Dutch Bantams Breed Thread

[mama24]

Thanks! My daughter weighs about 27lbs (12kg.) She'll be 3 in July, but is small for her age. My friend's daughter who just turned 2 a few weeks ago is the same size, height and weight. That little gray pullet is the same size as my 4 week old silkies. The only chick I currently have that is smaller than her is a 4 week old bantam Polish. I don't know if that gives you a better idea of her size. She might be 7 or 8 weeks old now. I am bad at keeping track. She's much smaller than a black cockeral I have that I am pretty sure is an OEGB. She can run underneath my standard size EE chicks I bought the same day. And yes, they are hatchery.

Well, even if she is a Dutch mix, she convinces me I like bantams a lot more than I thought I would. I never saw the point in getting any until I couldn't resist the cuteness in the bantam bin. Maybe some day when we have more room, I'll get some real Dutch.

 

[Pathfinders]

Bantams are ideal for kids. Easier to handle, care for, and wash (should they wish to show them.)

Enjoy!

 

[spiritdance]

I agree wholeheartedly that Dutchies are the best! Mine are favorites of the entire family, from my mom to my kids, and even the DH. They're always up for a cuddle, and my little roos are hysterically funny the way they strut around like the big roos yet come running for attention as soon as one of their "human pets" comes around. I have some friendly large birds, too, but nowhere near as friendly and personable as these guys. The only other chickens I have that come even close are my silkies.

 

[mama24]

Quote:
I was always told bantams were mean. That, along with the tiny eggs they lay, convinced me to say no thanks. But these Dutch (even if they are a mix!) are really changing my mind. They're so sweet! I also have 3 that I think are gold Dutch, and they are also very very sweet. They look exactly like the pics on Feathersite, but maybe like you said, they are too big (they seem tiny to me. They are about 7-8 weeks old, and their bodies, including the tail, are about the same length as my hand. The younger ones are way smaller.) The little cockeral is so tiny, but he bumps chests with all of the other little cockerals, no matter how much bigger they are. Including the meat chickens, whose feet alone probably outweigh him! ROFL. It's so funny to watch. Such sweet, yet spunky little things!

 

[Pathfinders]

Oh no, Dutch are (usually) sweet as can be, although I have had the infrequent nasty cock bird. Look at my avatar picture, that's a Dutch hen sitting on my shoulder whispering in my ear! She used to fly right up to talk to me whenever I went into her pen.

 

[Matt A NC]

Dutch are the sweetest and neediest birds you will ever meet. They will follow you everywhere and insist on your attention and whatever treat you may have hidden in your pocket. A half full feed bucket is the best place to take a nap, lay an egg, and then eat before taking off again.

I was really tired a few days ago, so I just sat down at the picnic table and laid my head on the table. A few minutes later I had 2 girls pecking at the top of my head to get my attention. I had heard them talking for quite a while. I thought if I ignored them they would get bored and wonder off. TwoTwo was leading and she had Sprite(Amber's daughter) with her. TwoTwo will be 4 this year. She is from Laura(Pathfinders) VIA a former friend. Her sister(Amber) is currently setting on an empty nest. Since my 2 breeding Dutch Roos was all that was out, I am able to let them have free run of the entire acre yard. They explore maybe 1/6 of it. They tend to hang around the big cherry tree which is where they are shut up at night in the freerange house. They also like the bushes here below the house. They are usually close to some sort of cover just in case. They are a fairly intelligent breed.

Matt

 

[Pathfinders]

Quote:
You have some of my birdies? How cool is that. Did I know that and am I having a senior moment here? Anyway, pat them for me, k?

 

[NottinghamChicks]

Got this tiny little fertile egg from a friend to hatch under my broody and wonder if it is a Dutch Bantam. It was layed by a group of ferral hens that took up in her yard and she now cares for them

I have seen the group and they look like Dutch Bantams and are very tiny. The legs on the chick have darkened up a bit and are not the yellowish green they seem to be in the pick, they are more gray looking. I named her Cricket and she is around three inches tall and was born on the 22nd of April.

 

[mama24]

All the ones I have that I think are Dutch have gray legs. I was told they are OEGB if they have yellow legs.

HTH!

 

[spiritdance]

Yes, Dutchies have blue gray legs and white earlobes. Their earlobes can be slow developing though.