I'm looking to hatch bantam eggs and get about 2 bantys out of the hatch. I have a 2x2 feeder coop that no longer has a purpose and figured it would be the perfect banty house. I am looking for a breed that is pretty cold hard, people friendly, and predator aware. I plan on free ranging. I don't want anything too crazy becuase those really exotic chickens creep me out. Calling all banty experts for their suggestions or breed info. thanks! -Molly
Hi. I've been really enjoying my bantam Welsumer. When you say cold hardy, what winter lows are we talking?
i live in pittsburgh. it can get down to the negatives a few days out of the year. id be able to bring the bantams inside need be. I have a larger coop of 12 that has heat. I already have a full size welsummer so i was lookingfor something different. Thanks for your reply!
That is pretty cold. Maybe bantam Cochin? I have a large one. She is plenty sweet and very cute although not the brightest. Not sure about cold hardiness, but I would think so with all those feathers. Good luck!
I have a few bantam Cochins and a few Mille Fleur d'Uccles that free range during the day but they have roos with them. The d'Uccles are definitely more predator aware. You can consider banty EEs or Dominiques if egg-production is important.
I'm in Michigan, and don't heat my coop, and have had Belgian d'Uccles for a very long time. Love them! Also this year got a few EE bantams from Cackle, and they are cute and laying aqua blue eggs, very nice. I've had buff Brahma and light Brahma bantams, also wonderful. Then the Fayoumis are nice, but I'm not sure about the combs in the winter. You will want a bigger coop! Fayoumi cockerel EE bantam cockerel young Belgian d'Uccles did I mention that Belgian d'Uccles are broody? I've also had Cochin bantams who were very cute and friendly. Mary
Yesterday, I remembered... I tried to get belgian d'uccles many times last year. I think the mille fleur are beautiful! Shipping robbed my chances though. Since others are also suggesting them as being cold hardy and predator weary... maybe just right for you EE are fun and all. Not sure about the bantams, but my full sized ones are often skiddish and lay inconsistently. My full sized barred rock are also great. Bantams should be good. Lay fairly well, friendly enough, and cold hardy as long as your ventilation is good. Glad you are getting some more feed back this a.m., and from a lot of really good people!
