We got a bantam roo at the feed store today. I've been eyeing him for awhile because he is so ridiculously cute as has the most adorable crow. I have four standard size hens. Right now, he is in his own pen where he and the girls can stare at each other. I will continue this for three days at least to make sure he's healthy. Anyone have success integrating a bantam roo with standard hen? He has been showing off and crowing all afternoon, and my girls are very curious about him. Fertilized eggs are not my goal, btw, it's fine if they aren't, I just fell in love with the little guy! I'm going to try to post a pic of him with my daughter on the ride home.
You need to continue that for 4-6 weeks, not days. And even then, you won't know if he's a carrier of some diseases like Marek's Disease. So, first of all, extend that quarantine and keep him away from all the hens so they CANT see each other or breathe the same air, generally. Check out the quarantine link in my signature line. I have a bantam Cochin with big old Orpington hens. They are not thrilled with his antics, but he takes good care of them. He's cute and so is your daughter!
Can you take another picture of his head? For some reason in the picture I don't see eyes or much of anything up there... its really psyching me out. If your going to quarantine then the poster above is absolutely correct. Since your not a breeder I wouldn't think you would want to do darwanism (survival of the fittest). Other than that I've heard of bantam roos with standard hens. I personally keep only bantams because even between bantams there is enough of a size difference to worry me!
