reasons to choose bantam chickens?

[crazedguinea]

i like bantams because i personally find them cute/pretty and more manageable for myself and my situation because of their small size, but are they good layers or can they be used for meals if needed/if one chooses? or do most people raise them for shows and pets only? I am just curious to get some more insight from people who have more poultry experience than i do. thank you!

 

[Teach97]

like everything...things are very variable from individual to individual...but yes bantams can be used for all of those things and I use them for all of those things...show birds typically have lost some of their laying abilities and will quit sooner an not as often as say hatchery chicks...none will give you great meat conversion or large meals much like the eggs...takes more eggs for an omlete takes more birds for a meal of fried chicken...my birds fill all of the roles you listed...I mainly like them small because I can fit more in less space.

 

[pbjmaker]

I have mostly bantam breeds and mine just started laying. If you don't mind using two eggs for every one called for in a recipe then their eggs are just as good. I made egg noodles with some the other day. Right now I am getting about 4 eggs per day out of 6 that I know are laying - there might be a couple more laying but I'm not sure yet.

 

[Msbear]

I can't say enough good things about banties. They are great for kids because of their size and they eat much less while still giving you a substantial sized egg comparative to eating huge amounts and giving you and bit larger of an egg... make sense?

They are also so much easier on your garden. I let mine free range in my flower gardens and their little feet won't dig up my pentunias and leave a trail of destruction behind them

They come in just about any breed and color so there is still a wonderful selection. They are also great in the show ring.

The absolute best reason to have bantams is because you can keep so many more in a smaller space!!

 

[vfem]

I like my banties... though they are a bit larger then usual. They lay at least 4-5 eggs a week and I believe if people eat quail you can eat a banty chicken just fine!

 

[herechickchick]

I LOVE my bantams. They are sweet and funny. They lay well and make great broodies and mothers. I think they are all around an excellent choice for a chicken lover. Just keep in mind they fly much better than their LF counterparts, well there are a few exceptions (Silkies

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[sandypaws]

i love banties!!!! they are cute and personable and so many are just PRETTY.. you can own more of them for the same feed.. ect..

the ONLY bad thing.. it is harder to keep them IN the coop/fence.. some of them are so tiny they can SQUUEEEEEZE out of very small areas... or are so light they can be good fliers