LOOKING FOR A BANTAM BREED...GOT ANY IDEAS??

[MeghanChickLady]

I an searching for small, light-weight, good looking, easy-to-manage chickens that have good feathers, don't require too much feed, are good brooders, and don't have naked necks or feathered feet. Preferably not silky feathered, or anything similar, because that doesn't do well in cold.

Got any ideas?

Please help! Thanks!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Do they need to be good egg layers?

Some of the most hardy, most independant and and easy to manage bantams are Old English Game. They often go broody and make good mothers. Many Old English Game can derive a large portion of their diet from good quality foraging. However, they aren't particularly good egg layers.

Cornish bantams may also go broody. However, they aren't as self-sufficient as Old English Game. Other possible choices include Ameraucana bantams, Wyandotte bantams, and Orpington bantams.

 

[keesmom]

You may have to compromise. Most of the light weight, feed-efficient breeds are Mediterraneans, and they generally are not broody nor calm. Bantam Wyandottes, RIR, and EEs are definitely not light weight, and vary in temperment and broodiness. Sumatras may be a possibility.

 

[MeghanChickLady]

Do they need to be good egg layers?

Some of the most hardy, most independant and and easy to manage bantams are Old English Game. They often go broody and make good mothers. Many Old English Game can derive a large portion of their diet from good quality foraging. However, they aren't particularly good egg layers.

Cornish bantams may also go broody. However, they aren't as self-sufficient as Old English Game. Other possible choices include Ameraucana bantams, Wyandotte bantams, and Orpington bantams.

Thank you for the advice. . .I DO want a bird that can make up some of its own diet. While I am not looking for eggs to eat, I am looking for eggs to lay/hatch, so I DO need a couple eggs.

 

[MeghanChickLady]

You may have to compromise. Most of the light weight, feed-efficient breeds are Mediterraneans, and they generally are not broody nor calm. Bantam Wyandottes, RIR, and EEs are definitely not light weight, and vary in temperment and broodiness. Sumatras may be a possibility.

again, thank you for the advice. You all obviously have more chicken knowledge than I do! ha ha I am not quite sure what I`ll be getting yet, but you've all definitely narrowed it down for me. Thanks!

 

[keesmom]

Wyandottes7 suggestion of Old English Games is a good one. Very self sufficient and they make excellent mothers. I just happen to like the look of the Sumatras.

 

[MeghanChickLady]

yeah, Im probably going to get a mix of both. Don't know yet, but I want to be prepared for spring, you know? Thank, guys!