all bantams.
One of the oldest true bantams in existence and the breed whose name gave all small chickens their collective title, the Dutch Bantam (Hollandse Kriel) originates from the Netherlands. The name 'bantam' derives from Bantam, a port city on the north-west coast of Java where Dutch East India Company traders first encountered small local chickens in the 17th century and brought them back to the Netherlands. Despite their tiny size — cocks weigh around 550 grams — Dutch Bantams carry an upright, proud carriage, sport a large upright single comb, and lay a surprising number of small cream eggs relative to their weight. They are vigorous, bold, and confident birds with strong personalities.
🏷️ Race
Hollandse Kriel (Dutch Bantam)
💭 Tempérament
Active, alert, bold, confident, can be flighty, good forager for their size
📏 Taille
Small (0.45-0.60 kg)
⏳ Espérance de vie
5-8 years
🎨 Couleurs
Many varieties — partridge (most common), silver partridge, blue partridge, yellow partridge, cuckoo, white, black
🌍 Origine
Netherlands; brought from Bantam, Java by Dutch traders, 17th century; bred in Holland
🏠 Habitat
Small enclosed garden run or free-range; good fliers — fencing must be high
🍽️ Alimentation
Bantam pellets; effective forager on pasture relative to their tiny size
🎯 Usage
Ornamental
🥚 Couleur des œufs
Cream
👑 Type de crête
Single
🏅 Classe EE
True Bantam