Description
Black Rosecomb Bantam Chicken
Breed History and Origin
At Cackle Hatchery®, we offer several different varieties of the Rosecomb Bantam, a true miniature chicken breed that has no standard size counterpart. The Black Rosecomb Bantam is most likely of English origin and has long been admired for its refined appearance and exhibition qualities. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its bloodline of pure Rosecomb Bantams since 1979, focusing on maintaining both breed standard characteristics and overall quality.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
The Black Rosecomb Bantam is known for its striking and elegant appearance. This variety features rich black plumage, a distinctive red rose comb, and white rounded earlobes, which create a sharp visual contrast. These birds are small and refined, with mature hens typically weighing around 22 ounces and roosters about 26 ounces. Pullets generally weigh about 20 ounces, and cockerels about 22 ounces. Their upright posture and confident presence make them particularly appealing in exhibition settings.
Egg Production and Performance
Black Rosecomb Bantam hens lay small cream or lightly tinted eggs, and egg production is considered poor compared to larger breeds. As a true bantam, this breed is not intended for egg production but rather for ornamental and exhibition purposes.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
This breed has an active temperament and enjoys flying, even though it can tolerate confinement when necessary. They are not considered aggressive and can adapt well to backyard flocks when given appropriate space. Fertility percentages generally range between 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of nine females to one male. Hens may go broody and are considered setters. They prefer roost heights between 2 to 6 feet.
Newbie Notes and Feather Development
Young Black Rosecomb Bantam chicks may display some white feathers during their first and second stages of feathering, which is normal. By approximately six months of age, they typically develop the solid black plumage that defines the breed.
Exhibition and Breed Use
The Black Rosecomb Bantam is primarily an ornamental and exhibition breed, classified under the Rose Comb Clean Legged Bantams class. Their refined size, distinctive comb, and striking coloration make them a popular choice for poultry shows and enthusiasts who appreciate true bantam breeds.
Black Rosecomb Bantam Chicken FAQs
What color eggs do Black Rosecomb Bantams lay? They lay small cream or lightly tinted eggs.
Are Black Rosecomb Bantams good egg layers? No. Egg production is poor as they are bred primarily for exhibition.
Are Black Rosecomb Bantams aggressive? No. They are generally not aggressive and can adapt well to backyard flocks.
Can Black Rosecomb Bantams fly? Yes. They are active birds that enjoy flying and should be provided with appropriate space or containment.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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emilybrhel2 –
Beautiful birds with huge personalities! Shipping updates were right on time and chicks arrived healthy. Pullets are very nice and do well in 4-H shows. Roosters are a bit big for APA standards, but still show stoppers and quite handsome in the flock. Will definitely purchase again!
Crystal Tracy –
I have to review this one. I got a black rosecomb pullet in my bantam assortment. I had no interest in this breed prior, but wow. She is my favorite bird and my best friend. By 2 weeks she was flying wildly and happily around the brooder, and within the same week she started flying up on me. She is extremely friendly and cuddly. I’ve never seen anything like this. My daughter calls her our “micro parrot” because since she was just a tiny thing, she’s enjoyed flying up on my shoulder and cuddling up to sleep. We like to play a game where she gets my attention, I stick out my arm, she flies up… waits… playfully dives into the other chickens, then repeats. This chicken has so much personality, I’m in awe. Absolutely 10/10, highly recommend. Not to mention she isn’t even remotely bothered by my two young kids! The only “flighty” thing this bird knows, is flying high above my head!
Photo attached of her at 2 weeks some-days old, already flying up on my shoulder!
marta.galicz-4148 –
All my chicks, a mix of breeds, arrived alive and cheerful. I received 6 black rose combs, 4 of them were roosters which I needed to rehome. Since, I learned about some bantam breeds and colors that can be sexed based on feathering , a live changer 🙂 will now order only those until I live in a little farm to avoid heartbreak when rehoming roosters (I like them too much).
The one rose comb hen I kept is adorable. Shy at the beginning, warmed up to us, is an excellent mother and an impressive flyer – easily flying 10 feet up to sit on a wall.
Beautiful feathering, the black has a greenish shimmer. Looks very interesting paired with my cochins and Dominiques.
Thank you Cackle Hatchery! I will be ordering again from you!
wolfishfarm –
Cackle was the only hatchery that we could find that had rosecomb bantams. Our first time using this hatchery but have been very pleased so far. Chicks arrived healthy and active.
At the time of this review, they are almost 3 months old. Friendly and very active. We don’t show our chickens but we do try to breed to SOP standards and so far we have seen no issues. The white ear patch is just beginning to develop and can’t wait for those adult feathers to come in.
Girlie S –
Black Rosecomb
Ordered these chicks this past summer. ALL HAVE LIVED. Can’t wait UNTIL these cuties get grown that’s when they turn into BEAUTIFUL. One of my favorite
sunny –
nice bantams
Bought some in early spring nice color and size started laying at 6 months and I did let them hatch chicks in fall did very good free range on the farm.
CM –
Healthy chicks-hamburg type
ALL chicks +1 arrived healthy and lively. If any one is thinking of showing these, the ones we received did NOT have the Rosecomb body shape-but were almost perfectly shaped like black Hamburgs; they also had much smaller (white) earlobes. Great bantams and egg layers, but for showing, hands down resemble Hamburgs rather than Rosecombs!!
LeAnna Indiana August 2009 –
Regarding my recent order
I received my order today and I just wanted to say what a great customer service I received from the initial phone call when I placed the order and the helpful lady who talked to me about my order all the way to receiving them today. They all arrived in great shape and looked lively. Once again, great customer service! I will absolutely order from you again. and will recommend you to all my friends. Thanks a lot!