Description

Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam Chicken

Breed History and Origin

Cackle Hatchery® has spent years breeding Old English Bantams, including the well-established Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam. This variety traces back to traditional European game fowl and has been refined into a true bantam for exhibition. The Silver Duckwing pattern has been recognized by the American Standard of Perfection since 1938, making it one of the more classic and dependable show varieties. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own bloodline or strain of pure Silver Duckwing Old English Game Bantams since 1993, focusing on maintaining correct type, coloration, and overall consistency.

Appearance and Breed Characteristics

The Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam is known for its clean, high-contrast feather pattern. It typically features bright silver hackles and saddle feathers over a darker black breast and body, creating a sharp and defined “duckwing” appearance. Like other Old English Game Bantams, it carries a proud, upright posture with tight feathering and a well-balanced, athletic build. Mature roosters typically weigh around 24 ounces and hens around 22 ounces, with pullets and cockerels slightly smaller. As part of the Game Bantam class, this breed is bred for symmetry, alertness, and clean feather lines that perform well in exhibition.

Egg Production and Broodiness

The Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam is not bred for egg production and is considered a poor layer. Hens lay small cream or tinted bantam-sized eggs in limited quantities. However, they are known to be setters, meaning hens will go broody and can hatch eggs successfully. Fertility typically ranges from 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of approximately nine females to one male.

Temperament and Backyard Suitability

This breed is active and spirited but is generally easy to handle with regular interaction. Despite their alert nature, they are often tame enough to be handled by adults and children alike when properly managed. Their small size makes them well-suited for backyard flocks, especially where space is limited. They can do well with other calm breeds, though their active personality should be considered. A roost height of 3 feet or higher is recommended.

Production Positioning and Exhibition Use

The Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam is best positioned as an ornamental and exhibition breed with minimal production value. While they may lay occasional eggs, their primary appeal lies in their sharp coloration, classic game bird posture, and adherence to APA standards. This makes them a strong choice for poultry shows and for hobbyists looking for a traditional bantam with proven show quality.

Breeding Note / Color Note

Maintaining the clean silver hackles without brassiness and a deep, even black body is essential for exhibition-quality birds. Selective breeding should focus on color clarity, feather condition, and proper body structure to meet breed standards.

Related Resources

Many people who like this breed of chicken also like the standard version of the breed, the Silver Duckwing Old English Game Fowl Chicken https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/silver-duckwing-standard-old-english-chicken/
Also may like Old English Bantam Surplus Special https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/old-english-game-bantam-special/

FAQ

Are Silver Duckwing Old English Bantams good for beginners?
Yes, they are relatively easy to care for and manageable with regular handling.

What is the difference between Silver Duckwing and Gold Duckwing?
Silver Duckwing has silver-colored hackles, while Gold Duckwing has golden tones in those areas.

Are Silver Duckwing Old English Bantams aggressive?
They are active and alert but generally not aggressive when properly handled.

How many eggs do Silver Duckwing Old English Bantams lay?
They are poor layers and produce small eggs in limited quantities.

Are Silver Duckwing Old English Bantams good for showing?
Yes, they are a classic APA-recognized variety and perform well in exhibition settings.