One Clarence Day when I was about 13 , I was set an order for bird a few months in forward motion . After placing the monastic order , I looked around the website and obtain the “ shipping today ” yellow journalism . There were someMottled Cochinand Polish bantam and very impetuously , I bought ten chicks .
My father notice the care on his card and upon asking about it , I “ discovered ” the confirmation e-mail of my order for bantam . Somehow I chalked it up to hatchery misplay but , oops , chicks would be here in two day .
Thus commence my adventures with keeping bantam . My mother had always despise them and thought they were n’t pragmatic , so she was n’t exactly thrilled about my new additions .
After years of bantam retention , I ’ve learn a lot about how they work on the homestead . They are n’t always the most virtual choice , but they definitely have some major advantage worth exploring .
What is a Bantam Chicken?
Sailors found a smaller , more heavyset Gallus gallus in Southeast Asia and enjoyed the bird because they took up less space on long voyages . From that point on , any small chicken was referred to as a bantam .
Technically speaking , in social club for a chicken to be a honest bantam , it must not have a larger , stock - sized counterpart . TakeCochins , for instance . You have your jumbo , 9 - pound standard Cochin and then the “ bantam ” Cochin that weighs less than 2 pounds .
In these cases , it ’s technically right to call them Miniature Cochins . Despite all the technological terms , most hoi polloi including myself just call all piddling chickens “ bantams ” and it ’s never cause any confusion .
Egg and Meat Production of Bantams
As far as practical use go , my female parent was n’t completely incorrect for having a backbreaking time finding the practicality in these teacup - sized chickens . While bantams still farm pith and eggs , everything is tiny .
It takes about 3 bantam sized egg to equal one received - sized egg . It is also deserving take note that generally verbalize , a bantam biddy repose fewer eggs per week than a received hen , though there are some exceptions .
The kernel on a bantam carcass ? aboveboard , it ’s not even worth your time to butcher a bantam for their meat because the amount is so minimal .
Pretty Good Pet Qualities
While bantam might not be the best at egg and meat production , these footling chicken definitely have a spot on the farm for some multitude . When you think about it , observe a few bantams as pets could be inexpensive than some dogs , and who does n’t need some pouch chicken for companionship ?
1. Little Chicken Keepers
One reason I ’ll recommend bantams to chicken keepers is for their picayune ace . If your child wants a pet or you just want to infix them to a littlebit of land , bantams can be a enceinte pick . Especially for immature children , a received - sized chicken can be a turn intimidating . A docile bantam breed can be a lot of fun for tiddler to raise without feeling quite as scared by a fully grown chicken beat about .
2. Keeping Bantams as Showbirds
Another popular grounds for guardianship bantams as pet is because they are fun to show . Kids will often use bantam for their first showbirds because it ’s easier to learn how to treat a small chicken . Showmanship , a very important event for 4 - H kid is where children learn how to probe and show a bird in front of a judge .
As we all know , a big wimp can get her wings flapping and be intemperate to insure . When handle a smaller volaille , kids can perfect their proficiency for deal and showing before act on to a standard .
Even adult enjoy showing these sack - sized chickens because they ’re just a little scrap easier than a received chicken . reliable bantam cover such asJapanese Bantamsmake a fun avocation breed for adult to breed and show .
2 Advantages to Keeping Bantams
1. Housing
For those with modified space , bantam keeping might be a staring solution for you . Sure , you wo n’t get big eggs , but an egg is an eggs , and it might be nice to have ten chickens instead of five in your little backyard .
A standard chicken requires a minimum of four satisfying feet per bird in the poulet coop and ten solid foot in the run . Bantams only need two satisfying feet per wench in the henhouse with five straight feet per razzing in your run .
2. Feeding
Just like with housing , bantams exhaust a whole deal less intellectual nourishment than a bigger chicken does . In fact , a bantam biddy usually consumes less than half what a standard chicken would . If you ’re on a budget , bantams will no doubt be a cheaper choice than standard chickens .
The Disadvantages to Keeping Bantams
Although we have discussed the disadvantages of less meat and egg , there are some other drawbacks to bantam keeping that are worth considering before buying these little birds .
1. Predator Vulnerability
Predators are always an issue with any kind of farm animal and the smaller the animal , the more vulnerable they are . Even standard chickens have a large range ofpredatorsthat will attack them .
puerile hawks and adult cats are both marauder that are very likely to make a repast out of a bantam when they would usually happen a standard chicken over .
2. Marketable Products
If you require to have an bollock or meat line of work , bantam are not going to be a in force option to consider . While you might be happy to eat mini eggs , it ’s moderately unlikely you ’ll find a market for little bitty chicken eggs . If you just want eggs for your family , this wo n’t vex you in the slightest , but it ’s a condition for some the great unwashed .
Can You Keep Bantams With Standard Chickens?
When I got my bantams , I enkindle them on their own , but they terminate up in the independent muckle once they were adults . Keeping these chickens with standard chicken can place some trouble and it does n’t always knead depending on your flock dynamics .
It ’s a good idea to have a backup design such as a freestanding coop and go just for bantams . The primary issue you ’ll encounter with combining bantams and received chicken isbullying , which can get out of handwriting when ignored .
The Two Top Bantam Breeds
1. Seramas
One very coarse bantam is the smallest chicken in the world , Seramas . These chickens really do take bantam to another stratum , which makes them a very fun chicken to raise .
Seramas are so petite that many of them usually weigh less than a pound ! This breed does have good production , albeit quail sized eggs .
2. Silkies
Silkiesare another common and widely jazz bantam that is a lot of fun to have on the farm . This is one of the larger varieties out there , but these chickens are still fairly modest compared to standard chickens .
The reason Silkies are so adored by everyone is for their angelical and teachable personality as well as their list to elevate chicks . If you ’re looking for a sweetened lap chicken , expect no further than the Silkie .
Farming To Fit All Shapes and Sizes
Bantams are n’t always right for every farm , but they are unquestionably loved by many for their tiny features and cracker personality . After owning bantam , I ’d say they ’re generally just for the poultry fancier , but there are definitely scenarios such asurban homesteading , where they can serve a useful purpose .
In the end , it ’s up to you to consider the kinetics of your farm and how well you think these fun little hoot will fit with your office .
Was this article helpful?
What went wrong?
This article contains incorrect information
This article does not have the information I am looking for
How can we improve it?
We appreciate your helpful feedback!
Your answer will be used to improve our content . The more feedback you give us , the better our Thomas Nelson Page can be .
