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Origin
: While large Ardenners are already known for centuries, Ardenner bantams
are only a creation from hundred years ago. Around 1904 the first steps
were taken in the ‘Union Avicole'
association in Liège to create a miniature of the large Ardenner. The
creation was the result of collaboration between several breeders under
the leadership of Theo de Lame. Undoubtfully large Ardenner and local
bantams were the starting material but some people also suggest
involvement of the Old English bantam Game. However, the goals were
achieved quickly. After only three years the first Ardenner bantams were
entered at a local poultry exhibition and in 1913 the breed was officially
adopted.
Characteristics
: The appearance and character of the Ardenner bantam is identical to the
large Ardenner fowl. They can fly easily and should therefore best be kept
in closed pens. It is a very strong breed which prefers to sleep outside
in trees throughout the year. The hens lay little white-shelled eggs that
weigh about 35 gram and they sit on them easily. The chicks usually grow
up without any problems.
Appearance
: The Ardenner bantam is a small bantam that weighs 550 to 650 gram.
. It has a proud appearance and is very streamlined. The back is
long and gently slopes towards the tail. The tail is long and closed in
the hen which accentuates the streamline. The comb is single and upright
in both sexes but not too large. Very
striking is the dark pigmentation of the face, earlobes, wattles and comb.
The intensity of this pigment depends on the variety (from very dark in
birchen to red in silver dukwing). Also the eyes, beak and shanks, toes
and nails are dark. There is also a rumpless Ardenner bantam in which the
vertebrae and the feathers of the tail are missing.
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