Bantam Rooster with Full Size Hens-I've Got Questions?

[triciayoung]

In my experiences I like the bantam cochins. They are big enough to get the job done and make great flock roosters. Smaller breeds I would avoid if you want fertile eggs. Those sometimes just mate the hens back. My bantam EE also seem to get the job done. If you hens are very large you may have problems. The plus side of bantam roosters is I don't get bare backed hens anymore.

My bantam buff brahma does just fine with standard lavender orphington's.

 

[Three Little Bunnies]

I am so happy to see this thread! We have a mixed group that we got as chicks, and I’ve got 4 birds trying to crow, one of which is the most beautiful bantam. He thinks he’s a big bird, and I’d hate to get rid of him. Any thoughts on whether I’d be able to keep him and a full sized roo?

I'd say that it depends on the size of your chicken area and how many hens you have. Right now I have four roosters (two bantam Cochin, two White Leghorn) and thirty-three hens in a 30x100 ft (ish) run, and that works out fine.