Dutch Bantams Breed Thread

[stevetone]

Does anyone know or recommend a good book describing the colors and combinations of the Dutch Bantam or Old English?

Unfortunately, there are not many (any?) current, affordable books that only cover Dutch. And purchasing an APA or ABA standards book, while recommended, will get you information about every recognized breed, which is a little much for an introduction to Dutch Bantams.

I would suggest using the internet to search for photos of the various color varieties, and I would start with the US Dutch Bantam Society website, www.dutchbantamsociety.org. Also of great value is the website at www.dutchbantams.com. Being from the states, my info is understandably US-centric; there are many good sources outside of the US, particularly from England, where they are really serious about Dutch. (and Europe has many more recognized color varieties than in the US).

I am not sure about the Old English, as they are a completely different breed of bird. While it is common that people visually confuse Dutch and OE breeds, they are not related in any way. Posting your request on an OE thread would probably be more helpful.

(As an aside, Dutch people may appear to be hardheaded and unhelpful when fielding requests about Old English-ed "dutch bantams." It is only because we feel that we are on the front lines of a battle to keep "foreign" blood out of a truly remarkable breed. Purebred Dutch Bantams are worth seeking out.)

 

[Pathfinders]

Purebred Dutch Bantams are worth seeking out.

X2!

 

[TeamCutler]

Any Dutch breeders in the Pacific Northwest? Having difficulty getting websites to pull and finding these guys. Would like to show and breed

 

[Pathfinders]

From the Dutch Bantam Society website: http://www.dutchbantamsociety.org/Breeders_Page_4OD0.html

Preston Berra, Porterville, CA 93257, Phone (559) 306 2159
[email protected]
Light Brown, Blue Light Brown
__________________________
Heather Hayes, Armstrong, BC. Canada
[email protected] www.triple-h.ca
Miller Fleur Dutch
__________________________
Kristi Van Greuen, Fynbos Farm Poultry, Castroville, CA www.fynbosfarmpoultry.com
[email protected]
Light Brown, Blue Light Brown, Cream Light Brown, Blue Cream Light Brown, Mille Fleur
___________________________
Thomas R. Warwick, P.O. Box 760, Blenheim, Ontario N0P 1A0, Canada
Phone (519) 676-2669 [email protected]
Light Brown and Blue light brown

 

[tadpole98]

Does anybody have any hatching eggs for sale?

 

[hillbillyway]

I currently raise OEGB along with other chickens but I have been curious about this breed. How do they compare/differ from OEGB? I know they arent dubbed, they are smaller....How do they compare in disposition etc..... Are there any breeders close to Charleston WV(Ohio, KY or VA). I may be interested in purchasing a few pairs.....

 

[Sonya 101]

Hi, I am thinking of purchasing a pair of Dutch Bantams to show but after doing some research have read that after they have their second moult the tail and wing feathers do not grow back to the required length and so no longer can be shown. I am just starting out in Poultry and currently doing as much research as possible, I really had my heart set on these gorgeous Bantams. At what age do you guys show them to?

 

[Sonya 101]

Hi, I am thinking of purchasing a pair of Dutch Bantams to show but after doing some research have read that after they have their second moult the tail and wing feathers do not grow back to the required length and so no longer can be shown. I am just starting out in Poultry and currently doing as much research as possible, I really had my heart set on these gorgeous Bantams. At what age do you guys show them to?

NO need to answer this question as I have found that we do not have Dutch Bantams in Australia.....very disappointed

 

[JeanR]

Heard that there were some Dutch Bantams allowed import to OZ from UK. last fall. (our fall). Wanted to slip some eggs in my luggage when on a visit to relatives in NZ and Australia--didn't try--might have been deported

Most Dutch are in their best show plumage at between 6 months (pullets) and up to a year (cockerels). Some tails of the boys take up to a year to develop the sickles to the beautiful curve and length that will likely attract a judges attention at shows. Serious breeders do not sell eggs, chicks, very young birds, as it simply takes time and care, to choose those best for showing. Bloodlines are the important search, as some linse will produce more really good type Dutch.

Some Dutch over a year old, will regrow lovely plumage and tails for a number of years, but they cannot often compete with a cockerel in his first full bloom plumage. Hens are harder to keep in show plumage because of laying and maybe hatching and raising chick, but also can be beautiful into old age--have 2 hens that are 10 and 2 that are 11 years old. Hatched 5 from the 10 year old hens, probably their last?

However, how they are raised will determine the best young bird's "show quality". And will they be at their best at entry and show time? Need a few to choose from for a show flock, so you will be ready for the show/shows you can enter.

Good idea to go to a show with a good entry of Dutch by successful breeders, and purchase what you can afford--good bloodlines--and raise your Show Birds! That is the fun and delight in breeding, raising Dutch. Choose the Light Brown or Cream Light Browns for best choice of good breeding birds for starters. Learn some genetics,so you will know which varieties can be bred together and which MUST NOT be crossed---or you will produce "hatchery mystery" dutch--nice pets, but not prospective "show birds"unless you are the only exhibitor and will "win" the class! The Dutch Bantam Society has a website with list of breeders. You must ask questions and get pictures, if birds must be shipped.

Dutch have been my project for YEARS and into old age--and still hatching (6 babies 2 weeks old--and spoken for). More on the way, few at a time--backorders into summer. Good birds are in demand, worth waiting for, and meantime search the web for information about breeding DUTCH. Some varieties we love, are simply advanced breeding projects (Mille Fleur, Wheaten, Crele, Blue Silver, others). Learn all you can before you purchase some. Good luck SEARCH-hope you get lucky!.

 

[JeanR]

Shows in Ky, TN, OH, have had nice Dutch entries. There are breeders in VA, OH, NC, PA, MO. most states.

Differences:
Small, SCCL, that is about all that OEGB and DUTCH should look alike!
Sadly, a lot of cross breeding between the 2 breeds has taken place (and still is with OEGB doing the crosses). Nearly ruined true Dutch in the 1990s, just to make new "colors" in Dutch, as few were imported from Holland (1980s)--easy to lift color, but the TYPE goes along--and OEGB type is so long established and mostly dominant to DUTCH Type. Body shape and plumage type, are very different-should be- when you hold them.

Note the shank length in OEGB, (getting shorter like Dutch in some lines.) Note the WING size and carriage in OEGB, (getting larger, carried lower and hiding the hock joints)--like a good Dutch. BAck shape, in OEGB, getting more rounded at tail break, like a Dutch, There are OEGB breeders who LIKE the Dutch type and have been crossing to use/add it--I really like the OEGB in some parts of the US and from most breeders--but they are not the OEGB of UK and Europe--but are an American breed now. I like the ones pictured in the OEGB Standards!

Ear lobes, combs--dubbed in OEGB, but have seen youth exhibits and "for sale, as OEGB", with partly white lobes, not dubbed, castoffs by crossbreeders. Blue legs are on most all varieties of Dutch (Cuckoo and Crele exceptions, but they are rare and sometimes already OEGB crosses just to get the plumage color). Dutch that have been crosses inherit ghastly combs, that are hard to breed out, instead of nice 5 point combs with the shaft gloing UP in back.

Haven't been able to post pictures since Photobucket changed their formats--or could show you that the two small bantam breeds are simply DIFFERENT, not alike--or should not be alike--and OEGB take the lead for popularity and numbers! True Dutch require search--but they are out there!