bantam vs. standard

[karenleigh]

Forgive me if this has been asked a zillion times before (I'm sooo new!). I'm planning for my first chickens, and I can't decide between bantams and standards. What are pros and cons of each? Which is your preference? Thank you for your help!

 

[luvmychicknkids]

I, personally, want standards. I like having full sized eggs to eat (I have my first ever bantam eggs in the bator and they are so little) and there is more chickie to hug and snuggle. Yeah, I like my chicken cuddles WAYYYYY too much!!! LOL Welcome to BYC and the addictive world of chickens!!!

 

[snowydiamonds]

My bantam chicks are beautiful but love to throw and scratch (ie; spread like crazy) their feed all over the place, including in my face, eyes and hair while I'm watching them right after I fill their feeder. My standard breeds have manners compared to those itty bitty bratty babes! If they are outside in a coop and pen you wouldn't have to take that into consideration.

You can have more banties than standards but they also move quicker and are more apt to fly

 

[amazondoc]

I considered this same question. I like looking at the banties, and you can fit more into a smaller space.......BUT......I want to have large eggs, and I also figured that the standard sized birds would be more resistant to predators than those itty bitty guys.

I still may end up with a couple banties eventually, you never know. Right now I'm especially thinking of a couple bantam orps or bantam cochins. But in general, and only for myself, I think standards are gonna be the way to go!

 

[lurky]

I was faced with that same question and i decided to divide the shed in half and get both. I kept them separate because of the size, but i am now sure the size would not be a problem. The bigger eggs are much easier.........but i think the bantams are great to have. Good Luck with your decision