What bantam breed is good with kids and a good layer?

[lceh]

I'm a chicken newbie planning to get a half-dozen bantam chicks this spring for our urban backyard, and as a homeschool project for my first-grader. We want a breed that (1) is pretty docile; (2) lays a decent quantity of decent-sized eggs; and (3) isn't too odd-looking(!). I was thinking that Buff Brahma bantams might fill these requirements, but I'm wondering if anyone could recommend any other breeds we should consider. In general, are the particular characteristics of a standard-sized breed the same in the bantam version (i.e. is the temperament of a Buff Orp bantam similar to the Buff Orp standard), or are there differences?

Also, does it matter if we have a mixed flock of different breeds, so long as the chicks are raised together? Or is there a benefit to having all one variety? We won't have a rooster, so babies aren't an issue....

Thanks!

 

[chicksahoy]

any breed of cochin is docile, beautiful and good setters, but quantity of eggs is an issue with this breed. and yes you can mix breeds if they are raised together but don't order standard size with your bantams.

 

[luvmychicknkids]

I can't give you a LOT of info since I only have one bantam, but in my opinion, a mixed flock (different breeds) just looks so much prettier and you can definitely mix different breeds. The one bantam I have is a Black Tailed White Japanese and we can pick her up and carry her around all day.....she is sweet and gentle, loves attention....just a PERFECT little lap chicken!!!

Good luck, I am sure you will find some that suit you perfectly.

 

[Laskaland]

First:

I have been reading about Wyandottes. They are a dual-purpose breed, so there would be some meat and they are good egg layers, too.

Plus they are pretty too

And calm and friendly (even my cockerels are)

Also, like someone else said...cochins are delightful, but you won't get the egg production you might with other bantams!

Good luck

Christina

 

[KayP]

Hi! I'm also new at this and planning to get some bantams in the spring. I had a standard barred plymouth rock that a fox got to this fall ( and I'm in a city!). I plan on replacing her with a bantam version. They are supposed to be really good layers, with good dispositions, and pretty too. My LF version was definitely the smartest of my bunch, which includes a RIR, Golden laced Wyandotte, and Red Star. I also plan on an EE or Ameraucana to get some green or blue eggs, and a buff brahma since I've heard such great things about them, and they're so pretty. Those 3 types should be pretty good layers, I've heard. I also plan to get a Mille Fleur D'uccle and a silkie for looks and fun; and I've heard they're good layers when they're not broodie.

 

[seriousbill]

Quote:

That's kind of like saying that summer is nice when it's not hot, LOL. Silkies are often broody. But your other choices sound great.

Buff Brahma Bantams go broody fairly often too, but not as often as Silkies.

 

[tileman@prodigBird Raiser]

silkies are great but go broody so might not be the best for kids just because when broody then can not be disturbed but otherwise greta pets. Brahhmas are also great bpets and lay nice mediem sized brown eggs.

 

[lceh]

After poking around a little online I'm thinking a mixed flock of bantam Buff Orps, Buff Brahmas, and Barred Rocks might do the trick. Am I right in thinking the miniature "farmyard"-type breeds like these are better layers than the more ornamental bantams?

 

[seriousbill]

Quote:
Generally speaking, yes. It depends on the strain. So, I'd talk to the breeder about how well they lay. If you buy from a hatchery, of course, they may not be as pretty, but they probably will lay better.

 

[snowydiamonds]

Mille Fleur D'Uccles...they think they are the tamest hand raised parrots and such sweet talkers...sit on you like they are a cat taking to warm milk...I only have three, but that's sure to change!