Bantams/Full-size birds, is it possible to house them together?

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CSYohman

CSYohman

In the Brooder
7 Years
Oct 8, 2012
35
0
34
Was wondering if it was possible to introduce bantams into a flock of full sized birds, or if this has been a problem for anyone?
 
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Whenever new birds are added to a flock there is fighting and bullying - it's the nature of the pecking order. Bantams raised with full sized birds find their spot and generally hold their own. Bantams added to an established flock are at a size disadvantage. It might work if they are provided with an 'escape area' set up so that the larger birds could not pursue them.
 
That's exactly what I was concerned about. Our flock consists of 9 hens, one was just recently introduced to a flock we just acquired (however they were already an established flock before we got them), and the kids have recently been showing interest in the bantams....since they are so small and adorable. Was wondering about introducing a bantam roo.....don't know, was just a passing thought...but wondered about the difference in size there.
 
I have 13 full sized birds and one silkie that have been raised together since hatching. They get along fine and the little one even challenges the bigger birds even though some of them are 4x his size. However, I find it very difficult having to size the height of everything for the little guy. I would not do it this way again.
 
I have a mixed flock of LF and Banties. Only the Jap Roo needs to be segregated - he starts stuff he can't finish. The rest have an established order. We have lots of room, though, and I think that is the key, they shouldn't be cramped up.
 
Last summer I added 3 adult and 1 adolescent bantam to my flock of 8 LF hens. First gave the bantams their own space for a few days with their own food and water and shelter. Then opened up the LF coop and the bantam coop and let them free range together. The bantams put up quite a fight, but since they were free ranging once they lost the fights (they lost every single fight), they had a place to run to, especially since the opening to the bantam coop was smaller (otherwise, the large hens would get in and eat their food). They never were very comfortable as a merged flock, however.
 

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