I don't think gender really plays into it as much as you would think. All of the men in my family prefer the bantams. Why? Because the bantams are personable and come to visit any person they see. They let themselves be picked up and eat out of your hand. Thats just appealing to anyone, male or female, young or old. I think keeping bantams just depends on your space, income, preferences. They are just as useful as the LF, consider this, they may have a smaller carcass than a lf hen, but it costs less to grow that little guy, so in terms of cost to produce an eating bird, they are probably the same or just as thrifty as some of those slow growing LF eating machines. My d'uccles are fabulous layers. I had one hen produce an egg every day from early January through the end of october! I know some have a perception of bantams as "strictly ornamental" but that is just not the case at all!
Space: I can house 2 dozen bantams in a small space hardly big enough for a half dozen LF.
Cost: When I am low on cash, I never have to sell my bantams, I can always scrounge up the money to feed them.
Production: Good layers, good demand for hatching eggs, chicks and show birds. Great Broodies.
Temperament & Ornamentation: Friendly, easy to handle, transport. Look great. I have MF, Lavender and Gold necks. So pretty!
