Bantam chickens Very high frequency (primary topic)Breeds High frequency (various bantam breeds discussed)Size High frequency (defining characteristic of bantams)Eggs High frequency (production and characteristics)Care High frequency (requirements for raising bantams)True bantams Medium frequency (classification type)Miniature bantams Medium frequency (classification type)Developed bantams Medium frequency (classification type)Housing/coop Medium frequency (care requirements)Space requirements Medium frequency (specific needs)Temperament Medium frequency (behavioral characteristics)Cold hardiness Low-medium frequency (environmental adaptation)Feather-legged Low-medium frequency (physical characteristic)
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Have you ever seen a chicken that looks like it got shrunk in the wash? That’s probably a bantam chicken! These pint-sized poultry are becoming super popular among backyard chicken keepers, and for good reason. They’re cute, compact, and full of personality.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about bantam chickens – from what exactly makes a chicken “bantam” to the different breeds, their egg-laying abilities, and how to care for these delightful mini birds.
What Is a Bantam Chicken, Anyway?
A bantam chicken is basically a miniature version of a regular chicken. These tiny birds are about one-quarter to one-fifth the size of standard chickens, with most bantams weighing less than two pounds. Despite their small stature, bantams look similar to larger breeds and can still lay eggs!
The term “bantam” comes from the seaport of Bantan in Indonesia. When sailors stopped at this port for supplies, they noticed the local chickens were much smaller than those back home. The name “Bantan” eventually became “Bantam” in English, and the term stuck for all small chicken varieties.
Types of Bantam Chickens
Not all bantams are created equal! There are actually three distinct types of bantam chickens:
1. True Bantams
These are breeds that have no standard-sized counterpart. They’re naturally small and have existed this way without human intervention. Examples include:
- Sebright
- Nankin
- Rosecomb
- Dutch Bantam
- Japanese Bantam
- Serama (the world’s smallest chicken breed!)
2. Miniaturized Bantams
These are smaller versions of standard chicken breeds. They’ve been specifically bred down in size from larger chickens. Examples include:
- Orpington Bantam
- Plymouth Rock Bantam
- Brahma Bantam
- Wyandotte Bantam
- Australorp Bantam
3. Developed Bantams
These bantams have been created through selective breeding for specific appearances or functions. Some have been around so long their origins are unclear. Examples include:
- Belgian Bantams
- Pekin (Cochin) Bantams
- Barbu d’Uccle
The American Bantam Association (ABA) and American Poultry Association (APA) further classify bantams into six groups based on physical characteristics like comb type and leg feathering.
10 Popular Bantam Chicken Breeds
Let’s look at some of the most popular bantam breeds that chicken enthusiasts love:
1. Silkie Bantam
These are arguably the most distinctive bantams with their fluffy, fur-like feathers, black skin, and five toes. They’re docile, make great mothers, and are often kept as pets.
2. Cochin Bantam
With their ball-shaped appearance and extremely fluffy plumage, these birds originate from China. They’re calm, friendly, and can lay 150-200 tiny eggs yearly.
3. Sebright Bantam
One of the oldest British bantam breeds, these birds have distinct laced plumage patterns in either gold or silver. They’re quite small but have big personalities!
4. Dutch Bantam
Dating back to the 17th century, these tiny birds are affectionate and make wonderful pets, especially for kids. Hens lay about 150-160 tiny white eggs annually.
5. Serama Bantam
The world’s smallest chicken breed! Originally from Malaysia, these bantams have upright postures with vertical tails and wings. Despite their fierce appearance, they’re very friendly.
6. Japanese Bantam (Chabo)
Known for their extremely short legs and large, arched tails, these ornamental birds are primarily kept for show. They’re friendly but not great egg producers.
7. Barbu d’Uccle
These Belgian bantams are extremely small and friendly. They do well in confinement and don’t wander far, making them perfect for smaller yards.
8. Buff Orpington Bantam
These fluffy, golden birds have sweet temperaments and are cold-hardy. Hens can lay 200-280 eggs yearly, making them good producers despite their small size.
9. Australorp Bantam
With their upright stance and heavy soft feathering, these bantams handle cold well. Hens lay up to 160 eggs annually, and they have gentle, docile personalities.
10. Booted Bantam
These rare birds have feathered legs and are mainly kept for exhibition. Hens are dependable layers but produce quite small eggs.
Bantam Chicken Eggs
Yes, bantams do lay eggs! But there are a few things to know:
- Bantam eggs are roughly half the size of standard chicken eggs
- For cooking, use about 3 bantam eggs to replace 2 standard eggs
- Egg production varies by breed (50-280 eggs per year depending on breed)
- Miniaturized bantam breeds typically lay better than true bantams
- Some bantam breeds are seasonal layers
Interestingly, many chicken keepers specifically value bantam hens for their excellent broodiness. These little ladies make fantastic mothers and will happily sit on and hatch eggs from other chickens too!
How to Care for Bantam Chickens
Caring for bantams is similar to standard chickens, with a few adjustments for their size:
Housing Requirements
Bantams need less space than standard chickens:
- Coop space: 1-2 square feet per bantam (vs 4 sq ft for standard)
- Run space: 2.5-4 square feet per bantam (vs 8 sq ft for standard)
- Nesting boxes: 10″x12″x10″ (one box per 4-5 hens)
- Roosting space: 4-6 inches per bird, at least 1.5-2 feet off the ground
As a general rule, two bantams can live in the space needed for one standard chicken. But remember, more space is always better!
