Minorca Bantam

The Minorca Bantam is characterized by a long, rectangular body and a proud, upright carriage. One of its most distinctive features is the large, smooth, white earlobe, which should have a brilliant 'enamel' shine and an egg-like shape. The face is a vivid, healthy red and should be free of white spots (white in the face is considered a serious fault).

• Body: Stretched and deep with a long breastbone.
• Comb: Typically a large single comb with five distinct points, though rose-comb varieties are recognized in some standards.
• Legs: Clean (no feathers) and colored dark slate to black in the black variety, or light in the white variety.
• Stature: They stand relatively tall on medium-length legs, which should be set wide apart.

For a bantam of the light Mediterranean class, the Minorca is a respectable layer. They produce white-shelled eggs that are notably large for the size of the bird, averaging around 1.2 oz (35g). While not as prolific as some dedicated laying breeds, they can produce approximately 120 eggs per year. Consistent with their Mediterranean heritage, the hens rarely go broody, making them ideal for keepers who prioritize egg production over hatching.

Sexual dimorphism is quite apparent in the Minorca Bantam, particularly in the head ornaments. Roosters weigh approximately 28-32 oz (800-900g) and possess a very large, upright single comb that follows the curve of the neck without touching it. Their tails are full with rich, well-curved sickles.

Hens are slightly smaller, weighing 25-28 oz (700-800g). A hallmark of the Minorca hen is her comb carriage: while it stands upright at the front (near the beak), it gracefully folds over to one side at the back, ideally leaving the eye visible. Hens also display a more developed 'laying belly' and a more horizontal backline compared to the slightly sloping back of the rooster.

Originating from the island of Menorca, this breed is exceptionally well-suited to warm and hot climates. However, their large combs and wattles make them susceptible to frostbite in harsh winter conditions. Backyard keepers in colder regions must provide draft-free, insulated housing and may need to apply petroleum jelly to the combs during extreme freezes. They are active foragers and appreciate having room to move, though they can be flighty and may clear standard garden fences with ease.

The Black Minorca is the most iconic variety, prized for its intense beetle-green sheen.Standards dictate that any violet or bronze-reddish tints are considered faults in the black plumage. Other recognized colors include:

• White: Pure snowy white without yellow tinting, featuring lighter leg and beak colors.
• Blue: An even, unlaced slate-blue (more common in European standards).
• Buff and Cuckoo: Less common but recognized in several European countries, including the Netherlands.