Starting a bantam flock... maybe.

[myawesomepullets]

I've been considering something... I might start a bantam flock this spring. I have several questions.

1. First of all, I have this old rabbit hutch that I was wondering if it would be good to repurpose to a bantam flock coop. I was wondering if (with a bit of modification, ofc) it would be good as a bantam coop, and if it would be big enough.

2. Are there any special things about bantams (other than size) different from standard chickens that I should know?

3. I'm planning to get chicks from Tractor Supply. I know that they have "assorted" bantams, so I was wondering what that means, and what breeds are included.

4. Finally, I know that the bantams at TS are straight run, so if I get a roo, is it very easy/hard to rehome a bantam roo?

Thank you if you answer this, or just see it, and have a wonderful day/evening!

 

[Chookchicken]

The coop that you have pictured would only fit at most 3 or 4 bantams.

There aren’t any major differences from apart for the size.

Assorted bantams means whatever bantam breeds they decided to try and hatch. Often this included‘s Silkies (which have black skin), Pekins/Cochins, Brahma‘s, and Wyandotte’s. Those are the some of most common ones though you can also get other breeds. you‘ll know which ones are Silkies because of they’re black skin but with the rest you won’t be able to tell until they’re older.

Like selling any rooster it depends on the breed and if someone is looking for a rooster or not. It may be harder because people who have bantams often have small backyard flocks which means they can’t have roosters.

 

[myawesomepullets]

The coop that you have pictured would only fit at most 3 or 4 bantams.

There aren’t any major differences from apart for the size.

Assorted bantams means whatever bantam breeds they decided to try and hatch. Often this included‘s Silkies (which have black skin), Pekins/Cochins, Brahma‘s, and Wyandotte’s. Those are the some of most common ones though you can also get other breeds. you‘ll know which ones are Silkies because of they’re black skin but with the rest you won’t be able to tell until they’re older.

Like selling any rooster it depends on the breed and if someone is looking for a rooster or not. It may be harder because people who have bantams often have small backyard flocks which means they can’t have roosters.

I realized I actually had some hutch measurements I took a while ago, about 8 sq ft in total, so you're right; about 4-5 bantams! (Thanks!) I'm also wondering (if you know this) whether they could share the yard with my 4 standard hens. It's pretty big, a bit bigger than 625 sq ft.

 

[NatJ]

1. First of all, I have this old rabbit hutch that I was wondering if it would be good to repurpose to a bantam flock coop. I was wondering if (with a bit of modification, ofc) it would be good as a bantam coop, and if it would be big enough.

Depending on your climate, it might be fine.

For space, plan on 2 square feet per bantam in the coop. So measure the length and width and figure out how big it is, and you can figure out how many bantams it can house.

2. Are there any special things about bantams (other than size) different from standard chickens that I should know?

They fly much better than bigger chickens do (exceptions: silkies and frizzles don't fly because of their different kinds of feathers. I'm not sure whether Cochin bantams fly. I know Cornish bantams can fly, even though they are shaped like minature Butterball turkeys.)

Bantams can have the same range of temperaments that big chickens can-- some will try to rule the flock, while some others are picked on at the bottom of the pecking order. If you have bantams with larger chickens, the bantams could end up anywhere in the pecking order, not reliably at the bottom or the top.

3. I'm planning to get chicks from Tractor Supply. I know that they have "assorted" bantams, so I was wondering what that means, and what breeds are included.

"Assorted" bantams means the hatchery took a bunch of purebred bantam chicks and put them in a box together, and sent them to Tractor Supply. Different Tractor Supply stores get their chicks from different hatcheries, which could mean different breeds in the bantam assortment. The assortment can also vary from week to week, even from the same hatchery, depending on which breeds hatch how well that week.

Even if you do not know the exact breed of each chick, you can choose or avoid certain traits. For example, a chick with fuzzy feet will grow up to have feathers on their feet. Extra toes are visible from the day they hatch. A lump on the head usually grows a crest of feathers on the head. Puffy cheeks mean muff/beard when the chick grows up. Rose combs are little flat spots on the chick's head, while single combs have a row of very tiny points even from the first day. Certain colors of chicks also grow into certain colors of adults, although some chicks look more alike than others.

4. Finally, I know that the bantams at TS are straight run, so if I get a roo, is it very easy/hard to rehome a bantam roo?

