The Japanese Bantam

The Japanese bantam was developed centuries ago from various Malaysian breeds. Their origins dating back when their prime purpose was to serve as live ornaments in the beautifully landscaped gardens of wealthy Japanese families. In some lower economic families the male bird was considered sacred. It is thought the birds first arrived in Japan from China in the early 1600’s .

A pair of mottled Japanese with their chicks.

In Japan they are referred to as “Chabo” meaning dwarf, chabo is also an old Japanese name for South East Asia.

They are thought to have reached the UK in the 1860’s and the first Japanese bantam club was formed in 1912.

They are a true bantam, having no larger counterpart.

The Japanese bantam carries a lethal gene. This gene gives them their very short leg. The gene is lethal in double doses. Embryos that receive the short-legged gene from both parents will invariably die in the shell. Overall 25% of embryos receive the lethal double dose of the short-legged gene; 50% receive one short-legged gene and one normal gene and will hatch as short-legged birds. The remaining 25% will receive a double dose of the long- legged gene and will therefore develop long legs. If two such birds were mated their offspring would likewise have long legs.

Japanese bantams are not recommended as a beginner’s bird as it is a difficult breed to maintain good type. Body shape is very important; only ten points out of a hundred is given for colour. The Japanese bantam often appears to be sitting because of their very short legs. They carry their wings low to the ground and will drag them along the ground at various times. Their tail is carried straight up or tipped forward slightly; they are the only breed where a squirrel tail is allowed, (that is the tail can be carried over the back of the head.) The body must appear U- shaped along the back, rather than appear to have a long back. Roosters can hide this fault with their swished forward tail and saddle and hackle feathers. The cock birds also have a very large comb, which usually appears to have a rough texture. The comb on the hen will be nowhere near as large, but it should still be prominent; it can drop a little to one side, but must remain straight up on the males.

A silver grey Japanese cockerel.

Because of their design and the way they present themselves they are very susceptible to cold and wet conditions. They get dirty easily and wet easily. This leads to pneumonia and diseases that are soil borne. The combs on the roosters are also prone to frost bite.

They come in a range of colours and also different feather types, being normal, silkie-feathered or frizzle-feathered. The most popular colour amongst the dedicated show breeders is black tailed white, but there are many, many other colours including buff, blue, white, black, birchen, mottled and the list goes on.