Adding bantams to an existing flock of standard sized young birds

[nickyblase]

Hi All,

Not at all new to chickens, but never having had bantams, I am looking for your expertise. I'm looking to get 3-4 bantams to add to my existing birds, all of whom will be standard size when full grown. My existing flock is all young birds. 9 pullets that are about 3 months old, and two babies I hatched (one pullet, one cockerel) that were born on June 1st.

The place I am going to potentially get these new birds from (Old English and Bantam Cochin) has both chicks and adults. I like the idea of getting chicks because I can then make sure they are handled, etc.
I have enough room in the coop to be able to keep the bantams separate from the others as they all get used to each other.

My first question - is it risky, even with the existing flock as young as they are, to add bantams that are younger than them? Would I be better off taking the adult hens from this lady, since they could integrate faster?

Second question - the roost bars in the coop and poop tray are a few feet off the ground (with a ramp). Would this be okay for the smaller birds since there is a ramp that goes up to it, or would I need to build another one lower to the ground? If I do this, I assume that would have an impact on their place in the hierarchy, which I would want to avoid if I can help it.

Last question (I think) - even though they are beautiful, I wasn't planning on getting a bantam cockerel or roo to go with the new girls, since I've just barely hatched a standard sized cockerel 2 months ago. Assuming they stay with my existing crew who are really good about staying together (and are VERY good at being predator aware), will the bantams be okay without their own rooster watching over them?

Thanks!

 

[igorsMistress]

Hi there. The roost height should be fine. The bantams would be fine without their own rooster. As for integration, I've always found it easier with younger birds so I think the chicks would be your best choice. I would be a bit concerned about the standard rooster over the bantam hens due to size difference but some folks say it's not been an issue.

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

I just added 5 bantams to my standard flock. They wete in a group of 13. The others all being standard. They have adjusted well. They all roost in a giant pine tree in the summer. We put a ladder against it to help the silkies. Turns out that everyone likes the ladder lol. I have an old English cockerel and a partridge cochin pullet in the mix. Also a gold laced sebring cockerel and 2 silkies ( I think they are pullets)

 

[SueT]

I've had bantam with large breed chickens, no problem. They may be small, but they have big attitudes. Don't worry about roost height, they can fly much better than the big birds.
The other rooster will watch over them just fine. I have half bantam mix chicks to prove it!