Best egg-laying Bantam? Let's give the Little Ones a chance?

[HotDesertChick]

Very sound advice, Mary. I am hoping to try more than one breed initially, for the very reason that you state. But doesn't this mean I am forced into buying from a huge commercial hatchery? If I go this route, will the various chickens tend to be of lesser quality within their respective breed standards? Kinda spooky about buying from a "one-stop-shop". Am I worrying too much?

 

[Folly's place]

Yeah, you are worrying too much. You aren't going to start with SQ anything, because buying chicks from eight different purebred breeders will be a logistical nightmare, and dangerous from a disease standpoint. Get a mixed group, realize that they won't win at the big shows, but you are trying to get a feeling for the breeds as a start. By the way, I fell in love with my one 'free chick' from MMcM last year, a Fayoume cockrel. He was too cute, and started crowing at 28 days of age! Mary

 

[HotDesertChick]

Thanks again, Mary. "Buying chicks from eight....." YES!...That could readily become a nightmare. But I would still like high quality chickens to start out with. Even if I have to pare down the number of breeds from which to select "near-perfection" ? How can I judge any breed, if I order/receive second-rate chicks?

I also don't want to try every breed, to find just one bantam breed/strain that is hardy, pretty, and productive. I am hoping for more bantam, and "small-breed chix" owners to offer their opinions about egg production, and other breed qualities. Gotta narrow the playing field,...where ever I buy chicks. I take GOOD care of my "babies", and it becomes sometimes difficult to cull some of the newbies.

 

[dekel18042]

I would consider getting a mixed group of banties, selecting for different colors and different egg colors, and see what works well, and who you like best. Have some fun, and then maybe pick a breed to go on with. mary

X2 When I was a child we had bantams. Not sure of the breed.
We have large fowl which I enjoy, but my husband wanted to try bantams so he got an assortment. Not sure what each one is, but am seeing differences already. By next year should have figured out all the breeds, and which breeds are my favorite as far as egg laying and temperament goes.