Altsteirer Bantam

The Altsteirer Bantam is a sturdily built landrace-type chicken with a well-rounded body, described as having a length-to-width-to-depth ratio of approximately 8:5:3. They have a medium-high stance with a slightly sloping backline that transitions smoothly into the tail.

Key Features:

• Weight: Roosters weigh around 2.2 - 2.4 lbs (1000-1100g), and hens weigh 1.8 - 2.0 lbs (800-900g).
• Crest: A defining feature is the small crest of feathers on the back of the neck (Nackenkuif). This crest is typically twice as large on the hen as on the rooster.
• Comb: The rooster has a medium-sized, upright single comb. The hen's comb is unique, featuring a double-folded front, known as a 'wikkelkam' in Dutch, a trait linked to the crest genetics.
• Head: They have bright red eyes, pure white earlobes, and short wattles, giving them an alert and clean appearance.
• Temperament: Known for being lively and excellent foragers, they are also quite trusting and friendly, making them a pleasant addition to a flock.

As a dual-purpose breed, the Altsteirer Bantam is a respectable and consistent layer, especially for a heritage bantam.

• Egg Production: Hens typically produce around 150 eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: They lay beautiful ivory-colored eggs that weigh approximately 1.4 oz (40g).
• Broodiness: Hens of this breed are known to go broody and are often considered good, attentive mothers, making them a good choice for those wishing to hatch chicks naturally.

Distinguishing between cocks and hens is quite apparent in the Altsteirer breed. Roosters are larger with a more upright posture, a standard single comb, and rich, colorful plumage in the partridge variety (black breasted red). Their neck and saddle hackles are a vibrant reddish-brown, contrasting with a black breast and tail.

Hens have two very distinctive features. Firstly, their small neck crest is significantly larger and fuller, about twice the size of the rooster's. Secondly, their single comb is folded at the front, a unique characteristic known as a 'wikkelkam'. The hen's plumage in the Partridge variety is a subtly peppered brown pattern across the body, providing excellent camouflage.

Originating from the mountainous Styria region of Austria, the Altsteirer is an inherently hardy breed. They are well-adapted to colder climates and can handle a wide range of weather conditions. Their background as a landrace makes them robust and self-sufficient.

They are active foragers and thrive when given space to roam. While they can be kept in smaller coops, they are happiest in a free-range or large-run environment where they can explore and supplement their diet. Standard, secure housing that is dry and draft-free is perfectly adequate for this resilient breed.

While several color varieties have existed historically, the most common and standardized today are Partridge and White.

• Partridge (Black Breasted Red): This is the most traditional color. The rooster has a classic partridge pattern with a reddish-brown head, neck, and saddle, and a black breast and tail. The hen is a finely peppered brown, with a lighter salmon-colored breast.
• White: A pure, brilliant white variety without any yellow tint.
• Other Varieties: Historically, other colors such as Cuckoo and Black have been bred. While less common, they may still be found among dedicated breeders in Europe.