Eikenburger Bantam

The Eikenburger Bantam is a small, short, and broad bird that bears a strong resemblance to the Sebright in type, though it lacks the lacing. The breed is characterized by its hen-feathering in males, a trait inherited from its Sebright ancestors.

• Body: The body is short and broad with a prominent, well-rounded breast carried high and forward.
• Head: They feature a medium-sized, broad head with slightly rounded cheeks and a smooth, lively red face.
• Comb: A medium-sized rose comb is required, square at the front, firmly set, and tapering to a fine point (leader) that inclines slightly upwards.
• Legs: The legs are slate-blue, short, and unfeathered, with four toes.
• Tail: The tail is large, full, and carried fairly high and spread. Notably, the rooster lacks sickle feathers (hen-feathered).

While primarily an ornamental breed, the Eikenburger Bantam is a reasonable layer for its size. Hens typically produce around 100 to 120 eggs per year. The eggs are small, weighing approximately 1.1 oz (30g), and are white to light yellow/cream in color. The hens are generally not known for going broody often, making them better suited for those who prefer consistent laying over raising chicks naturally.

The Eikenburger Bantam is moderately hardy. Its rose comb provides some resistance to frostbite compared to single-combed breeds, making it better suited for colder climates than some other bantams. However, due to their small size, they should be protected from extreme cold and drafts. They are active birds that tolerate confinement well but thrive best when given space to roam.

Distinguishing between hens and roosters in Eikenburgers can be more challenging than in other breeds due to the hen-feathering trait. The roosters do not develop the long, flowing hackle, saddle, and sickle feathers typically found in male chickens.

• Rooster: Weighs approx. 21-23 oz (600-650g). While he lacks sickles, his tail feathers may be slightly longer and curved at the ends compared to the hen. His comb and wattles are generally larger and redder.
• Hen: Weighs approx. 17.5-19.5 oz (500-550g). She has a slightly more horizontal carriage and a well-developed abdomen.

The Eikenburger Bantam is officially recognized primarily in White. While the breed's creator, Pater Rombouts, experimented with other colors including black and laced varieties during its development, the white variety is the standard today.

• White: Pure white plumage throughout, with slate-blue legs and a red rose comb.

The Eikenburger Bantam is a relatively young Dutch breed, created in the 1970s. It was developed by Brother (Pater) Rombouts at the Pensionaat Eikenburg (Eikenburg Boarding School/Monastery) in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

Rombouts aimed to create a small, friendly bantam by crossing Sebrights with small local bantams known as boerenkipjes (farmer's chickens). The goal was to retain the Sebright's type and hen-feathering but in a solid white color. The breed was officially recognized in the Netherlands in 1977. It remains a rare breed, cherished by enthusiasts for its history and unique appearance.