Ardenners

An Ardenner bantam rooster
Photo courtesy of Sue Cross

The Ardenners have existed in large form for centuries, although they are very rare now. The bantam version was created in 1904. The breed is from the Ardennes -- the French speaking southern portion of Belgium.

They are noted for their vividly pigmented facial skin. Tails are held very erect. They occur in several colors and there is also a rumpless form. The cockerels are very feisty.

Ardenner bantams are great foragers and wonderful at clearing up bugs and snails in the garden. The hens are good layers of white eggs and left to themselves may nest in trees rather than the henhouse.