Nankin Bantam

The Nankin is a small, neat, and compact bird with a rotund body and a trim silhouette. The breast is full and prominent, carried well forward to give the bird a courageous appearance. Their back is notably short, sloping slightly toward the tail.

• Body: Deep and wide for its size, with wings that are neatly folded and carried low, sometimes almost reaching the ground.
• Tail: Large and well-spread, carried upright (though not at a 'squirrel' angle) with long, curved sickles in the males.
• Legs: Short, rounded shanks that are free from feathers (clean legs). They typically exhibit a bluish slate or bluish-white color, though a pinkish stripe on the outside is sometimes seen.
• Comb: This breed is unique in that it is recognized in both single and rose comb varieties. The single comb is medium-sized with 3 to 6 upright serrations, while the rose comb is small and close-fitting with a well-developed spike.

Nankin hens lay small eggs with shells ranging in color from creamy white to tinted. While they are not known for high-volume egg production, they are legendary for their mothering instincts. They are exceptionally broody and are often used by hobbyists to incubate the eggs of more sensitive game birds, such as quail, partridge, and pheasant.

Hens are known to be protective and diligent mothers, which historically helped keep the breed from extinction as they were kept primarily for their utility as surrogate incubators.

Sexual dimorphism in Nankins is evident in both behavior and plumage depth. The rooster is characterized by a haughty and conceited air, strutting with vanity. His plumage is showier, featuring a rich orange hackle and saddle with deep chestnut accents on the wings.

The hen has a much more reserved carriage. Her plumage is a clear, medium shade of buff, which should be as even as possible across the body. In both sexes, the tail is primarily black, but the rooster's sickles often show a bronze or copper luster that graduates into the black.

Nankins are not particularly cold-hardy. Because of their small size and origins in warmer regions of Asia, they are susceptible to drafty or freezing conditions. If kept in northern climates, they require a well-insulated and draft-free coop to thrive. They do well in confinement, staying relatively close to their housing even when given access to the outdoors.

Standardized Nankins come in only one color variety: Buff plumage with a black tail. This specific shade of buff is often described as 'Nankeen' or 'Ginger-buff.' The undercolor should be a consistent ginger-buff (lighter in females) without any gray or mealy patches.

The Nankin is considered one of the most ancient bantam breeds. Though standardized in England, its roots trace back to Southeast Asia, specifically Java, China, and India. They were among the first bantams transported to Britain via trading ships in the 18th century.

The breed played a critical role in poultry history, Sir John Sebright used Nankins as foundational stock to develop the famous Sebright bantam. Despite their historical importance, the breed is currently listed with a 'Critical' conservation status in many parts of the world.