Do you prefer bantams or standard size?

[kyeschicks]

Why or why not.

 

[JaeG]

I love my bantams. They are great mothers and have so much personality in such a small package. And they are so cute as chicks! I like my big girls, but I love my bantams.

 

[JedJackson]

I like lighter breeds of standard size chickens best. Great egg layers, beautiful, lively, economical and not as vulnerable to predation as bantams or heavy breeds. But I like em all, really.

 

[lazy gardener]

I started my first flock with bantams. 49 years ago. I now prefer LF b/c they are better layers, of larger eggs, not as prone to go broody. I sell extra eggs. If you want to sell extras, LF are almost a MUST. However your signature implies, you are an urban dweller. If you only want a few eggs for your own personal use, do not intend to sell eggs, and do not use a lot of eggs, you might be happy with bantams. I suggest that you do some thread searches re: bantams, then go to Henderson's chicken breed's chart and research the various LF breeds. One thing I definitely urge you to avoid, in your situation is the "production hybrids". They lay prolifically for the first season or two, then usually succumb to reproductive aliments if you do not cull them first.

 

[Silkylover12]

I love bantams! They are so fun and are easy to hold too. I originally had normal sized but I just liked the bantams better.

 

[kyeschicks]

Thank you guys for your replies and the advice!

 

[Sublight]

I have 2 silkies, and they are BY FAR OUR FAVORITES. Problem is they lay teeny tiny eggs. We have them as live in incubators.

 

[BantyChooks]

Hm... tough one.

LF are more useful and lay eggs that aren't forever not quite fitting into recipes.

Bantams have great personalities and are more range wary than many types of LF, plus they can fly a bit to get away from baddies. Downside is they're permanently broody.

I suppose I've sort of chosen a compromise---my favourite bird's a bantam, but the vast majority of my flock members are LF Chanteclers.

 

[TattooedChicks]

Bantams all the way. They really fit my urban environment and I can have more birds than I could if I’d bought large fowl. They are more of a productive pet for us, valued just as much for their personalities and the care routine as they are for any eggs. If I had my dream homestead though, I’d have both for the fun of it. Marans and Orpingtons and Legbars as far as the eye could see. I love those big fresh eggs.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I have SF in several breeds. Generally good producers (everyone is molting now) and friendly. Not snuggling lap chickens but they don't run seemingly terrified either.

I second @lazy gardener on "production hybrids." My first girls were unwanted 2 year olds and I had no idea. Lost most of them within 2 years to reproductive issues. I now get duel purpose birds. Good egg layers and could be eaten. (Mine will never be dinner)

I got an accidental Bantam this year. She's just over 2 lbs. She's so stinkin cute I decided she needed a friend. I got a Bantam Cochin who is happy to be picked up and pet. She's not even 2 lbs. Have yet to get an egg from either of them.