So a little background first. I have three flocks of chickens of differing ages as well as a large flock of ducks. My wife was less than thrilled when I first got into having birds around the house but my mother got a mixed box of chickens and ended up with a few OEGB and she fell in love with these tiny little chickens.
I have no idea how to decide on a breed of bantam. I have been looking at the cackle catalog for days now (that is normally where I get my birds). The problem, I want them all...So I figured I would ask those with more experience! Before moving on, I will build them their own coop before ordering.
What I like in birds. Temperament, I like friendly birds. These must be able to free range too as I do not like to lock my birds up in a run all day long. Yes, they will be kept safe in a coop at night though. My wife likes pretty birds but that is subjective, what birds are pretty that is. Egg production is not really a concern but would be a plus just for kicks. Maybe for hatching more so than eating as we have not hatched anything yet.
I live in north western Pennsylvanian so it gets pretty cold here and as such I think something more cold hardy is probably a good idea. I assume due to size all bantams are less cold hardy but I don't know.
My favorite full size chickens, well, that is hard to say. We favor one particular barred rock as she is so friendly and will sit on our laps. However, our easter eggers have so much personality. They follow us around the yard all day long. They come up to the sliding door and peck on it asking for food and if I leave the door open in the summer they sneak into my kitchen while I am preparing dinner...goofy little critters. But my Buff Orpingtons are just so docile and I like that too. The few OEG my mom have are funny critters and I like those too...I just like chickens.
So does any of that rambling in anyway help anyone to suggest a type of bantam to me? Just because it is your favorite is fine as well, just help me understand why I should go that route.
Thank you,
Travis
I have no idea how to decide on a breed of bantam. I have been looking at the cackle catalog for days now (that is normally where I get my birds). The problem, I want them all...So I figured I would ask those with more experience! Before moving on, I will build them their own coop before ordering.
What I like in birds. Temperament, I like friendly birds. These must be able to free range too as I do not like to lock my birds up in a run all day long. Yes, they will be kept safe in a coop at night though. My wife likes pretty birds but that is subjective, what birds are pretty that is. Egg production is not really a concern but would be a plus just for kicks. Maybe for hatching more so than eating as we have not hatched anything yet.
I live in north western Pennsylvanian so it gets pretty cold here and as such I think something more cold hardy is probably a good idea. I assume due to size all bantams are less cold hardy but I don't know.
My favorite full size chickens, well, that is hard to say. We favor one particular barred rock as she is so friendly and will sit on our laps. However, our easter eggers have so much personality. They follow us around the yard all day long. They come up to the sliding door and peck on it asking for food and if I leave the door open in the summer they sneak into my kitchen while I am preparing dinner...goofy little critters. But my Buff Orpingtons are just so docile and I like that too. The few OEG my mom have are funny critters and I like those too...I just like chickens.
So does any of that rambling in anyway help anyone to suggest a type of bantam to me? Just because it is your favorite is fine as well, just help me understand why I should go that route.
Thank you,
Travis
I adore my Bitty bantam.
