Can we talk about housing bantams?

[PennDude]

I just picked up 6 Seabright chicks, 3 Silver and 3 Golden, as well as a OEGB cockerel. This is my first time keeping bantams.

I keep a laying flock of 40 hens and 2 roosters who free range all day.

I’m thinking about how I want to keep these bantams, keeping in mind that I’d like to breed the Seabrights and maybe eventually the OEGB if I can find a hen. I have some concerns with the bantams interacting with the layer flock as well as some concerns about winter hardiness. Zone 5 (Northwest Pennsylvania).

I’ve seen some pictures of Bantam “breeding pens” which look to be typically no larger than 2’x8’, most times smaller. I was considering building a few of these inside of my barn. That would help with winter hardiness. So my question is, do folks who keep bantams in these breeding pens keep them in there 24/7/365 or only when they’re actively breeding? I’ve attached a photo of what I intend to build for the bantam housing.

 

[Chicalina]

I have all bantams and I treat them just the same as LF. I have also kept mixed flocks in the past to include LF and seramas. They all live in the coop and run and free range regularly. Why would you confine them into a small space?

I get that for breeding you will want to separate some, but build another proper coop, or section off part of your existing one. They aren't hamsters. They also need to exercise their wings and legs, and forage naturally.

 

[PennDude]

My main concerns were winter hardiness and being picked on by the layer flock. So I wasn’t sure if I should house them indoors during the winter or not. We occasionally see -10 f in the winter. My preference would be for them to free range. I just wanted some reassurance.

 

[SueT]

My bantams live with the big birds too. When my flock free ranges, the bantams free range with them. They don't get picked on by the bigger birds. They have big attitudes, especially Sebrights.
If I was building a coop just for banties, I think you could fit more small than large fowl, but they still need space, roosts, etc.

 

[Chicalina]

In my experience, picking on and the pecking order has absolutely no correlation with the size of the bird!! I've had gentle docile giants in Buff Orpingtons and bossy little bantam polish! My serama rooster had no idea he was a quarter of the size of his big girls! It all comes down to personality.

I have a theory that sometimes bantams are like terrier dogs. Small, feisty and fast! And often more likely to bite than big dogs

As for winter hardiness, so long as they don't sleep in a draught, have other birds to cuddle up to, and can keep dry during the day and night then bantams are just as hardy, especially the hard feathered ones. Insulate your coop if you need to, and use deep litter on the floor to add warmth.

 

[PennDude]

My bantams live with the big birds too. When my flock free ranges, the bantams free range with them. They don't get picked on by the bigger birds. They have big attitudes, especially Sebrights.
If I was building a coop just for banties, I think you could fit more small than large fowl, but they still need space, roosts, etc.
View attachment 2298195

Beautiful birds! I especially love that Welsummer. I think it’s a Welsummer, right?

 

[SueT]

Beautiful birds! I especially love that Welsummer. I think it’s a Welsummer, right?

Well, she's a brown leghorn, they look a LOT like Welsummers.

 

[PennDude]

Well, she's a brown leghorn, they look a LOT like Welsummers.

Ah, now I see the white earlobe.

 

[edgarmongold]

I just picked up 6 Seabright chicks, 3 Silver and 3 Golden, as well as a OEGB cockerel. This is my first time keeping bantams.

I just picked up 6 Seabright chicks, 3 Silver and 3 Golden, as well as a OEGB cockerel. This is my first time keeping bantams.

I keep a laying flock of 40 hens and 2 roosters who free range all day.

I’m thinking about how I want to keep these bantams, keeping in mind that I’d like to breed the Seabrights and maybe eventually the OEGB if I can find a hen. I have some concerns with the bantams interacting with the layer flock as well as some concerns about winter hardiness. Zone 5 (Northwest Pennsylvania).

