what is a good starter bantam show chicken?

The chcikens are probably easier to keep, the ducks tend to bit a messy. However in show prep the ducks are probably the easier ones.

If you are looking for short term success in showing I would sugest the Brahma, there is some very stiff competition in sikies, few real good quality polish. Brahma are often easily found in good quality without spending a small fortune.
Good call ducks will be much more expensive to start with as good show birds will cost more than good showable Brahma.

Just my thoughts and experiences from this area of teh country.

A good D'uccle, or D'anver either way. I would lean more toward D'anver (less trouble with leg and foot feathering to keep in condition)

What do you like in a bantam? Since you're the one who has to look at them, feed them and care for them day after day after day - get what you like. I learned that a long time ago when I was showing dogs. I was never as happy getting what would show well as I was with the animals I chose because I liked them. The judge sees them once. You live with them.

(one that note, I like your choice of the D'uccle. Mine are about the prettiest, sweetest (although, not the brightest) chickens I have. We will require pictures of your show bird, too!) lol

Best wishes for a fun and successful show career!

I would recommend a modern game bantam, very social, ppl friendly, hardy, and easily kept clean.

For a unique bantam breeds, how about a Bantam Phoenix? They are beautiful and not very common from what I've seen. Bantam Ameracaunas are nice too, Bantam Wyandottes...?? There are so many to choose from. I like the D'Uccles as well.