Phoenix Bantam

The Phoenix Bantam is defined by its slender, elongated, and tube-like body shape. It is a highly refined ornamental bird that displays a proud, upright carriage. The head is small and long, topped with a small, single comb that should be finely serrated and stand perfectly upright. Its earlobes are small and pure white, contrasting with the vibrant orange-red to red eyes.

• Body Shape: Very long and slender with a breast line that is only slightly curved.
• Legs: Clean (no feathers) and typically slate blue (leiblauw), though olive green is also recognized.
• Plumage: Rijk (rich) and flowing, characterized by narrow, flexible feathers.
• Weight: Roosters weigh 30-34 oz (850-950g), while hens weigh 26-30 oz (750-850g).

As a primarily ornamental and exhibition breed, the Phoenix Bantam is not a high-production layer. Owners can expect approximately 60 to 100 eggs per year. The eggs are relatively small, with a minimum weight of 0.88 oz (25g).

• Egg Color: Yellowish-white to light cream.
• Broodiness: They are generally not prone to broodiness, though some individuals may occasionally show maternal instincts.

Sexual dimorphism is striking in this breed due to the feather development. The rooster is the showpiece, featuring long, narrow saddle feathers and main tail sickles that can reach lengths of 60 inches (150cm). The tail is carried horizontally (vlak), creating a flowing top line where the coverts and sickles merge seamlessly.

The hen is also slender and elegant, but lacks the extreme feather lengths of the male. Her tail is carried slightly lower than the back line and features sickle-shaped upper feathers that reach beyond the main tail. In high-quality hens, the tail transition from the back should form a smooth, straight line that tapers toward the end.

Phoenix Bantams have moderate hardiness. While they can handle varied temperatures, their long plumage requires specific environmental management. High humidity or muddy conditions are detrimental, as they can cause the tail feathers to break or become soiled, leading to rot or parasites.

They are active birds and do well in dry, protected runs. Because of their long tails, high perches (placed far from walls) are essential to allow the feathers to hang freely without touching the floor.

The Phoenix Bantam is recognized in several distinct color patterns, often matching those found in German bantam standards. The Silver Partridge is perhaps the most famous, featuring a crisp white-on-black contrast. Other recognized varieties include:

• Golden Partridge: Rich gold and black.
• White: Pure snowy white throughout.
• Wild Color: A more naturalistic, multi-toned pattern.
• Yellow Partridge: A softer, straw-yellow variant.

The Phoenix Bantam was created in Dresden, Germany, around 1880 by the breeder Louis Neubert. He achieved the miniaturization by crossing the large Phoenix fowl (which arrived in Germany from Japan in 1878) with Partridge-colored Old English Game Bantams. The goal was to preserve the spectacular tail of the Japanese long-tailed birds while creating a size more manageable for backyard hobbyists.

The breed faced near extinction during the World Wars, but was meticulously rebuilt in the 1950s by dedicated German breeders like Gresche, Weidauer, and Hartung.

A common misconception is that Phoenix Bantams carry the same non-molting gene as the Japanese Onagadori. In reality, Phoenix Bantams undergo a normal annual molt. Their tail length is achieved through a genetic predisposition for rapid feather growth and an extended growing period before the feather is shed, rather than the total absence of molting.