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I have only bantams, and I really don't agree with the idea that because bantams are smaller, they require less space. They move around just as much as a standard size chicken, have just as much need for exercise and activity in their environment, and perhaps more to the point, have the same kinds of social structure (pecking order) as the big girls. 4 square feet is such a tiny space as it is; I personally would not try to go below that.
Some of the bantam chicken breeds can have quite spunky personalities. If you cram too many of them in a small space, there will be blood.
We're speaking of the coop/hen house alone. Yes, they do move around and need as much space. You're completely correct. But, what we're talking about here is the mass of the body. They are 25% smaller, which means less mass, thus less space is required. This would allow them to have the same space as a full size chicken, per volume. Would you also give 4 square feet for each blue bird just because they also move around, even though they move around just as much? I would hope not, but it's for the individual to make a decision on. My decision is based on mass, and what is required.
I understand that you're talking strictly from mathematical perspective. Elmo is speaking (at least in part) from a behavioral standpoint. Many bantam breeds are highly active - more active than many larger breeds. A calm, more sedentary LF bird might be perfectly comfortable in a 4 sq. ft. box, while an (perhaps overly) active bantam might be bouncing off the walls of a 4 sq. ft. box.
So OP, the breed characteristics of the bantams you choose is something you should look at.
I have only bantams, and I really don't agree with the idea that because bantams are smaller, they require less space. They move around just as much as a standard size chicken, have just as much need for exercise and activity in their environment, and perhaps more to the point, have the same kinds of social structure (pecking order) as the big girls. 4 square feet is such a tiny space as it is; I personally would not try to go below that.
Some of the bantam chicken breeds can have quite spunky personalities. If you cram too many of them in a small space, there will be blood.
We're speaking of the coop/hen house alone. Yes, they do move around and need as much space. You're completely correct. But, what we're talking about here is the mass of the body. They are 25% smaller, which means less mass, thus less space is required. This would allow them to have the same space as a full size chicken, per volume. Would you also give 4 square feet for each blue bird just because they also move around, even though they move around just as much? I would hope not, but it's for the individual to make a decision on. My decision is based on mass, and what is required.
I understand that you're talking strictly from mathematical perspective. Elmo is speaking (at least in part) from a behavioral standpoint. Many bantam breeds are highly active - more active than many larger breeds. A calm, more sedentary LF bird might be perfectly comfortable in a 4 sq. ft. box, while an (perhaps overly) active bantam might be bouncing off the walls of a 4 sq. ft. box.
So OP, the breed characteristics of the bantams you choose is something you should look at.
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