10 Bantam Duck Breeds You Can Raise
Bantam duck breeds are small, ornamental varieties of domestic ducks that are much smaller than standard-sized breeds. They are usually kept for their beauty, manageable size, and gentle nature rather than for meat or large-scale egg production. Weighing around 1–2 pounds, they thrive in small backyards and are popular among hobby farmers and poultry exhibitors. While there are many miniature duck varieties, only a few are officially recognized as true bantam breeds. Notably, ducks like the Black East Indian and Call Duck are naturally small and have no full-sized counterparts, which is why they are considered true bantams rather than downsized versions.
Most Common Bantam Duck Breeds
1. Black East Indian
Black East Indian is the most famous bantam duck and often the first breed people think of when they imagine a true miniature duck. These ducks are naturally tiny, often weighing less than 1 kilogram, which is why they’re considered true bantams. They don’t come in a larger version like most other duck breeds. Their feathers look black at first, but when the light hits just right, they shimmer with dark green. They are quiet, a little shy, and can even fly if their wings aren’t clipped. As they get older, some may grow white feathers, but breeders usually avoid using those birds for showing or breeding.
2. Call Duck
Call Ducks are the little charmers of the duck world. They are very small—usually around 1 pound—and their round heads, big eyes, and short bills make them look like toy ducks come to life. They were originally bred to help hunters by calling wild ducks closer, thanks to their loud voices, so don’t be surprised if they make a lot of noise. Today, people mostly keep them as pets or show birds because of their cute looks and friendly nature. They come in many colors like white, grey, buff, and blue.
3. Silkie Duck
Silkie Ducks look like they’re covered in soft clouds instead of feathers. Their feathers don’t have the tiny hooks that normally keep feathers smooth, so they stay fluffy all over, just like Silkie chickens. These ducks are small, usually around 2 pounds, which makes them part of the bantam group. They are gentle, curious, and often enjoy being around people, making them lovely pets. You’ll find them in colors such as black, white, or grey. They don’t lay many eggs, but they make up for it with their sweet nature and cuddly appearance—some even enjoy being carried around!
4. Australian Spotted Duck
Despite the name, Australian Spotted Ducks were actually developed in the United States. They are true bantams because they stay small—most adults weigh only about 2 pounds. Their bodies are sprinkled with tiny spots, which is how they got their name. They come in three main varieties: greenhead, bluehead, and silverhead. These ducks are gentle, friendly, and excellent foragers. They love hunting for insects and are especially good at eating mosquito larvae from still water. Among bantam ducks, they’re known as one of the best egg layers, producing up to 125 eggs a year. They can fly but prefer staying close to home.
5. Bantam Saxony
If you’ve ever admired the large Saxony duck but wished it came in a smaller size, the Bantam Saxony is just the duck to know. This little version was specially bred to look like the big Saxony—same warm fawn and cream feathers, same calm nature—but in a lighter, more compact body. While the standard Saxony can weigh over 3 kilograms, the bantam version is much smaller and easier to keep in modest-sized gardens or ponds. Bantam Saxonies are friendly, good foragers, and make lovely display birds. They don’t lay as many eggs as the large type, but they carry the same charming looks in a smaller package.
6. Silver Bantam (Miniature Silver Appleyard)
The Silver Bantam, also called the Miniature Silver Appleyard, is a small British duck created to mirror the full-sized Appleyard but at about one-third the weight. Most adults weigh under 1 kilogram, making them true bantams. They have soft silver, cream, and fawn feathers, with the females wearing a pretty buff “hood” on their heads. Males often have a green or dark head during breeding season, just like tiny mallards. Despite their size, these ducks are hardy and good mothers. They can lay 60–160 small eggs a year, depending on the strain, and they’re loved for being gentle, pretty, and easy to manage.
7. Miniature Crested Duck
The Miniature Crested Duck looks like a tiny version of the larger Crested duck, complete with its fluffy puff of feathers on top of the head. This crest is actually a little bundle of tissue with feathers growing out of it, and when it’s neat and centered, it makes the duck look extra fancy. These ducks are bantam-sized, much smaller than the standard breed, but just as eye-catching. They are active, love to explore for bugs and plants, and can lay up to 100 eggs a year. Because of their delicate crest, they need clean living conditions and gentle handling, especially during breeding or mating.
8. Overberg Duck
The Overberg Duck is a small and graceful breed from South Africa and is often grouped with bantam ducks because of its neat, compact body and lighter weight. These ducks stand slightly upright and carry their heads high, which gives them an alert and tidy appearance. Their feathers sit smooth and close to the body, giving them a sleek look. Drakes and ducks have different colors, with males showing soft lilac-blue and brown tones, while females wear warm brown and cream patterns. Overbergs are active foragers, calm in nature, and loved for their neat shape and unique coloring. They are a rare but beautiful addition for duck enthusiasts.
9. Domestic Mallard (Bantam Type)
Even though wild Mallards are common in lakes and ponds, the domestic Mallard is a small, bantam-sized version that has been recognized in poultry standards. These ducks are light and compact compared to large breeds like Pekins or Rouens. They are active, good fliers, and closely resemble their wild ancestors in behavior—alert, good at foraging, and great parents. Mallard hens usually lay 8–13 eggs and are very protective mothers.
10. Aztec Bantam Duck
Aztec Bantams are one of the rarest little duck breeds you’ll come across. They were created in 1983 by the well-known waterfowl breeder David Holderread. He wanted a duck that was small and pretty like a Call duck but much easier to hatch and raise. So, the Aztec was bred to be the perfect middle ground—not as rounded as a Call duck and not as long and slim as a wild Mallard.
These bantams are small, hardy, and surprisingly good layers for their size, laying around 40 to 100 eggs a year. They’re also excellent mothers and can raise their ducklings without help. Sadly, the breed almost disappeared after Holderread stopped breeding them, but a few dedicated duck lovers have kept them going in small numbers. Today, Aztec bantams are incredibly rare, making them a special treasure for duck enthusiasts who love preserving unique breeds.