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The Booted Bantam chicken is as exotic as an orchid. People think of orchids as fabulously beautiful plants that only experts can grow, when they are actually pretty easy. In a similar way, these strikingly beautiful bantams are prized as exhibition fowl and fairly rare, but they are also kept as pets all over Europe and in many other countries. This breed is a true bantam, which means that it is not a miniature version of a larger breed, as many bantams are. Some say that these chickens were in the Netherlands as early as the 1500s, though others credit a later breeder in Belgium. It is a tiny bird, weighing less than two pounds for roosters and just over a pound and a half for hens. The American standard is smaller than these limits, which are rules for British breeders. No matter where it came from, this tiny fowl is rare but valued as a pet and an exhibition bird all over Europe and in many other countries. The British poultry standards limit the weight of a mature cock to under two pounds, while the American standards call for even smaller birds. Another defining characteristic of this breed is its 'vulture hocks', giving an extreme angle to the leg. It is hard to see in pictures, since the birds have dramatically feathered legs and feet. From eleven to seventeen color variations are declared standards depending on the national criteria of breed traits. The colors and patterns are truly fantastic and can be seen online or in fancy chicken catalogs. While these extremely beautiful chickens are bred for showing, they make great pets. They are not hardy so need to be protected from the cold, but otherwise are good foragers and easy to keep in the outside garden. The people who have had them say their fluffy feet, the 'boots' that give them their name, keep them from scratching up gardens as much as most domestic fowl. The cocks are proud but if hand raised are neither timid or aggressive around children or adults. In fact, many love to be picked up and will stand around close so you can admire them. The many different colors are all dramatic, with the Millefleur being the most popular. Even in this category, there are variations, however. The patterns and colors truly have to be seen to be believed, so check the poultry catalogs, online sites about fancy chickens, and club websites. The cocks have big, red, upright combs with five sharp points and red ears and wattles as well. Their wings sweep down and back, at the same angle as their dramatic hock feathers. They stand very upright and their fully-feathered tail stick up, too. The whole effect is perky. Although they do not have much meat on their frames, what they do have is well-proportioned. Their value is more ornamental than utilitarian, though, so check them out for their beauty and their charm. Online sites have great pictures of the more popular varieties, such as the Millefleur. You will not believe your eyes when you see how splendid some of the birds are, although they also come in black and in white, where their shape and gracefulness is the main attraction. The Booted Bantam chicken is truly a marvel. Even if just for fun, do a search on this sprightly little bird.
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