I don't know about rehoming, because I usually butcher extra roosters. Yes, bantams are edible-- they're just small. (But some people eat quail, which are very small too.)

I'm also wondering (if you know this) whether they could share the yard with my 4 standard hens. It's pretty big, a bit bigger than 625 sq ft.

Yes, the bantams can probably share with the standard hens. Watch out in case they fly over the fence, and provide at least 2 feeders, 2 waterers, 2 nice shady patches, etc. (so they can choose to hang out as separate groups if they want to, and neither group can hog all the good stuff.)

 

[myawesomepullets]

Thank you!! This is a lot of good information.

 

[Banana01]

Thank you!! This is a lot of good information.

I have a bantam flock and they are very aggressive, but i love them a lot and it is hard to get rid of the roosters.

 

[Chookchicken]

I realized I actually had some hutch measurements I took a while ago, about 8 sq ft in total, so you're right; about 4-5 bantams! (Thanks!) I'm also wondering (if you know this) whether they could share the yard with my 4 standard hens. It's pretty big, a bit bigger than 625 sq ft.

It should be fine

 

[Weeg]

1. First of all, I have this old rabbit hutch that I was wondering if it would be good to repurpose to a bantam flock coop. I was wondering if (with a bit of modification, ofc) it would be good as a bantam coop, and if it would be big enough.

First off, congrats on considering bantams! I have a bantam flock and love them, they really are the best.
As for the hutch, I use a hutch almost exactly the same as that for my bantams. I have 7 bantams in the enclosure. Not sure what the dimensions of your hutch, but if its the same size as mine it could work. The hardest part with that design I find is perch space. If the perch takes up to much space the coop becomes to small. You have to setup perches so they can use the space underneath and still have enough perch room. That part is definitely tricky. If you find space in your run that you can wall in for protection from wind/rain, then you can put perches outside without an issue.
Otherwise, that coop will work well as a nesting area, but I do suggest trying to set things up so you can have a protected perch space outside.
Like stated above, 2sft of space per bird.

2. Are there any special things about bantams (other than size) different from standard chickens that I should know?

Like stated above, they are great flier, and escape artists. Adding high perches to their run will be greatly appreciated by them, and helps to reduce boredom. Otherwise, they are pretty similar to standards. Great temperament, though roosters tend to be more assertive, (not always aggressive, just assertive I'd say) than standards, so make sure to assert yourself as the leader. Mine have never flogged me, but do like to do the mating dance around me, and peck my toes.

3. I'm planning to get chicks from Tractor Supply. I know that they have "assorted" bantams, so I was wondering what that means, and what breeds are included.

Depends on where your TSC gets their chicks from. Mine gets them from Hoovers, and you can look at their Assorted bantam listing on their site for more information. I believe Hovers includes Silkies, Japanese bantams, Cornish, etc.
It also means straight run, so they don't know what gender they are. Be prepared to end up with a couple roosters.

4. Finally, I know that the bantams at TS are straight run, so if I get a roo, is it very easy/hard to rehome a bantam roo?

No harder or easier than a standard rooster. I'd be prepared to have a rooster flock, or cull. You might be able to rehome, but its always difficult with roosters.

I realized I actually had some hutch measurements I took a while ago, about 8 sq ft in total, so you're right; about 4-5 bantams! (Thanks!) I'm also wondering (if you know this) whether they could share the yard with my 4 standard hens. It's pretty big, a bit bigger than 625 sq ft.

That should be just fine. I keep my Buff Orpington hen and Doodle, my Cornish X in the same enclosure as my bantams. They do just fine. They're small but mighty. They have no issues standing up for themselves, and like stated above, can fly around other chickens easily.
Good luck with your flock!

 

[HereForTheChicks]

You should be able to sell off roosters for $30. Most people I've sold roosters to had small backyard female-only flocks, and wanted to add a rooster as a predator-alarm.

 

[Jaime918]

I realized I actually had some hutch measurements I took a while ago, about 8 sq ft in total, so you're right; about 4-5 bantams! (Thanks!) I'm also wondering (if you know this) whether they could share the yard with my 4 standard hens. It's pretty big, a bit bigger than 625 sq ft.

It's kinda hit and miss on mingling. Really depends on your birds. Mine absolutely would not tolerate their larger counterparts so they have their own coop and run now.