Breda Bantam

The Breda Bantam is a medium-heavy bantam of the landrace type, with an upright posture. It features a moderately long and broad body, deep chest, and medium-high leg stance. Its name, 'Kraaikop' (Crow-head), refers to its unique head shape.

• Weight: Roosters typically weigh between 1.98-2.2 lbs (900-1000g), while hens weigh 1.76-1.98 lbs (800-900g).
• Head: The head is medium-sized, quite short, and fairly broad between the eyes. It appears small due to the absence of a comb. Instead, it features raised and open nostrils (a nasal disc) behind which a slight elevation exists. The top of the head has frizzy, fine feathers. The face is red.
• Comb: Absent. Only rudimentary comb formation is present, and no raised red comb flesh should be present on the skull or above the beak.
• Beard/Muffs: N/A (The text does not mention beard or muffs).
• Legs: They have medium-long, feathered legs and toes. The thighs are stout and quite long, well-feathered, with distinct vulture hocks. The shanks are medium-long, with small, tightly arranged scales. The outer and middle toes are feathered.
• Eyes: Large, lively, orange-red to reddish-brown.
• Wattles: Medium-long, well-rounded, and fine in texture, vivid red.
• Earlobes: Quite small, oblong, and red.

Breda Bantams are known for being good layers, with hens beginning to lay at around five months of age. They are not typically prone to broodiness, ensuring a consistent egg supply.

• Egg Production: Hens can lay approximately 160-180 white eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: They lay beautiful, good-sized white eggs, typically weighing around 1.2 oz (35g).
• Broodiness: Not explicitly mentioned as broody in the bantam text, but a general characteristic of many good laying breeds. The text focuses on the egg production rather than broodiness for this breed.

Beyond secondary sexual characteristics, there are no significant differences between the Breda Bantam rooster and hen in overall body structure. Both sexes share the unique comb-less head, feathered legs, and upright posture.

The rooster has a well-developed, moderately high-set tail with long, gracefully curved sickles. Its head is fine, with vivid red wattles and earlobes.

The hen also maintains an upright posture, but her tail is carried slightly lower and is not as spread as the rooster's. Her comb, though absent, may have a small, upright, red elevation. Her abdomen is well-developed for laying.

The Breda Bantam is described as a hardy breed, making it adaptable to various environmental conditions. Their robust nature means they do not have high demands for housing.

Given their activity level, providing ample space in runs or free-range environments is beneficial for their well-being. Regular checks of their feathered legs and feet are important, especially in wet conditions, to prevent issues and ensure their comfort.

The Breda Bantam is recognized in several distinct color varieties, with black being the most common.

• Black: Entire plumage is glossy black.
• White: Pure white plumage.
• Blue: An even, clear blue plumage.
• Cuckoo: Blue-grey barring on a lighter ground color.
• Black-Tailed White: White body plumage with a black tail.