First time Bantam QuestionS!

[fushalilly]

I am thinking of ordering assorted bantams from My Pet Chicken (mypetchicken.com)
First of all, are they a reliable, good hatchery to order healthy chicks from?

Second, is it okay that I will have mixed breed chicks if these bantams were to mate? What happens here....?

Will I get edible eggs from the bantam hens?

What breed of bantam rooster would go best with 4 bantam assorted hens? (as in kind to the hens and people!)

ABOUT HATCHING:
Also, how often can I expect these bantams to produce chicks? How does that work?
I have never had a roosetr to fertilize the hens eggs before....

Thanks!

 

[KellyHM]

I've heard lots of good things about them, although I haven't ordered from them myself. You will get mutt chickens if they breed, but that only matters if you care...mutt chickens can be very cute! You will get edible eggs, although they will be slightly smaller than a regular one...otherwise exactly the same though. My Silkie roosters are the most laid back I have, although my Frizzle roos are pretty calm too.

ETA: Some breeds (Silkies & Cochins) go broody quite often and hatch their own eggs up to a couple times a year. Other breeds NEVER go broody no matter how much you want them to, so it depends on what breeds you get.

 

[becky3086]

I can't tell you about the hatchery but it is ok to have mixed breed chicks if that is what you want but the eggs won't sell like purebred chicken eggs will.
Yes, of course, you will get edible eggs, they will just be smaller.
Several bantam breeds are kind to people. I would stay away the games and sebrites though some can be nice.
How often do they produce chicks? Well, as often as they go broody, which is hard to say and whether or not they actually produce chicks depends on a lot of different factors.
I suggest you start searching the internet for more info. on bantams and hatching before you get chicks.
Becky

 

[lurky]

I ordered ameraucana bantams from mypetchicken and i love them. All arrived well. I like bantams the best. they eat less, take up less space, make less mess. Also they are less destructive when free-ranging in the yard. The eggs are 1/2 the size and thats the only thing different about the eggs. Its up to you if you want a mixed flock, or all one breed......but they will get along fine either way. Some breeds are more broody than others and will try to hatch eggs. You can choose if you want to let them keep the eggs to hatch or not.