Bantam Chickens for Beginners: Are They Right for You?
Are you excited to build a backyard full of chickens but have a tight space?
There’s a reason adopting a flock of Bantam Chickens is popular among those who have limited space but big chicken coop dreams!
4 Reasons You Should Consider Bantam Chickens
Bantam chickens are smaller than regular chickens, ranging from half to two-thirds of the regular size. You can keep two of these in place of one standard bird.
These miniature chickens are some of the most adorable birds you can raise. Since they are easier to manage, they are ideal for beginners learning the ins and outs of chicken-keeping.
While you may think ‘the bigger, the better,’ that’s not always the case with chickens.
There are several benefits of raising Bantam chickens for beginners and experienced chicken keepers alike.
Here are four convincing reasons Bantam is the best chicken breed for beginners.
1. They Require Less Space and Food
Bantam chickens take up less space and consume less food since they are miniature versions of standard chickens.
They also produce less waste, which beginners are immensely thankful for. It’s not just the size difference – Bantam chicken poop less frequent and it is a lot firmer and less smelly than that of the standard breeds.
If you’re tight on space and don’t want to invest too much money in chicken keeping for now, Bantam chickens are the right choice for you.
All in all, it just makes sense that since these chickens are just smaller in so many ways, they are less expensive to keep.
2. They Are Adorable and Easygoing
Bantam chickens are generally more submissive than standard birds. They’re pretty friendly, easygoing, and fun even when they aren’t so docile.
These miniature chickens make great pets. They’re always full of energy and vigor, providing an endless source of entertainment for the family.
You’ll be amused to watch them running faster and flying higher than regular chickens.
But, as with any pet or animal, always exercise extreme caution when there are children around.
3. They Are Less Noisy
Another benefit of Banties is that they make less noise than standard chickens. Rooster crows of this breed tend to be 60 decibels compared to the standard 90.
So, if there are neighbors close by, then banties might be a great choice.
4. Bantam Hens Go Broody
You can expect Bantam hens to go broody at some point or another, so you won’t need to hatch the eggs in an incubator.
On top of this, these hens serve as great mothers and take good care of the chicks.
You may not know everything about raising chicks as a beginner, so this is a great benefit.
How to Know if This Breed Is the Right Choice for You?
Adopting a flock of Bantam chickens is your best bet if:
- You have limited space in your backyard but want to keep chickens
- If you don’t want to spend too much on chicken feed.
- You don’t have experience handling chickens – the small size is perfect for easy handling. Plus, Bantams are friendly and affectionate.
- You want fresh eggs with limited space (they’ll be smaller than the standard size, though).
Apart from these benefits, Bantam chickens offer everything else standard birds do. This includes organic fertilizer, pest management, and a lifetime of companionship.
Types of Bantam Chickens: what exactly is a chicken bantam?
True Bantams
Of the two main types of Bantam chickens, true bantams are naturally small birds. They have not been bred to be small, they just are smaller birds.
The main true varieties include:
- Seabrights
- Rosecombs
- Silkies
- Dutch
- Nankins
- D’Uccles
True bantams are generally quite colorful with Miniaturized Bantams
Miniaturized Bantams
The next type of bantam chickens are miniaturized bantams. These are typically standard breeds of chickens are bred to be much smaller than their larger counterparts.
The main miniaturized breeds are:
- Plymouth Rocks
- Rhode Island Reds
- Easter Eggers
- Orpingtons
- Araucanas
- Australorps
- Leghorns
- Ameraucana
- Easter Eggers
- Hamburgs
- Sussex
- How to Raise Baby Chicks
- Top Chicken Breeds for Eggs
- How to Clean Your Chicken Coop
- Quick Chick Checklist for Raising the Best Chicks
Bantam Chickens: for Beginning Chicken Keepers
Considering the small size of Bantam chickens, they have some special care needs.
However, it’s nothing you’ll find challenging as a beginner. These chickens are super easy and fun to take care of.
Here are a few things you must keep in mind:
More Frequent Feedings:
Bantams have a faster metabolism. Hence, you’ll have to feed these chickens more frequently to keep them happy and healthy.
They’ll eat less than the larger chickens, though which will lower your feed bill.
Extra Warmth in Winter
You can keep Bantam chickens anywhere standard chickens can be kept. However, these miniatures don’t do well in the winter season, especially the Japanese and Dutch Bantams.
Therefore, make sure you keep them warm during winters by ensuring their house is dry and draft-proof.
Lower Perches and Roosts
The Bantam coop can be smaller than large chickens since they only require one to two square feet in the housing and approximately four square feet in the run.
You don’t have to do anything different when setting up a coop for Bantam chickens. However, it may be a good idea to install lower perches, as the legs of these miniatures are shorter.
That being said, some Bantam breeds prefer high perches so they can jump and fly. We recommend doing proper research on the specific breed you’re interested in before setting up the perches.
Changing Flock Dynamics
While Bantam chickens can be raised with regular chickens, you must keep a close eye on the flock dynamics to ensure the miniatures aren’t picked up on by others.
Besides, Bantams can be as bullish as their larger counterparts, not realizing their smaller size, and so, they may get into occasional trouble.
Housing and Outside Run
- Need for a Mud-Free Pen
Bantam chickens may have feathered feet, like Brahms and cochins. These feathers easily get dirty and crusted when the pen is full of mud or snow.
Make sure to have dry areas in the coop and pen to prevent this from happening and to help keep your Bantams in good health.
If their feet become wet and muddy, you’ll have to wash them with warm water. Gently swish their feet in warm water to help release any dirt, mud or snow.
Another problem that can arise due to feathered feet is scaly leg mites. Check your birds regularly to avoid infestation.
If you do end up with scaly leg mites, treat the roosts with a poultry spray plus add in this wonderful herbal mixture to your nestboxes!
Feathered Feet and Clean Feet Breeds
Top 5 Feather Footed Breeds: Brahams, Cochins, Silkies, Sultans and Faverolles
Top 5 clean Leg and Clean Feet Breeds: Easter Eggers, Plymouth Rock, Araucana, Sussex, Leghorns.
Final Words
Starting with the bantam breeds is a great idea for many reasons. Considering they require less space and food and are less noisy and poopy.
While these miniature birds are usually kept as pets or for ornamental purposes, many people raise them for eggs and meat.
Besides, there are so many breeds to choose from. So, have fun delving into the details to determine which suits your preferences and requirements best.
All in all, Bantam chickens may be the best chicken breed for beginners.
They are economical, allowing you to save money while learning the basics of keeping chickens in your backyard.