Ostfriesische Zwerg-Möwen

The Ostfriesische Zwerg-Möwen is the bantam counterpart of the East Frisian Gull chicken, developed in Germany for keepers who wanted the large breed's lively shape and gull-spangled plumage in a smaller bird. Zwerg-Möwen means dwarf gulls, and the name fits their fine silver or gold ground color broken by dark markings across the body. They are bantam-sized poultry rather than miniature utility hens, but good lines still show the alert carriage, active foraging habits, and neat proportions associated with the original north German breed.

In a backyard or exhibition flock, these bantams need more room than their size suggests. They move quickly, fly readily, and do best in covered or well-fenced runs with high perches and tight predator protection. Their small white-shelled eggs are useful for a household that values bantam chickens for character and conservation as much as production. Breeding programs should avoid treating them as generic patterned bantams; body type, comb, color distribution, fertility, and vigor all need attention, especially where only a few lines are available locally.

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