East Friesian Gull Bantam

The East Friesian Gull Bantam is a lively bantam with a deep abdomen and a fairly elongated back. The tail should not be carried as high as in Friesian Bantams, and there should be a clear type difference from the latter breed. They are similar in most respects to the Groninger Gull Bantam, with exceptions for eye color and weight.

• Weight: Roosters typically weigh between 1.98-2.20 lbs (900-1000g), while hens weigh 1.76-1.98 lbs (800-900g).
• Comb: They have a single comb, medium-sized, not too high, regular and not too deeply serrated, with five or six comb points, fine in texture, set straight and upright, vivid red. The comb heel does not follow the curve of the neck but runs almost horizontally backward.
• Head: Medium-sized, slightly elongated, with a red face.
• Eyes: Brown-red (this is the distinguishing feature from the Groninger Gull, which has dark brown eyes).
• Earlobes and Wattles: Earlobes are oval, medium-sized, and white. Wattles are barely medium-long, quite thin, and vivid red.
• Legs: Shanks are smooth, fairly short, and slate-blue in color. They have four toes.
• Feathering: Well-developed with rich ornamental feathers.

East Friesian Gull Bantams are known for being good layers. Hens start laying at a young age, around five months, and produce beautiful, large, white eggs.

• Egg Production: Hens can lay approximately 180 eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: They lay beautiful, good-sized white eggs, typically weighing around 1.4 oz (40g).
• Broodiness: East Friesian Gull hens are generally not known for being particularly broody, which makes them consistent layers.

The differences between East Friesian Gull Bantam roosters and hens are primarily in secondary sexual characteristics, with no significant structural variations beyond these. Both sexes share the breed's lively nature and good foraging instincts.

The rooster will have a prominent, high-carried tail with rich sickles. Its hackle and saddle feathering will be well-developed, contributing to a striking appearance. The rooster's single comb is larger and stands upright.

The hen maintains a similar body shape but typically has a less prominent hackle and saddle. Her comb, while upright, might be smaller. She is noted for her well-developed abdomen, indicating good laying capacity.

The East Friesian Gull Bantam is a hardy breed, similar to the Groninger Gull. Their active nature and robust constitution allow them to adapt well to various climates, making them suitable for outdoor living.

They are energetic foragers and prefer to actively seek out their food. Providing them with ample space in a run or free-range environment is ideal. They do not have high demands for housing, but a clean, dry, and secure coop is always beneficial for their health and well-being.

The East Friesian Gull Bantam is primarily recognized in penciled varieties, similar to the Groninger Gull. The penciling should be distinct and evenly distributed.

• Gold Penciled (Goudpel): A golden-bay ground color with distinct black penciling on each feather.
• Silver Penciled (Zilverpel): A silver-white ground color with distinct black penciling.
• Lemon Penciled (Citroenpel): This color variety is noted as being under development or in preparation, indicating ongoing breeding efforts to establish it.