Ohiki

The Ohiki is a Japanese ornamental bantam whose name refers to a trailing or dragging tail. It is associated with long-tailed Japanese poultry traditions and is often described as combining a very low, short-legged body with flowing tail and saddle feathers in the male. Compared with the extreme Onagadori, the Ohiki is smaller and more compact, but a good cock still shows length and softness in the tail furnishings. Color varieties vary by country and breeder; type and carriage are usually more important than treating it as a general-purpose bantam.

Keeping Ohiki well means keeping feathers clean. Muddy runs, crowded pens, and rough wire quickly damage tails, so many breeders use dry covered runs, smooth perches, and bedding that does not tangle in the feathering. The birds are light and ornamental, with eggs and meat secondary to exhibition and preservation. Short-legged stock may need careful mating choices and close attention at hatch, since very compact body type can reduce vigor if selected without balance. Buyers should look for active birds with sound legs, good feather condition, and a breeder who can explain the line's tail quality.

Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Laced, Lavender, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White