Mixing Bantams and standards

[Schroeder]

I've built a fantastic coop, but smaller than I would have liked due to cost considerations. It is 6'x6'x6' high, 18" off the ground and insulated. I've borrowed an incubator and plan my first hatching effort this Spring. I'm aiming towards 6 hens and 1 rooster, but already know that will be far too few to satisfy my growing addiction.

Would there be any problems if instead I were to aim for say 4 bantam hens, 1 bantam rooster, and 5 standard hens? It gets pretty cold here in the winter so they will spend a lot of time inside despite the attached 12' x 16' run.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I've never had problems mixing bantams and standards, but you may want to be careful on your selection of breeds to avoid ones that are/can be aggressive. For 6x6x6 you can increase the amount of space by adding a loft area to perhaps half or it.

 

[sandypaws]

yes a loft area.. or poles for roosting at night.. and/or nesting boxes off the ground too...
try to make as much "space" as you can..
i have never had a problem mixing banties and ST size chickens..
and make sure you get a calm tempered rooster

 

[pbjmaker]

I have a mix of standard and banties with no problems - just make sure the breeds are cold hardy.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Our flock consists of 5 standard hens, 5 banty hens, and 3 banty roosters. We have no problem, generally. The big girls rule the roost, the roos are all henpecked by someone, and even though out-sized, the little girls cope just fine. Just make sure your little ones aren't being pecked to death. Otherwise, things will work out fine like with every flock.