Booted Bantam

Looks how to spot one

Feathers

A true bantam chicken with abundant, long feathers covering the shanks and feet, giving a 'booted' look. It also has vulture hocks: stiff, downward-pointing feathers on the backs of the thighs. The body is compact and stocky when mature, with tighter neck feathering than the similar Barbu d'Uccle, and no beard or neck boule.13

Personality what they are like

Booted Bantams are generally docile, friendly and easy to tame, making them excellent pets. They are alert and can be moderately assertive, especially roosters. Within the flock they establish a clear pecking order. Their small size means they may be bullied by larger chickens, so they are best kept with other bantams or gentle breeds.42

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate. They do very little scratching or digging, so they are gentle on gardens. They enjoy foraging for seeds, weeds and insects. They can be kept in confinement or free-range, but need a clean, dry run to protect their foot feathers.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The main care challenge is keeping the leg and foot feathers clean and dry. Provide a grassy run that is cut short, or 3-4 inches of soft sand. Avoid wet or muddy conditions as they are not cold tolerant and wet feet can lead to illness. Use low perches and wide coop doors (at least 12 inches) to prevent feather damage. In cold weather, provide extra protection.24

Home where they are happiest

A dry, well-drained coop and run are essential. The run should be covered to keep out rain and mud. Use loose straw in the coop. Perches should be low so the birds can step up easily. Coop doors should be wide to avoid breaking the foot feathers. They are not tolerant of cold and wet weather, so a sheltered, dry environment is crucial.24

Food basics what goes in the bowl

High-quality poultry feed with plenty of protein to support feather growth. They enjoy foraging for seeds, weeds, green plants, insects and larvae. Treats can include leafy greens, melons, berries, pumpkins and bananas. Fresh water must always be available.4

Company who they like around

They are social birds that thrive in a flock with a clear pecking order. They get along well with most other chickens, but due to their small size they may be bullied by larger breeds. They are docile and friendly toward humans and are easy to train. No special legal restrictions apply to keeping this breed.47

The story where it all began

Feather-footed bantams have been known in Europe for centuries, appearing in 17th-century paintings by artists like Ulisse Aldrovandi and Aelbert Cuyp. The modern Booted Bantam was developed across the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain and Belgium. In the 1600s, bantams arrived in the Netherlands and Germany from South China and possibly Burma. By 1836, they were being bred in Massachusetts, USA. The white variety was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1879. Black and white varieties are thought to have been bred in the UK. The breed was overshadowed by the Barbu d'Uccle after 1911 but has seen a revival of interest, with the Booted Bantam Society UK formed in 2014.123

Recognised by the official bits

American Poultry Association

Admitted to Standard of Perfection in 1879 (White variety)2

Poultry Club of Great Britain

Listed in British Poultry Standards (14 colour varieties in 2018 edition)1

Entente Européenne

Lists 33 colour variants, 26 recognised at European level1