Best bantam layers?

[lceh]

I'm planning to order my first chicks from Meyer this spring, and after much agonizing I think we'll get bantams, mostly because we can have 6 of those instead of 3 standards, plus they're a more manageable size for my first-grader, whose homeschool project this is. My question: which bantams are the best layers? DH really wants eggs out of this experiment, so I'm hoping we'll get the equivalent of a dozen standard eggs a week (maybe 1 1/2 or 2 dozen banty eggs?). Is this realistic? Which breeds should we be considering? I was thinking of Buff Brahma bantams and White Wyandotte bantams, but if anyone knows who the best producers are I'd appreciate it! If it matters, we live in Virginia (gardening zone 7). I've checked the Henderson chart, but I think the info. there is about standard breeds, and I wasn't sure if the same traits applied to the bantam varieties....

Also if you have an opinion about Meyer's bantams I'd love to hear that too!

 

[brooster]

Preety much ALL bantams lay like crazy! Just find a breed you like i usually get an egg a day from each of mine (in the summer at least)

 

[Mrs.Puff]

Yep-- same for me. They lay littler eggs of course, but they lay really well. Bantams can sometimes be more broody though, so you gotta consider that too.

 

[orcasislandchickens]

I agree with the above poster. Since this is with a child in mind I think it is one of the times you might want to consider hatchery bantam aracauna/ameracauna birds (easter eggers) maybe from My Pet Chicken where you can get them as sexed (pullets only). They are true muts, not a real breed but are known for a mix of egg colors, lots of eggs, and a freindly disposition. They get a kind of bad rap because people buy them wanting a special rare breed and are dissapointed when they find they are a mix.

They have LOTS of advantages though. Regular frequent laying even in winter, hardy, freindly and calm disposition, multi colored eggs, and they realy seem to shine as a children's backyard pet.

 

[davidb]

Yep most banties are good layers

 

[Mrs.Puff]

Yep-- I've got a couple EE's and they lay really well. Mine aren't especially friendly though. oh well.