Silver Bantam

The Silver Bantam is a small British domestic duck, developed as a true bantam rather than a reduced backyard cross. It is associated with Reginald Appleyard's breeding work and is sometimes confused with the Miniature Silver Appleyard, but the Silver Bantam is usually discussed as its own lightweight exhibition and utility breed. Its color is a silvered wild pattern: the drake shows a green head, pale collar, and claret breast, while the duck is creamy silver with soft fawn or gray markings.

Because Silver Bantams are compact and active, they suit keepers who want ducks but have limited space, provided the birds still get secure housing, clean water deep enough to wash the head, and protection from predators. They can lay a useful number of eggs for their size and may forage well in a garden or orchard. Breeding flocks are small in many areas, so buyers should ask whether birds are Silver Bantams, Miniature Appleyards, or unrecorded small Appleyard-type crosses.