I’ve seen some pictures of Bantam “breeding pens” which look to be typically no larger than 2’x8’, most times smaller. I was considering building a few of these inside of my barn. That would help with winter hardiness. So my question is, do folks who keep bantams in these breeding pens keep them in there 24/7/365 or only when they’re actively breeding? I’ve attached a photo of what I intend to build for the bantam housing. View attachment 2298184

I keep a laying flock of 40 hens and 2 roosters who free range all day.

I’m thinking about how I want to keep these bantams, keeping in mind that I’d like to breed the Seabrights and maybe eventually the OEGB if I can find a hen. I have some concerns with the bantams interacting with the layer flock as well as some concerns about winter hardiness. Zone 5 (Northwest Pennsylvania).

I’ve seen some pictures of Bantam “breeding pens” which look to be typically no larger than 2’x8’, most times smaller. I was considering building a few of these inside of my barn. That would help with winter hardiness. So my question is, do folks who keep bantams in these breeding pens keep them in there 24/7/365 or only when they’re actively breeding? I’ve attached a photo of what I intend to build for the bantam housing. View attachment 2298184

I breed and house my bantam New Hampshire pairs cages 28” tall 22” long 28” wide.
Individual cages for show stock 20” tall 18” long 15” wide.
Grow out pens 40” tall 36” long ft 48” wide.
All inside a garage all year long due to neighbors dogs.
When you pick up 80 grow out pieces to put in 50# feed sack you make changes.
The main thing is watching humidity.
Make sure and keep bedding dry and good ventilation.
Chickens are quick to adjust to housing.
Main problem a lot of people run into is overcrowding chickens.
The main thing is to enjoy your chickens whatever that means to you. Relaxing therapy for me after a bad day.
You are going to get a lot of different advice on here.
Do what makes you happy and modify if your maintenance is more than you want to do.
Attached is picture of a pair of my New Hampshire Bantam in their pens.
Also have water and feed cups along with whole corn and grit.
Corn is fed in winter so they put on some fat.
Single male is from Ohio National Show where he won Best Breed female from same strain won Reserve Breed.

I just picked up 6 Seabright chicks, 3 Silver and 3 Golden, as well as a OEGB cockerel. This is my first time keeping bantams.

I keep a laying flock of 40 hens and 2 roosters who free range all day.

I’m thinking about how I want to keep these bantams, keeping in mind that I’d like to breed the Seabrights and maybe eventually the OEGB if I can find a hen. I have some concerns with the bantams interacting with the layer flock as well as some concerns about winter hardiness. Zone 5 (Northwest Pennsylvania).

I’ve seen some pictures of Bantam “breeding pens” which look to be typically no larger than 2’x8’, most times smaller. I was considering building a few of these inside of my barn. That would help with winter hardiness. So my question is, do folks who keep bantams in these breeding pens keep them in there 24/7/365 or only when they’re actively breeding? I’ve attached a photo of what I intend to build for the bantam housing. View attachment 2298184

 

[BantyChooks]

I breed and house my bantam New Hampshire pairs cages 28” tall 22” long 28” wide.
Individual cages for show stock 20” tall 18” long 15” wide.
Grow out pens 40” tall 36” long ft 48” wide.
All inside a garage all year long due to neighbors dogs.
When you pick up 80 grow out pieces to put in 50# feed sack you make changes.
The main thing is watching humidity.
Make sure and keep bedding dry and good ventilation.
Chickens are quick to adjust to housing.
Main problem a lot of people run into is overcrowding chickens.
The main thing is to enjoy your chickens whatever that means to you. Relaxing therapy for me after a bad day.
You are going to get a lot of different advice on here.
Do what makes you happy and modify if your maintenance is more than you want to do.
Attached is picture of a pair of my New Hampshire Bantam in their pens.
Also have water and feed cups along with whole corn and grit.
Corn is fed in winter so they put on some fat.
Single male is from Ohio National Show where he won Best Breed female from same strain won Reserve Breed.

Beautiful birds! Love the balance on the male.