Keeping bantams and LF together?

[Evelyn Walker]

Hello! I want to get a few bantams (Cochins, particularly) for my small backyard flock (10 hens, various breeds, and 1 rooster), and I was wondering if it's a good idea (or if it's even possible) to keep standards and bantams together? I know that most bantams are about half the size of LF birds, and I wouldn't want to bring them here just for them to be constantly picked on by the big girls. Their coop is about 8.5ft x 6ft, and they free range almost all day. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

It depends. You can certainly try to mix them, but I would get at least 6 bantams. If they are free ranging the whole day anyway then it would probably easier to keep them together

 

[Squishychicken]

I breed seramas and whatever boys I really like and wanna keep but arnt good for breeding goin my main flocks pen. I have had bad experiences with Lf roos and just gave up on them. Bantie boys I just get along with better. There small enough they mate or attempt to with the hens there not successful but they dont hurt the hens and theres less of a chance of the girls backs getting damaged just cause there so small. Not saying LF roos are bad or bantie boys cant be mean it just works better for me and my set up. I've only had a few hens in with the flock but they did good. One hen actually was at the top of pecking order she was second I do believe. It really just depends on your birds and how it works for you. Definantly agree though at least 3 banties cause they need buddies to bond with

 

[Evelyn Walker]

It depends. You can certainly try to mix them, but I would get at least 6 bantams. If they are free ranging the whole day anyway then it would probably easier to keep them together

Hmmm, makes sense, but I don't think I can get 6. Thank you, though!

 

[Rlmp817]

I currently have 2 large fowl and 3 bantams coexisting very well. I also added 3 BO pullets this spring, right now they are about 11 weeks and have settled in quite well. I also have 5 babies (1-3 weeks 3 bantams, 2 LF) in the in coop brooder and they are integrating as they want to quite nicely,both with each other and with the adults.

I think if you get the bantams as chicks and do an in coop brood (wire crate so everyone can see everyone) then it will work very well. The adults get used to the little ones early and don't see them as a resource threat.

 

[honeythechicken]

It depends,even on the personality of your chickens. I've had had bantams and large fowls live together. Try to slowly introduce them and a possibly get a few bantams so they don't get picked on as much.

 

[Evelyn Walker]

I currently have 2 large fowl and 3 bantams coexisting very well. I also added 3 BO pullets this spring, right now they are about 11 weeks and have settled in quite well. I also have 5 babies (1-3 weeks 3 bantams, 2 LF) in the in coop brooder and they are integrating as they want to quite nicely,both with each other and with the adults.

I think if you get the bantams as chicks and do an in coop brood (wire crate so everyone can see everyone) then it will work very well. The adults get used to the little ones early and don't see them as a resource threat. View attachment 1736109 View attachment 1736110 View attachment 1736111

OK, thanks!

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I have standard size and bantams together. I even have 2 half bantams. (Both from Bantam roosters)

11 standard (2 roos) with 6 Bantam (1 roo) and 2 half Bantam. All live together here. I make sure there are multiple food and water areas and places the little ones can get away if they need to. Either up high or down and under something.

I have 3 Bantam Cochin girls and all are quite feisty. My little Bantam roo is a Porcelain D’Uccle and the sweetest bird. My bigger girls aren’t interested in him mating with them but it doesn’t stop him from trying. LOL

I agree it depends on the personalities of your birds. And look the bantams that are known to be more feisty if you’re worried. Breed personality isn’t always a guarantee but they get a reputation for a reason.

And I agree 3-4 added would be better then just 1-2.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you could join the Flock! Let me know if you need anything!

 

[Ra_]

I keep my Serama pairs in individual habitats during the day but a few of them get free range time before dusk. I also have large breed birds.
How they interact depends on the personality.
Some are just chill with each other but some have to be separated.
Some Serama have a lot of heart. It's like David vs. Goliath.

A few hatches ago I hatched 16 Rainbow Rock and 1 Serama.
If I tried to separate her from that little flock, she would scream her head off.
She got banged around but she was happy.
Three weeks later I hatched another dozen so I moved her to that flock.
Now all 29 birds are together and she's pals with everyone.
They've got an 8' x 16' habitat to play in.
She's 5 and a half weeks old and the younger flock is 2 weeks old.
I've got a hatch due in 10 days and she will go in with them.
She'll show the kids the ropes.
I called her Cletus but turns out she'll need a girl's name.
She's also extra tiny, even for a Serama.
So it's Land of the Giants for her.

This isn't her, it's two different birds of the same breeds.