Feeding Bantams
Bantams eat significantly less than standard chickens – typically about 1 pound of feed per month per bird. They should receive:
- Chick starter feed until about 20 weeks
- Layer feed once they begin laying
- Fresh, clean water at all times
- Crumble or mash feeds (easier for small beaks than pellets)
- Limited treats (scaled down from what you’d give standard chickens)
Special Considerations
There are a few special things to know about bantam care:
-
Flyers: Many bantams are excellent flyers, so secure runs need covers.
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Temperature sensitivity: Bantams are often more sensitive to extreme temperatures than standard chickens.
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Feather-legged varieties: Breeds with feathered legs (like Silkies, Cochins, and Booted bantams) need drier conditions to prevent mud-caked feet.
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Integration with larger birds: If mixing with standard chickens, it’s best to raise them together from chicks. Otherwise, bantams may get bullied.
Pros and Cons of Keeping Bantam Chickens
Pros:
- Require less space
- Eat less feed (saving money)
- Produce less waste
- Often more docile and friendlier than standard chickens
- Many breeds make excellent mothers
- Entertaining personalities
- Great for children and beginners
- Can be kept in smaller urban backyards
Cons:
- Produce smaller eggs
- Some breeds aren’t prolific layers
- More vulnerable to predators
- May be less cold-hardy than larger birds
- Can fly better (potentially escaping enclosures)
- May take longer to mature than standard breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do bantam chickens live?
Typically 4-8 years, though with excellent care they can live up to 15 years! Their most productive laying years are the first 2-3.
Can bantams live with standard-sized chickens?
Yes, but it’s best to introduce them young. Make sure feeders and waterers are accessible to the smaller birds, and watch for bullying.
Do bantam roosters crow?
Yes, but their crows are often shorter and not as loud as standard roosters – a plus for urban settings!
Are bantams good with kids?
Many bantam breeds are excellent with children due to their friendly, docile nature. Breeds like Silkies, Dutch bantams, and Cochin bantams are particularly good choices.
Final Thoughts
Bantam chickens may be small in stature, but they’re big on personality! These mini fowl offer many advantages for backyard chicken keepers, especially those with limited space.
Whether you’re drawn to their adorable appearance, space-saving size, or friendly temperaments, bantams can make a wonderful addition to any flock. Just be prepared for their quirks and special needs, and these tiny chickens will reward you with years of entertainment and those cute little eggs!
Have you kept bantams before? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Bantams vs standard chickens – which is best?
Why do people keep bantam chickens? If egg production is your goal, then a standard-sized chicken is often more productive. But there are many other reasons why people prefer bantams.
Why would you want a small chicken?
There are many benefits to keeping bantam chickens. But when comparing bantams versus standard chickens, there are a few aspects to consider including space, personality, egg laying, feed and breed
For smaller yards, bantams are great because they usually require less space than standard-sized chickens. This means you can keep more chickens in less space and room to free-range isn’t such an issue. Bantams do particularly well in chicken tractors that larger birds might find too constrictive.
Many bantams are also a good choice for backyards because they make great pets. As well as being cute, many bantam breeds are docile and friendly. This makes them perfect for new chicken keepers and families with kids. Silkies are one of the friendliest breeds of bantam and this is why they are so popular in Australia!
Although it comes down to breed, standard-sized chickens lay much larger eggs than most bantams. Most standard breeds, particularly those known as good layers, also produce far more eggs per year than most bantam breeds.
But on the other hand, smaller birds require less feed, so bantams eat less than standard chickens. They may also be easier on gardens!
Although we can generalise about bantam chickens versus standard chickens, ultimately everything comes down to breed.
Some bantam breeds eat more and are flighty, so require more space. While some standard breeds lay small eggs or fewer eggs per year than a productive bantam.
The best chicken breed for you, and whether you should get a bantam or standard chicken, will depend on your yard and your goals for chicken keeping. But if you are after a pet or a project for the kids, you can’t go past bantams!
Bantam chickens require similar care to standard chickens. We answer some of your FAQs about bantam chickens here.
Types of bantam chicken
There are three broad types of bantam chickens, and then almost as many different bantam breeds as larger chicken breeds!
True bantams are breeds that only exist in bantam form, like Sebright chickens.
Miniturised bantams, on the other hand, are a smaller version of a larger chicken breed. Many common chicken breeds are available as a miniturised bantam, such as bantam leghorns and bantam Australorps.
The other type of bantam is a developed breed, which is often created by mixing chicken breeds. Pekin and Japanese bantams are technically developed breeds.
There are many bantam breeds available, all with different characteristics. We love all of them, but considering the characteristics will help you decide if the breed is right for you.
Silkies are probably the most common bantam breed in Australia. But did you know that they aren’t true bantams and that full sized silkies are also available?
Silkies are super friendly and make great pets, especially for kids. They are perfect for suburban backyards. Silkies are also excellent mothers and are often used to hatch eggs from less maternal chicken breeds.
However, don’t choose Silkies if eggs are your goal, as they only lay around 120 eggs per year. Silkies also require good shelter in wet weather as, unlike normal chickens, their fluffy feathers aren’t waterproof.