Key Characteristics

Burmese bantams are attractive birds. Hens make good broodies and mothers. With white feathers and feathered feet, they need appropriate housing away from mud to keep them looking good.  

History

• The first recorded trio of Burmese Bantams were sent by a British army officer stationed in Burma to a fellow officer in Scotland about 1880.
• The hens died but the cockerel was bred with prototype Sultan Bantams and birds selected back to restore characteristics.
• It was believed that they had died out until Andrew Sheppy was given some in about 1970.
• However they were not very fertile, so Andrew used White Booted Bantams in a near repeat revival process to Entwisle’s some 80 years before.

Appearance

• Burmese bantams are broadly similar to Booted Bantams but smaller with a lower tail carriage
• They have a feathered crest and a single comb.
• Both males and females are pure white
• Current breeders refer to the century old drawings of the originals by J.W. Ludlow and Harrison Weir as ideals to aim for.

Uses

Burmese hens are only moderate layers, and with their extreme rarity in mind, it is hoped most of the eggs are incubated rather than eaten.

Did you know?

Each Burmese bantams has a spectacular crest made up of feathers projecting upwards from the head.

Breed Societies

Rare Poultry Society