Zwerg-Rheinländer
The Zwerg-Rheinländer is the bantam form of the Rheinländer, a German breed developed in the Rhineland from hardy country and laying stock. Bantams keep the active carriage, neat body, and productive spirit of the larger bird while fitting smaller housing. Depending on the standard, they may be seen in black, white, partridge, silver, or other varieties, but the identity rests on type as much as color.
Zwerg-Rheinländer chickens suit breeders who like energetic bantams that can still contribute eggs and foraging value. They are usually better with space and secure outdoor access than in crowded decorative pens. Selection should emphasize alert but manageable temperament, correct body lines, and sound legs. For exhibition or preservation work, records of color variety and source line help prevent confusion with other light German bantams that may look similar to casual buyers.
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