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Bantams with Standards?

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by kickinchicken, Aug 29, 2010.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Aug 29, 2010 #1
    kickinchicken

    kickinchicken Songster

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    Hey All! I have 5 Bantams (3 cochin, a Sebright (super small!) and a Sultan). I want to add 3 BOs next Spring as my little girls aren't much for producing eggs. They're cute as heck but too small. So, my question is: Can I have 3 standard hens with my 5 bantams? I plan on getting babies, keeping them inside until the weather breaks and integrating them slowly. 2 of my cochins are only 6 weeks old, the rest are 6 months old and so far, the flock is very bonded. I am hoping to do the same with the BOs next spring.

    My coop is 4dx8wx6h. The girls tend to roost together on the far right of the roost, all 5 fill up a 3 ft. space. I plan on adding more roosts. Oh, and I am also thinking of getting another coop off EBay so that they can spread out to a new coop if they want and have it as a "bad chicken" coop as well.

    So, what do you think?
     
  2. Aug 29, 2010 #2
    madamwlf

    madamwlf Nevermore Acres

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    I have 6 bantams (2 hens and 4 roosters) in with 11 standard hens. They all get along just fine.
     
  3. Aug 29, 2010 #3
    Camelot Farms

    Camelot Farms Chickenista

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    Mine do fine together. As a matter of fact I have a Serama/OEGB Roo who torments my Buff Orpington Roo all day long [​IMG]

    The only problem that I have is that the same little roo has selected one Standard Wyandotte hen that he likes to share his...er... affection with and because of the size difference, it can be a little rough on her back and feathers. I just watch and make sure that she never gets too bald in those spots.

    Otherwise...no problems.
     
  4. Aug 29, 2010 #4
    Chic-n-farmer

    Chic-n-farmer Showers of Blessings

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    The only problem I have is when the bantam roosters pick on the standard roosters... [​IMG]
     
  5. Aug 29, 2010 #5
    shellybean40

    shellybean40 Songster

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    I have 3 bantam cochins in with 7 standards (asstd). The highest on the pecking order is the smallest little bantam cochin hen! She pushes the largest hen around all day long!! lol
     
  6. Aug 29, 2010 #6
    kickinchicken

    kickinchicken Songster

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    Ok, great! I can't have a roo because we aren't even supposed to have chickens so I have to stay under the radar. I do adore the BOs and thought they'd make a great addition to our flock.
    We did have a bantam SLW pair but I rehomed them together. He was so handsome and such a great guardian. I miss his antics and his handsome strut. Oh well, the girls will do fine until we move out to the country and can actually have a roo!
     
  7. Aug 29, 2010 #7
    ChickensAreSweet

    ChickensAreSweet Heavenly Grains for Hens

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    It's funny - I have some standard size chickens that won't get along with my bantams (they immediately start the bullying), and I have some standards that have integrated perfectly. So I have two flocks. [​IMG]
     
  8. Aug 29, 2010 #8
    punky rooster

    punky rooster Awesome

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    they should be fine but you MUST introduce them early when their about the same size put them together and let them sort out the pecking order
     
  9. Aug 29, 2010 #9
    eenie114

    eenie114 Completly Hopeless

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    Quote:Same here. [​IMG]
     

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