Malay Bantam

The Malay Bantam is defined by its very high stance and upright posture. Unlike most chickens, it should not have a soft, rounded appearance, instead, its feathers are extremely hard, narrow, and tight to the body. In several areas, such as the breastbone and the inner thighs, the feathers are so sparse that the naked red skin is clearly visible, a trait highly valued in exhibition standards.

Physical Attributes

• Head: Broad and strong with a heavy, beetle-browed expression. The beak is powerful and well-curved.
• Comb: A small, firm walnut or strawberry comb (ei-vormige knobbelkam) that sits forward on the head.
• Eyes: Set deep within the skull, they range from pearl to yellow in color.
• Shoulders: Broad and muscular, they stand out square from the body, emphasizing the bird's power.
• Legs: Long, bony, and strong with well-separated toes.

As an exhibition breed primarily focused on form and muscularity, the Malay Bantam is not a prolific layer. Owners can expect roughly 80 to 100 eggs per year, mostly during the spring and summer months.

• Egg Weight: Approximately 1 oz (30g).
• Egg Color: Light brown or tinted.
• Broodiness: Hens can be very broody and are fierce protectors of their chicks, though their long legs and hard bodies can sometimes lead to them accidentally breaking eggs in the nest.

Roosters are significantly larger and taller, reaching weights of up to 3 lbs (1.4kg) and heights of 20 inches (50cm). The rooster's tail is drooping and whip-like, featuring narrow, firm sickle feathers that should not be overly long.

Hens are smaller, typically weighing around 2.5 lbs (1.1kg). While they retain the same upright stance and fierce brow as the males, their tails are carried in a more cylindrical fashion. The walnut comb is much smaller in females, and they generally show a more developed 'leg-belly' (legbuik) during their laying periods.

The Malay Bantam is a hardy breed, but its unique plumage makes it sensitive to extreme conditions. Because their feathers are so tight and sparse, they do not retain body heat well and can struggle in severe northern winters without a well-insulated, draft-free coop.

Conversely, they handle heat reasonably well due to their sparse feathering, but the exposed skin areas can be susceptible to sunburn if they do not have access to adequate shade. They are active birds that require space to move to maintain their muscular condition.

The most common and traditional color for the Malay Bantam is the Black-Breasted Red (often referred to as Partridge in Europe). In this variety, the rooster features a brilliant orange-red neck and saddle, while the hen is typically a Wheaten color.

Other recognized varieties include:

• Spangled: Feathers tipped with white and black.
• White: Pure white plumage with yellow legs.
• Red Pyle: A striking combination of red and white.
• Black: Solid black with a green beetle-crush sheen.

While the name suggests an Asian origin, the Malay Bantam was actually developed in England during the late 19th century. Breeders used large Malays (which originally came from India and the Malay Archipelago) and crossed them with Aseels and other fighting bantams to create a miniaturized version that retained the 'giant' look.

The famous poultry author W.F. Entwisle is credited with creating the first specimens around 1890. His daughter, Miss E. Entwisle, famously exhibited high-quality White Malay Bantams at the 1893 Dairy Show in London. The breed was later exported to Germany and the Netherlands, where it remains a staple of the exhibition circuit.