Bantam chickens are miniature versions of full-size chicken varieties.
Most breeds of normal chickens have a bantam counterpart. The bantam, or "banty," variety is a miniature version, usually about one-fourth the size of a normal chicken (See Reference 1). Bantam chickens behave similarly to normal chickens and produce small eggs. Their small body size makes bantam chickens an easy option for city-dwellers or those without much barnyard space. There are dozens of varieties of bantams, so only a few of the more common breeds are highlighted here.
Dutch Bantams
Dutch bantams are among the smallest bantam chickens, weighing in at about 20 ounces. The birds have beautiful golden and black coloring. Dutch bantam hens are good layers, although they will only hatch 3 to 4 eggs at a time, unlike other chickens that will sit on a dozen or more.
Silkie Bantams
Silkies are known for their large, puffy feathers that give them a fuzzy look and a soft feel. According to MyPetChicken.com, silkies are a gentle, mothering breed with a sweet temperament. They make excellent pets and are good brooders. Silkies come in black, white, partridge, buff, gray and blue varieties.
d'Uccle Bantams
The d'Uccle bantam is named for the Belgian town from which the breed originated. These chickens are friendly and calm. Although d'Uccle bantams come in several color varieties, the Mille Fleurs is best known. The Mille Fleurs ("million flowers") bantam has speckled coloring of mahogany, white and black. The feathered feet of d'Uccle bantams make them a fun choice for a pet.
Japanese Bantams
Japanese bantams are true bantams, meaning that they are not just miniatures of a larger breed but are a separate variety. They are known for their high tails and dramatic plumage. Japanese bantams come in several color varieties, including black-tailed white, black, mottled, black-tailed buff and gray. According to FeatherSite.com, they have short legs that make them suitable for delicate lawn areas and are most often purchased for use as pets or show birds.
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