Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
10
Bantams
WHEN MOST FOLKS HEAR THE WORD
“bantam,” they think of a miniature version of
chickens. There also, however, are bantam breeds of ducks (Call Ducks); and some
raisers even consider the Midget White turkey breed to be a bantam (see the chapters
Waterfowl and Turkeys for more information).
True bantams have no full-size poultry counterpart. Other miniature breeds are selec-
tions from mutations of their larger counterparts.
Raising bantam chickens can be an enjoyable experience for beginners. They are an
especially good choice for young children because they're small, easy to handle, and can
become quite attached to people, making them very good pets. Some breeds, however, are
better suited for pets than others. Cochin bantams and Silkies are the best picks, though
Japanese bantams also make fine pets.
Keep in mind that these birds are not kept just for pets. Bantams can be superb layers
of small yet very usable and tasty eggs. Their minute carcasses make cute and delicious,
individual serving-size birds to serve up steaming at a fancy dinner party or cold for a
picnic getaway.
What Makes a Bantam a Bantam?
The APA standard calls for a bantam either to be a breed without a full-size counterpart,
or a one-fourth to one-fifth the size of the regular size fowl. You can find bantam versions
of Orpingtons, Rocks, Reds, Wyandottes, and many other breeds. Bantam breeds come
in almost all the same colors as the large-size fowl, and often in an even wider array of
colors. Specialty clubs and individual enthusiasts have gone to great lengths to create a
multitude of color varieties. The Old English breed has more than 30 different color vari-
ations and the Dutch breed has nearly as many.
