Bantam Chickens

Bantams are usually confused as a breed. This is not the case, however, as they are really a size. Standard breeds are 3-4 times larger than bantam breeds.
Many of the standard breeds can be found in bantam size as well- Rhode Island Reds, Araucanas, Cornish. These 'miniature' chickens will produce eggs and
meat just as the standard breeds do, only at a smaller scale. We have a flock of 'mix bred' bantams. These have a few different blood lines, resulting in very
varied birds. We also have some smaller, more ornamental varieties including Mille Fleur, Silkies, and true Araucanas. Each breed has its own unique traits,
depending on what you are looking for. Whatever your uses, bantams are always a pleasure to have on the farm.

Bantam chickens do not have as high of a meat output that
standard breeds do, but our mix bred birds are quite large
for bantams. Their live weight is about 4-6 lbs. They lay a
medium size egg, perfect for breakfasts. Our smaller, more
ornamental bantams are usually just kept as pets or used
for agricultural shows and fairs.

Chick starter or medicated chick starter (with Amprolium)
is used to start the birds. They are fed layer pellets and
turkey grower throughout the rest of the year. Bread, corn,
greens and seeds are fed as treats. Fresh water, feed
and a secure coop are all these little guys need.

Every breed of chicken is thought to have lineage from the
Red Junglefowl of India. This bird was domesticated and
eventually spread into the many varieties and sizes of
chickens we know now.

We are currently developing a breed named the 'Mad
Hatter'. These interesting large bantams have a crest
similar to the polish standard birds. All of their traits leave
them with a very distinguished look, including 'devil horns',
beards, crests, feathered legs and very striking red and
green plumage.

The beauty about bantams is that they need less space and less feed than standard breeds. Our mix bred flock is larger than the ordinary bantam size. They
lay a medium egg, yet the birds are still only about 1/2 the size of standard breeds. They only require about 4 sq ft for each bird in the coop. No more than two
roosters should be kept in 200 sq ft or the fighting will be too much. Bantams can tolerate the cold weather and the heat. They don't need heated coops, but
should have draft/wind and rain/snow protection. Like all chickens, bantams make a mess of coops. It is wise to have a separate work space where the birds
do not have access to. About 1 ft of perch space per bird is adequate. A 3-gallon water fount will supply about 20 bantams. The water should be given to them
fresh, daily. The coop should also be kept clean to prevent any pests from taking hold.