North Holland Bantam

The North Holland Bantam is a broad and heavy-set bird for its size, mirroring the rectangular build of its large-fowl counterpart. It features a deep, well-rounded breast and a horizontal posture. One of its most defining physical traits is its flesh-colored legs, which distinguish it from other cuckoo-patterned breeds that often have yellow or slate legs. The head is relatively large, adorned with a medium-sized single comb and bright red earlobes. Its eyes are a striking orange-red. Weighing approximately 2.2 lbs (1000g) for roosters and 2 lbs (900g) for hens, it is considered a large bantam. Their temperament is famously calm and friendly, even roosters are known to be peaceful, often allowing multiple males to be housed together without significant conflict.

While primarily kept for exhibition or as pets in the United States, North Holland Bantams are reliable layers. A healthy hen can produce approximately 140 to 160 eggs per year. The eggs are typically tinted to cream-colored and weigh about 1.4 oz (40g). A notable trait of this breed is its tendency toward broodiness. The hens make excellent, attentive mothers, which is a legacy of their development from dual-purpose farm breeds. Owners often find them easy to manage in a backyard setting due to their consistent production and maternal instincts.

Sexual dimorphism in North Holland Bantams is primarily visible in their size and the intensity of their plumage. The rooster is heavier, typically reaching 2.2 lbs (1000g), and possesses more prominent wattles and a larger comb. Due to the nature of the cuckoo gene (which is sex-linked), roosters often appear lighter in color because they carry two copies of the barring gene, resulting in wider white bands. The hen, weighing around 2 lbs (900g), has a darker, more muted appearance with a fine 'blue-gray' haze over the entire body. Hens also exhibit a more pronounced, deep abdomen, indicative of their egg-laying capacity.

Originating in the temperate climate of the Netherlands, this breed is quite hardy and adapts well to various weather conditions. Their robust build helps them withstand cold northern winters, though like all single-comb breeds, protection against frostbite on the comb is necessary during extreme freezes. Because they are calm and heavy, they do not fly well, which makes them easy to contain in low-fenced runs, but it also means they require adequate shelter from predators as they cannot easily fly to safety.

The North Holland Bantam is almost exclusively recognized in the Cuckoo variety. Unlike the sharp black-and-white contrast seen in Barred Plymouth Rocks, the North Holland standard calls for a low-contrast pattern. The goal is a soft transition between dark gray and light gray bands. This creates a soft, misty appearance known in the Netherlands as 'Noord-Hollandse Blauwe' (North Holland Blue). The absence of yellow pigment in the skin and legs is essential for the variety.

The North Holland Bantam is a relatively young breed, first developed in the Netherlands around 1960. It was created by crossing Niederrheiner bantams with various other breeds, including Wyandottes, Sussex, and the English type of Marans. The primary goal was to create a miniature version of the famous North Holland Blue large fowl, which was a popular meat bird in the early 20th century. The most influential figure in the breed's refinement was Mr. Meijer, a prominent Dutch breeder. While it has gained a dedicated following in Europe, it remains a rare and specialized breed in American backyard flocks.