Bantums in coop and questions

[nu2chixinmo]

Hi there and Good Afternoon!!!
At the end of August, I got a banty assortment. (They are just so CUTE!) They have finally made it out to the big coop with the big chickens, in their own little area that I sectioned off and made for them this past weekend. I have one little black cochin(i think) that is already crowing. At first I thought I was mistaken, but yes he is actually crowing. Funny sound!!!!
Anyway, do they follow about the same time lines as far as laying eggs? I am also assuming that the eggs will be littler, as they are smaller chickens. right? - What about nesting boxes, Do make the same size for them as my others. I know these are stupid questions, but I am still learning. All help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

Also just curious, how long can you leave eggs in the coop before they might freeze? THANKS AGAIN

 

[Poison Ivy]

My bantams are in the main coop with my big girls. They use the same nesting boxes. I have a white jap, bantam that just went broody and she won't get out of the big girls favorite nest. So the big girls just go in a lay on top of her to lay their eggs. It's so funny because she gets all mad and puffs up but they don't pay her any mind. lol
The eggs are small in size and I collect my eggs daily don't want them to start pecking and eating them.

 

[muddler6]

My bantam cochins started laying at about 20 weeks. Little eggs, but mighty tastey!! If you click on my link at the bottom of my post you'll see my nest bucket and my 5 year old with our first egg.

 

[jazzchicken]

Nice looking coop Muddler

 

[nu2chixinmo]

Thanks for the replies!!!

I really didn't know if there was anything "special" to do for them or not. So, when they get older, they can go in with the big girls and boys? I thought they had to be seperated or the bigger ones would pick on the bantys....
I can't wait to get my first egg from them, I bet they are tasty

Nice coop muddler!!!!

 

[AtRendeAcres]

From my experience I have not been able to mix banties with regular size unless I brood them together or add them together when they are the same size!

 

[seedcorn]

depending on breed, they will get along fine. They are smaller but make up for it w/attitude.

Remember old saying "Meaner than an ol' banty hen".

 

[lyndatu]

Your coop and banties sound nice, nu2chix!

Hens don't have the same time line in laying eggs.............around 20-23 weeks, I think. Oh and first eggs are generally small, but don't worry because you're hen's egg-making systems is still trying to get it right and it will soon produce normal eggs. Yes, eggs will be a bit smaller than regulars

Chickens don't mind if their nesting box is large, just make sure they can fit in!

Leaving eggs in the nesting box.............hmmm.......maybe for 5 days, but it's best to collect your eggs daily. They might try it out(taste it), and they will like it and become nasty egg-eaters(this can be cured, though). But you can leave it there and some hens might get broody and sit on them to keep them warm.

Good luck!

 

[Hotwings]

Good luck with your bantams. If you have a roo I bet next year your bantam hens will be setting on eggs to hatch. What bantams lack in size they make up for in grit and attitude!

 

[BantyChickMom]

I have 4 standard breeds and 7 banty breeds and my bantys have the most personality by far and are very friendly.

Have fun with yours.