INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Chaneys Ranch]

Does any one here breed bantams? If so, what breed? My 11 year old daughter would love to get some NEXT year, after we move to a bigger place. She is LOVING the whole chicken experience and would like to raise and care for a coop full of bantams on her own (she is thinking about maybe 5-10 different breeds of bantams).

I hope to next year, will be working on some breeding stock later in the summer.

 

[strssdmom]

I hope to next year, will be working on some breeding stock later in the summer.

What do bantams usually sell for? Are they any more difficult to raise? What are things to consider before raising bantams?

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: I am a noobie on them too, so far, they are pretty easy, I picked up a few at TSC a month or so ago. Smaller wire for the coop, I can already see, mine are fully feathered and still walk thru chain link! My seabrights look like a little wild bird almost, so tiny!

 

[strssdmom]

I am a noobie on them too, so far, they are pretty easy, I picked up a few at TSC a month or so ago. Smaller wire for the coop, I can already see, mine are fully feathered and still walk thru chain link! My seabrights look like a little wild bird almost, so tiny!

So cool! I hope she can get some next year. She has a few full size in our community coop, but she likes to have her own animals. LOL She is going to be my little veterinarian/farmer.

 

[BackyardBitten]

ok thanks pipdz, thanks for looking! they both pretty much are identical, so if one is, then the other is as well. was so hoping they would be pullets.

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

What do bantams usually sell for? Are they any more difficult to raise? What are things to consider before raising bantams?

Bantams are wonderful and even easier to raise than large fowl: Less food, less room, less poop.

I can support my craving for "some of every breed' easier with bantams.

I used to only want the large birds and their more marketable eggs, but I have changed in the last several years.Though I still keep a layer flock of assorted big girls; Leghorns, Ameraucanas, Marans

Bantams lay a surprisingly large egg for their size. The bird may be 75% smaller but often the egg is just 50% (or less) smaller than the large fowl counterpart.

In my opinion, some bantam varieties are more attractive than the LF breed. Cochins and Brahmas for example. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[me me me]

OMG the chicken math got me all messed up and also found its way into the goat equations Good thing I had a 40x50 horse barn to coop and pen so far the count reads 78 new chickens. 3 Pygmy goats, 2 milk goats, and 1fainting goat. Three of the goats are bottle babies. I will not go back to a livestock auction for a LONG LONG time. After a very busy weekend everyone is comfortable.

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

OMG the chicken math got me all messed up and also found its way into the goat equations Good thing I had a 40x50 horse barn to coop and pen so far the count reads 78 new chickens. 3 Pygmy goats, 2 milk goats, and 1fainting goat. Three of the goats are bottle babies. I will not go back to a livestock auction for a LONG LONG time. After a very busy weekend everyone is comfortable.

Sounds like you have the "chicken flu".

Like other viruses, you have to build up an immunity to it. But you will never be entirely free of it and will be prone to suffering frequent relapses.

I have it myself.

You should avoid exposure to livestock auctions, feed stores, swap meets and Rural King to lessen the symptoms.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote:
agreed! I wanted a small group to start out, and figured if I like them, I will start looking at which I really want to breed. So far they are just TOO sweet! I love the LF birds too, but the little seabrights are just so pretty! I got a few silke and some 'i haven't a clue

My camera skills stink, I have to beg for pictures but will post some if I can corner one of my DD's.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: Aww, so wonderful for her! Both are wonderful careers

Quote:

All i have to do is look into those adorable big eyes and I am toast. Chicken flu is at epidemic proportions here too!

I have one more goat planned, (Oberhasli doe) will have her in a few weeks, and then its on to cows. My pigs breeding didn't seem to take, so I may have to look for some piglets to fill the freezer this fall. The 3 I have are my breeding stock, but my berk is still to young.