Sebright Bantam

The Sebright is characterized by its proud and spirited carriage. Its most striking feature is the laced plumage, every feather is almond-shaped and bordered by a sharp, narrow black edge. Unlike most breeds, the Sebright has a short, broad back and a prominent breast that is carried high, giving it a jaunty appearance. Their wings are carried low, almost touching the ground, and they possess slate blue legs and dark brown eyes. The head is topped with a neat rose comb that ends in a straight spike directed backwards.

As an ornamental breed, the Sebright is not a prolific layer. Hens typically produce approximately 60-100 eggs per year. The eggs are small, weighing about 1.1 oz (30g), and range in color from white to a soft cream. While they are capable of being good mothers, they are not prone to broodiness, and their small size makes it difficult for them to cover a large clutch of eggs. Breeders often use incubators or foster hens due to the lower fertility sometimes associated with the breed.

The Sebright is one of the few breeds where the rooster is hen-feathered. This means the male lacks the long, pointed hackle, saddle, and sickle feathers found in typical roosters, his feathers are short and rounded like the hen's. Roosters typically weigh between 22-24 oz (625-680g), while hens weigh about 18.5-20 oz (525-575g). The rooster's rose comb and wattles are significantly larger and a brighter red or purplish-red than those of the hen.

Sebrights are considered moderately hardy but can be delicate, especially as chicks. Because of their small body mass and large combs, they are sensitive to extreme cold and frostbite. They require a dry, draft-free environment. They are active birds that enjoy space, but their excellent flying ability means they need secure, covered enclosures to prevent them from flying over fences.

The two most common varieties are the Silver Laced and Golden Laced. The Silver variety has a pure silvery-white ground color, while the Golden has a rich, golden-brown base. Other recognized variations in certain standards include Citron Laced (pale yellow base) and Chamois Laced (buff base with white lacing). Any sign of peppering (black spots within the ground color) or broken lacing is considered a fault in exhibition birds.

The breed was developed by Sir John Saunders Sebright in England around 1800. It took him over 20 years of meticulous cross-breeding to achieve his goal of a small, laced bird with hen-feathered males. He utilized a diverse range of birds, including Nankin bantams, Polish-type chickens, and a specific hen-feathered rooster. The Sebright is one of the oldest recorded bantam breeds and was one of the first to have its own specialized breed club, established in 1810.