I want to buy a bantam breed but dont know what to get. . . any ideas? ? ?

[MeghanChickLady]

I'm looking for a small, easy-to-manage chicken breed. Good looks, nice feathers, able to fly. No feathered feet. Small, or as small as can be. No bald or "naked" necks. At least semi-intelligent, enough so that if a fox comes in, it knows to try and fly away instead of stand there and get eaten. Light-weight, and doesn't require much feed.

Any ideas?

Preferably not silkies, or anything similar, because I live in central Vermont. It can get cold and silky feathers aren't the most insulating things out there. I have some, and I pity them(its their first winter, not even snowing yet, and theyre crazy) in the cold. I do love that breed, but they don't well in my area.

Thanks!

 

[BantamLover55]

I would recommend Sumatra bantams. They are very ornamental, good fliers, and intelligent. I have found that they do need some heat in the winter, though.

 

[MeghanChickLady]

Sumatra! Thank you. Are they good, small, breedable birds?

 

[BantamLover55]

You're welcome! They aren't one of the smallest bantams, but they are fairly small. You can breed them as well. They do best outside.

 

[MeghanChickLady]

Wonderful! Just what im looking for,honestly. If I get this breed, I`ll definitely keep you updated on how theyre doing. Do you have any of your own?

 

[dheltzel]

You just described Old English Game Bantams. They come in many colors and can be cheap from hatcheries, or quite pricey for show stock. Hens make good mothers, though they can't cover many eggs, they are just tiny.

 

[BantamLover55]

Wonderful! Just what im looking for,honestly. If I get this breed, I`ll definitely keep you updated on how theyre doing. Do you have any of your own?

Sounds great! Glad I could help you out. Yes, I have five bantams and one standard size.

 

[mtngirl35]

My grandfather raised old english game bantams when I was a kid. They were very good around all us grandkids and so small and cute. They would fly right up onto our shoulders. Seems like there were newly hatched chicks every spring. They free ranged and either slept in his garage or in the trees in the yard. They loved the snow. They didn't have leg feathers, naked necks, or anything fancy, just small,slim chickens. Out of all the chickens he ever had there was only one that was mean and he was turned into a pot of dumplins after he flogged my grandmother. I plan on getting some when we buy a place with more room.

 

[MeghanChickLady]

My grandfather raised old english game bantams when I was a kid. They were very good around all us grandkids and so small and cute. They would fly right up onto our shoulders. Seems like there were newly hatched chicks every spring. They free ranged and either slept in his garage or in the trees in the yard. They loved the snow. They didn't have leg feathers, naked necks, or anything fancy, just small,slim chickens. Out of all the chickens he ever had there was only one that was mean and he was turned into a pot of dumplins after he flogged my grandmother. I plan on getting some when we buy a place with more room.

that's awesome! Ive heard of how good Old English Game are form other forums. I thinks my choices are narrowed down to old English game and Sumatra. Thank you all so much, every one of you!