Nankin
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The Nankin is an ancient breed that is thought to be the oldest known true bantam chicken. The breeds initial origins are obscured as they go back beyond any know records. They likely came from Southeast Asia and were named for the Chinese seaport of Nanking, now called Nanjing which is located along the Yangtze River. The breed arrived in England prior to the 1500’s. The Nankin’s are very friendly birds good for beginners as they are less flighty than other bantam breeds. They are hardy, intelligent and easy to care for. The hens are good layers of approx 80-100 tinted eggs per year starting at about 24 weeks. They are great setters with great fertility and hatchability if left to brood on their own. Nankin’s are known for their rich chestnut color with hens being a bit lighter. They can have single or rose combs with slate colored legs and weighing 24 oz for males and 22 oz for hens. In 2002 the total number of the breed was estimated at 50-100 birds. The conservation status of the breed was listed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as critical in 2007 and on the endangered chicken breed list of the Livestock Conservancy.
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Sebright
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The Sebright’s were developed by Sir John Saunders Sebright and is one of the oldest British True bantams. Sir John spent nearly 30 year creating this ornamental breed though very selective breeding in the early nineteenth century. Some believe breeds used to develop the Sebright were Nankin, Polish and Hamburg chickens. The most difficult part was getting the desired lacing and breed true, The Sebright was finally introduced in 1810 admitted to both the Poultry Club of Great Britain Standard and American Poultry also the Association Standard of Perfection in 1874. Hens weigh approx. 20 oz and males 22 oz. Eggs are small creamy white. Hens lay approx. 60-80 eggs per year. Hens don’t go broody. Chicks are fragile until 8 weeks. They are active and spunky. They are classed as ornamental and used mainly for pets or exhibition. They tame easily if handled from chicks. They need some heat in extreme cold winter. There are 2 recognized colors gold laced and silver laced but you can also fine them in buff. They are on the Livestock Conservancy Status: Watch
We carry the silver laced. |
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Serama
Description: Considered to be the smallest breed in the world. standing only 6"-10" off the floor and weighing 12 oz. This breed can appear in almost any color. There is no standard for color. They can be expensive and are not readily available. They tend to be hard to raise & don't lay many eggs. Hens don't tend to go broody. The Serama are tame and very friendly. they are kept as pets in their native Malaysia.
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