Yokohama Bantam

The Yokohama Bantam is a slender, pheasant-like bird characterized by an upright, elegant posture and a body that slopes toward the back. One of its most defining features is the walnut or cushion comb, which is small, low-set, and lacks a blade or spike. The face, wattles, and earlobes are bright red and kept as small as possible to maintain a refined appearance.

• Posture: Highly elegant with a high-carried, rounded breast.
• Tail: The tail is carried horizontally and is exceptionally rich in plumage, with sickles that are narrow but very long.
• Legs: Fine, medium-length legs in a bright yellow color, featuring clean shanks.
• Plumage: Tight-fitting over the body but very long and flowing in the saddle and tail sections.

While primarily an ornamental breed, Yokohama Bantam hens are surprisingly decent layers during the warmer months. They produce small eggs weighing approximately 1 oz (30g). The shell color ranges from light yellow to tinted. Enthusiasts note that while they are not commercial layers, they produce enough eggs in the spring and summer to ensure a steady supply for breeding purposes.

The sexual dimorphism in this breed is striking, particularly regarding tail development. The rooster weighs between 28-32 oz (800-900g) and displays a magnificent 'three-arch' silhouette formed by the curve of the neck, back, and tail. His saddle feathers are long and narrow, often reaching the ground in older specimens.

The hen is smaller, weighing 21-25 oz (600-700g). She carries a long, narrow tail that is slightly curved at the end, often referred to as 'saber-shaped.' Unlike most breeds, the Yokohama hen's tail also features long, decorative coverts on the sides, giving her a more pheasant-like look than a typical chicken.

Yokohama Bantams are considered delicate birds primarily because of their ornamental plumage. They do not thrive in damp, muddy, or extremely cold conditions. To preserve the beauty of their long tails, they require clean, dry environments and are best kept in covered runs with high perches. Their small walnut combs provide some resistance to frostbite compared to single-combed breeds, but they still require draft-free housing during winter.

The breed is recognized in two primary color patterns:

• Red Shouldered White: This is the most iconic variety. The body, head, and tail are a creamy white, while the wing coverts and 'saddle' are a deep blood-red. The breast is uniquely marked with small white 'teardrop' or 'heart' shapes against a reddish background.
• White: A pure, creamy white throughout. Unlike the stark silver-white of the Leghorn, the Yokohama white should have a warmer, slightly roomwit (creamy white) tint.

The Yokohama Bantam has a unique history that connects Japan to Europe. Its ancestors are the long-tailed Japanese breeds like the Minohiki, which were exported to Europe in the 1860s through the port of Yokohama (hence the name). The bantam version was perfected in Germany around 1900 and later in England. After nearly disappearing after WWI, the breed was revitalized in the 1950s by dedicated breeders like A. Beyrich in East Germany. Today, they are cherished by exhibition breeders across the United States and Europe.