Indoor bantam pullet

[Anansi]

We have 2 indoor banties, one is about a year old, the other is 5 months. The older one molted shortly after coming to us last October, and finally started laying in mid February. The 5 month old is currently molting, and hasn't started laying. My question is do banties mature at a different rate than the standard breeds, and does being a spoiled indoor chicken have anything to do with it? Obviously they are very people friendly and good chicken ambassadors since they go out to pet stores and outdoor areas such as parks with us (yes, they do well on leash).

 

[JaeG]

It varies with all breeds - production breeds can start laying at 16 weeks old, and I've read about some Silkies being over a year old before they started so there really is a huge amount of variation. I love bantams - so much personality in such a cute, little package!

 

[Snow Flamingo]

Hello! I'm hoping to raise a Bantam Buff Orpington Spring 2018, well at least 3, but will be keeping only one as a house pet. A friend is adopting the others. Do you let them have free access to the house? I have an XL dog cage set up for inside, but am a little concerned about my dog. I plan to spend Alot of time with all three at first, them just mine, handling, feeding by hand, etc.......as well as working with my dog and the chicks.
Am curious what your indoor setup is like and when you started leash training.
Thank you for your post!