Orloff Bantam

The Orloff Bantam is characterized by a sturdy, medium-high, and sloping upright posture. It features very broad, distinct shoulders and a flat, wide back. One of its most striking features is the three-part beard (composed of a chin beard and whiskers/muff) which completely covers its small wattles and earlobes.

The head is large with a broad forehead and a small, flat strawberry or cushion comb that is often covered with small, bristle-like feathers. Their expression is often described as gloomy or grim due to their prominent, overhanging eyebrows. The beak is short, strong, and sharply curved, while the eyes range from pearly white to orange-red. They have medium-long, powerful thighs and smooth, yellow legs.

Hens of this breed are considered very reliable layers for an ornamental bantam. They are known for their early maturity, often beginning to lay at around 5 months of age. The eggs are typically white to light brown (tinted) in color.

• Annual Production: Approximately 100-120 eggs.
• Egg Weight: Minimum of 1.05 oz (30g) for hatching.
• Maturity: Early, starts laying around 20 weeks.

The rooster weighs between 2.3-2.6 lbs (1050-1175g) and carries himself with a more vertical, game-like stance. His tail is carried upright at an angle, featuring numerous but relatively short sickles. The rooster's hackle is extremely long and dense, often showing a distinct break where the head meets the neck.

The hen is slightly smaller, weighing 2.0-2.2 lbs (900-1000g). Her posture is more horizontal than the male's, and she possesses a well-developed abdomen for laying. Her comb is very small, almost rudimentary, and her beard is often even more pronounced than the male's. In some varieties, like the Spangled, the hen's base color is slightly lighter, comparable to a fresh chestnut.

The Orloff Bantam is exceptionally cold-hardy. Its physical traits are perfectly adapted for harsh winters. Because its wattles and earlobes are tiny and hidden by a thick beard, and its comb is small and flat, the breed is highly resistant to frostbite.

Historically, they have been favored by keepers in cold regions because they continue to thrive when other breeds struggle. They are robust and active birds that handle confinement well but enjoy foraging in the garden.

The most iconic and common variety is the Spangled (Roodporselein). The ground color is a deep, polished mahogany. Each feather ends with a black spot followed by a white tip. In the wings, more brilliant white is often visible compared to other spangled breeds.

Other recognized varieties include:

• White: A relatively young color variety for the breed.
• Black: Solid black with a green sheen.
• Mahogany: A rich, solid reddish-brown.
• Cuckoo: Featuring grey and white barred patterns.