Can Bantam Hens Live With Regular Hens?

If you live on a small lot or are subject to local ordinances, the decision whether or not to keep bantam hens and roosters can be complicated. They take up less space than full-sized chickens, so they take up less yard space and may even double your allowed bird population under certain zoning laws.

Can Bantam Hens Live with Regular Hens?

Yes, bantam hens can be raised alongside standard-size hens as long as they’re properly mated. Bantams produce fertile eggs for up to 21 days and retain their sperm up to three weeks. They should have an appropriate environment to thrive.

Bantams make excellent mothers, protecting their young from larger hens. Additionally, they tend to be very docile and easy to raise.

Your broiler chicks don’t require a special diet and can enjoy the same feed as your other flock members, whether pellets or crumbles are used. However, they need extra protection from rain since their feathers aren’t waterproof.

Egg-laying breeds in bantam size include Cornish, Sebright, Nankins and Silkies – all beautiful! But it’s important to select a breed that works well in your environment and meets your goals.

Can Bantam Hens Lay a Lot of Eggs?

Although smaller than their standard-size counterparts, bantam hens still produce as many eggs as their larger counterparts – usually 3 bantam eggs for every 2 standard eggs.

When trying to increase the quantity of eggs produced by your bantam hens, opt for a breed that produces eggs for more than two years. In order to keep them around longer than that, make sure you have an appropriate nesting box and plenty of soft, clean straw available.

Acclimatizing Your Hens to New Flockmates

When beginning with a mixed flock, it is essential that the hens come from different breeds. The more diverse the mix, the easier they will adapt and get along together.

Although this can be a bit of a hassle, the end result will be worth it. Once your hens have settled in and started producing eggs in abundance, you’ll have an abundance of delicious treats and an contented backyard flock.

Silkies tend to be highly social, though not as frantic or aggressive as some other flock members. This calm demeanor is especially evident among Silkies who possess a gentle disposition.

Be mindful that hens may occasionally engage in fighting over pecking orders, which can be an unpleasant experience for them. You should keep an eye on them and be ready to intervene if this occurs.

Never mating a bantam hen with a full-sized rooster is recommended. The larger bird may injure or kill the smaller hen, so it’s never fair to your chickens.