Crossbreeding Bantams with Full-Size Chickens – Has Anyone Tried This?

[Thomas of Myr]

Hi everyone,

I'm curious if anyone here has experience with crossbreeding small bantams like Sebrights or Seramas with large full-size chickens. I'm working on a long-term project to develop a compact, productive, and ornamental landrace flock suited for a small permaculture homestead.

One of the ideas I’m exploring is mixing the unique traits of bantams (like their small size, hardiness, and beauty) with the more robust genetics or laying potential of standard breeds. But I’m wondering—what’s the best way to go about this?

Has anyone here tried crossing bantams with full-sized chickens?

What combinations did you use?

Did you pair a large rooster with small hens, or the other way around?

Were there any issues with size differences when mating or hatching?

What were the offspring like in terms of size, temperament, and traits?


Any insight, success stories, or even failures would be super helpful. I’m especially interested in sustainable flock development, so I’m in it for the long game.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I have a mixed flock, so I've had chicks from male bantams and female large breeds as well as the other way around. Some stay compact, others are in-between sizes .

 

[Chicken_Obsesser]

I've tried but my roosters are too small lol.