Sulmtaler Bantam

The Sulmtaler Bantam is described as a sturdy, brick-shaped bird with a deep, full body and a stretched rectangular silhouette. They possess a small crest that falls slightly backward. A major breed characteristic is the flesh-colored legs, which should ideally show reddish striping down the sides and between the toes.

• Weight: Roosters weigh approximately 2.4-2.6 lbs (1100-1200g) and hens 2.0-2.2 lbs (900-1000g).
• Head: Features a medium-sized single comb and a small crest of feathers.
• Earlobes: Should be white, though small red edges are common and tolerated.
• Eyes: Ideally orange-red in color.

Despite their size, Sulmtaler Bantams are noted for an excellent egg production that is highly valued by breeders. They lay roughly 150 eggs per year, which is significantly high for a bantam breed.

• Egg Color: Cream to cream-white (roomwit).
• Egg Weight: Minimum 1.23 oz (35g).
• Maternal Instincts: Hens are known to be reliable and can be quite trustworthy mothers if allowed to go broody.

Sexual dimorphism in Sulmtalers is pronounced, particularly in the comb and crest development. The rooster carries a rich, dark wheaten plumage with deep black sickle feathers and a small, upright crest. His comb is a standard single comb that should stand upright.

The hen features a much lighter wheaten color and a larger, more prominent bolrond crest. A unique trait in the hen is the folded comb (wikkelkam), where the front part of the single comb stays upright while the back part folds gracefully to one side. Hens also possess a very well-developed egg-belly, indicating their productivity.

Being derived from the large Sulmtaler, which originated in the mountainous regions of Styria (Austria/Slovenia), the bantam version is hardy and adaptable. They are well-suited to the variable climates of Northern and Central Europe and handle colder temperatures better than many lighter bantam breeds.

The primary and most recognized color variety is Wheaten. In this variety, the rooster presents with soft brownish-red neck and saddle hackles and a deep black breast and tail with a green sheen. The hen is a creamy wheaten color with a darker gold-brown neck collar containing some black ticking.

A Blue Wheaten variety also exists, where the black sections of the plumage are replaced with a clear, steel-blue color.

The Sulmtaler Bantam was created in Germany during the mid-20th century. It was first exhibited in 1957 in Hanover by H. J. Webers. The breed was developed by crossing Partridge German Bantams with Bearded Crested Bantams. Later refinements involved crossing with black crested hens from landrace bantam stock and Buff Orpington Bantams (specifically by breeders in the DDR) to improve the body shape and crest development. The breed was officially recognized in 1961.