Hi folks from WLA!

[aliris]

I have some more ultra-stupid questions that I think I'll post in here: ¿what's a bantam? Is that a immature male chicken?? Wait, is a "chicken" a female by definition?... that can't be right, I'm sure I've heard of a "bantam hen"... haven't I??

¿ I know all chickens aren't always on a strictly 24hr schedule. And more, that not all chickens will lay all year round once they start laying. But... is a fallow period predictable for all? (I'm guessing no way) What does a fallow period depend on - daylight? stress? age? temperature? etc etc? Is this sort of information known; are all chickens well-studied? Who studies chickens (and why?)

tia...

 

[chrissynemetz]

A bantam is a small breed of chicken. An adult male chicken is a rooster or a cock, a young male is a cockerel. An adult female chicken is a hen, a young female is a pullet. But both male and female are chickens. Most hens stop laying while they're going through their molt, which they do usually once a year. Many hens don't lay eggs during the shorter days of winter

 

[aliris]

Bingo, thank you! So many answers in so few words!!

 

[aliris]

...so bantams are small by "design" as it were, or definition? Sort of like ponies are small horses?

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to the pulse beat of the poultry community, BACKYARD CHICKENS

 

[416bigbore]

...so bantams are small by "design" as it were, or definition? Sort of like ponies are small horses?

A lot of domesticated animals have been crossbred to create a miniature of the full size animal. Many people like the smaller version because they are easer to care for over a full sized animal like a horse.

 

[aliris]

A lot of domesticated animals have been crossbred to create a miniature of the full size animal. Many people like the smaller version because they are easer to care for over a full sized animal like a horse.

I really had no idea...! smh.

 

[416bigbore]

I really had no idea...! smh.

It's all good, that is why people ask questions if they don't know!

 

[drumstick diva]

Gee I guess my mother was a bantam (under 5'tall), I'm a bit taller. Better small than not at all plus, small folks leave a smaller footprint on the earth. So do bantam chickens

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC!
My best advice: the neighbors may care what your coop looks like, the chickens will not. If it is secure, dry, and has plenty of room and ventilation, your chickens will be happy.
Good luck and have fun!