Our Sebrights

As an interpreter at Stratford Hall I get asked many question, as you can imagine. There is one question that I am asked every time I work. “Those little chickens are beautiful! What are they?"

Here at Stratford Hall we have two little bantum breed hens (sadly we lost one this spring to old age). They are Golden Sebright Bantams. Their plumage is quite lovely. The feathers are a deep copper color. Each feather is outlined in dark black, called “lacing”. Their legs are grey-blue. 

This breed generally has gentle nature and are curious of their  surroundings. They are very popular among poultry enthusiasts because of these traits.They are easy to keep but can be quite a difficult to breed because they were not designed for meat or egg production. 

They are one of the oldest true bantum breeds The person responsible for designing this ornamental breed is Sir John Sebright of Great Britain. He started developing this breed in the 1800s and it took over thirty years for him to develop them.

When you come to visit Stratford Hall keep an eye out for these tiny little chickens. They are very friendly. They may even greet you with your guide at the Southwest Outbuilding at the beginning of your tour!

- Mary, Historic Interpreter