Bantams are breeds of chickens that are smaller than standard - sized razzing . Some only weigh a few Syrian pound .
There are “ true bantams , ” which are breeds only available in the bantam size of it . Then there are bantam varieties of standard - sized breeds .
The great thing about bantams is their flyspeck step ( so to verbalise ) . They eat less , take up less space and cost less to wish for . Their trapping is low , so it be less , too !
And yet they are just as wanton to care for as a flock of standard hens might be . Here are some of the best bantam stock for beginners , families , seasoned received - stock chicken - keepers and everyone in between . Jeramie and Natasha Coffelt / Flickr
Barred Plymouth Rock Bantams
Like their standard - sized counterparts , Barred Plymouth Rockbantams pack a biff of personality and make one of the most perfect backyard chicken breeds you could tote up to your flock .
The Barred Rock bantam is favorable and personable . Hens are great layers of brownish eggs , and both sexes are enceinte meat bird .
For a bantam , the breed is rather moth-eaten - sturdy , so it ’s a marvelous addition to a backyard batch in a moth-eaten climate . It would prefer to range freely , but it ’ll take what it can get and tolerate confinement if that ’s what is available .
Jeramie and Natasha Coffelt/Flickr
Read more : What , on the dot , is a bantam chicken ?
Buff Brahma Bantams
Like the Barred Rock bantam , Brahmabantams are another tremendous small version of a full - sized breed . Like their standard - sized doppelgangers , the Brahma bantam is easy and quiet , moth-eaten - hardy and cause a great overall pet .
Brahmin bantam hens lay well and , like other breeds in this list , make excellent setters and mother . The Buff Brahma bantam gambol a bright - golden consistence with black posterior feathers and black - tied hackle — quite a stunning bird !
Cochin Bantams
TheCochinbantam is an decorative strain , prized for its calm temperament — which makes it an excellent breed pick for a family flock — and its downy show . Also call Pekin bantam , this strain originate from China , and when reserve to hatch nut , the hens make wonderful mothers .
Like other decorative breeds , bantam Cochins are not rock ‘n’ roll - star stratum . But they require very lilliputian space , and their range of color varieties ( buff ; ruffed grouse ; golden laced ; block up ; mottled ; and black , ashen and red frizzle , to name a few ) intend you ’ll always have some beautiful birds in your great deal . Normanack / Flickr
Mille Fleur d’Uccle Bantam
If you ’re look for a showy , eye - catching bird , the Mille Fleur d’Uccle bantam may be the gallon for you . The name translates from Gallic meaning “ thousand flower , ” and indeed , the Mille Fleur ’s feather appears to bloom before your eyes , with the most beautiful feathers appear after the bird ’s first moulting .
The breed has hard feathered legs and a shaggy-haired byssus , to boot .
The Mille Fleur is take a unfeigned bantam , meaning there is no received - sized counterpart , as the Barred Rock and Brahmas both have . As an ornamental breed , do n’t require an abundance of its tiny egg to grace your nest box . But if you have an eager up - and - coming 4 - H’er in your kin , this shuttlecock might be a wonderful addition to your good deal derive starting time .
Mille Fleur d’Uccle are sweet and favorable birds .
Read more : Here are five fast facts about silkies you may not know .
Silkie
Ah , the sweet and whacky - looking Silkie . The “ lap dog ” of the chicken world , as it ’s dear known , is a petite chick that make the sodding favourite volaille . Indeed , I ’d wager a bet that the Silkie is the most popular small - sized volaille breed among backyard keepers .
Given its gentle disposition , it ’s an idealistic fellow for children , and its demure size and no - fuss position lends well to micro - spate in either urban or suburban area , where confinement is necessary for safety or to touch city or HOA regulations .
The Silkie is not considered a rightful bantam . It ’s but bred to be on the small side . Its fluffy appearing is attributed to its unique feathers : The barbs and shafts of the feathers do n’t “ lock ” to make a stiff plume like other chicken breed and birds . alternatively , the feather resemble the down of a young chick — in show and to the touch sensation .
Normanack/Flickr
The Silkie is consider an cosmetic breed , for this reason . However , it can surely pull its exercising weight around even the smallest homestead . Silkie hens are fairly good level of cream - colored ballock , often go broody , and when appropriate to hatch eggs , the hen make first-class mother .
For some of the challenge and special consideration in observe Silkies , their tolerance to heat is one of the best reasons that they ’re worth the effort . Silkies flourish in warm climates where heavy breeds might suffer .
Whether your bantam is a big level of tiny eggs , a wondrous female parent hen , or just a beautiful showboat in your backyard , there is a miniature Gallus gallus breed for everyone .
This clause originally appear in the September / October 2020 issue ofChickensmagazine .
