Alright, you’re probably here ’cause you’re wondering if bantam chickens are worth it. Lemme just say this first: they totally are but not without a few surprises. I’ve been raising chickens for about a decade now, all in my little urban backyard setup. My whole homesteading journey started with tomatoes in pots, then some composting, then a rabbit… and then chickens. And once I discovered bantams? Game changer.
So here’s my real story. No fluff. Just what it’s actually like raising bantam chickens from a guy who’s done it sometimes badly.
Wait, What’s a Bantam Chicken Again?
You’re gonna laugh, but the first time I heard “bantam” I thought it was a brand of feed. Turns out, they’re basically mini chickens. Like, tiny. Some breeds are about a quarter the size of regular hens. But don’t let their size fool you these little gals have BIG personalities.
There’s two kinds: true bantams (like Seramas or Sebrights no big version of ’em exists) and mini versions of standard breeds (like Bantam Orpingtons or Cochins). I’ve had both, and they each bring something different to the table.
Why I Chose Bantams for My Backyard Homestead
I live in a small city lot. My entire backyard is about 400 square feet, and I gotta share that space with my raised beds, compost bins, a worm tower, and a nosy dog. So full-sized hens? Not ideal.
Bantams are perfect if you’re dealing with:
- Tiny yards (or even just a patio)
- Cranky neighbors (they’re quieter)
- Kids (some are super friendly)
- Tight feed budgets (they eat less!)
One of the first bantams I had was a little Silkie named Peanut. That bird acted more like a cat than a chicken used to sit in my lap while I drank coffee in the mornings. She even rode around in my hoodie once.
Setting Up Their Home (And What I Screwed Up First)
My first bantam coop was… well, let’s just say it looked cute on Pinterest. In reality, it was drafty, leaked in the rain, and had a ramp so steep they wouldn’t use it.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Give them at least 1-2 square feet per bird in the coop. Even though they’re small, they still need room.
- Add lots of roosts. Bantams love to hop. I added staggered branches and perches at different heights, and they use every inch.
- Use 1/2″ hardware cloth. Not chicken wire. Rats and raccoons will find a way.
- Make the run predator-proof. I buried hardware cloth around the base after losing a chick to a digging raccoon.
Feeding Time: Less Feed, But Pickier Eaters
So bantams eat less, yeah but they’re also picky. I tried going full DIY with kitchen scraps and garden greens, but some of ’em straight up turned their beaks up at beet leaves.
Here’s what works for me:
- Layer feed mixed with scratch grain
- Occasional fermented feed (makes their poop less stinky, too)
- Mealworms as treats (they’ll follow you like puppies)
- Crushed eggshells or oyster shell for calcium
Also, always keep water clean. Bantams will straight-up refuse cloudy water. Divas, I swear.
Let’s Talk Eggs: Tiny, Tasty, and a Little Addictive
Their eggs are small like 2 make 1 regular egg but man, they’re rich and delicious. I swear the yolks are more golden. Makes amazing scrambled eggs and the cutest hard boiled eggs you’ve ever seen.
My best layers:
- Dutch bantams: tiny, but surprisingly productive
- Cochins: good winter layers
- Silkies: not the best layers, but broody as heck
I get around 3-5 eggs per hen, per week. Not bad considering how little they eat.
Wintering Bantams (AKA Don’t Be Me That First Year)
My first winter with bantams was rough. I didn’t insulate the coop right, and I lost one to the cold. It was heartbreaking.
What I do now:
- Deep litter method (straw and wood shavings)
- No heat lamps too risky with fire
- Draft-free coop with good ventilation
- Put Vaseline on their combs to prevent frostbite
- Keep them dry! Wet bantams are miserable
Some breeds like Silkies have fluff instead of feathers, so they get soaked easy. I built a covered dust bath area just for winter. Saved my girls a lot of stress.
Do Bantams Get Along with Other Chickens?
Depends. I had one standard hen who bullied my bantams. Now I keep only bantams together. They do better in flocks of their own size.
Also, roosters be careful. Bantam roos are feisty. One little Serama rooster used to chase my dog. I rehomed him after he tried to attack my ankle.
The Fun (and Sometimes Weird) Stuff They Do
- They love to fly. Mine roost in low branches.
- They dust bathe like champs. I keep a bin filled with ash, dirt, and a bit of DE.
- They get broody. Especially Silkies—they’ll try to hatch a golf ball if you let them.
- They’re escape artists. Mine found a hole in the fence once and ended up in the neighbor’s garage.
Daily Bantam Routine at My Place
Here’s how my mornings go:
- Coffee (first things first)
- Let the chickens out of the coop
- Check water & food
- Quick poop scoop (they’re small, so it’s easy)
- Toss some scratch in the run
- Collect eggs mid-morning
And yeah, I talk to them. Every single morning. “Mornin’, girls!” They cluck back.
Mini FAQ Real Questions I Get All the Time
Q: Can I raise bantams in an apartment or rooftop?
A: Yup, if local laws allow it. I know a gal who raises 3 on her balcony in buckets with straw.
Q: Are bantams good for kids?
A: Absolutely. Just go for the calmer breeds Silkies, Cochins, or Brahmas.
Q: Do bantams need special feed?
A: Nah. Regular layer feed works. I just crush it a bit for the smaller beaks.
So, Are Bantams Worth It?
Totally. They’ve got big personalities, take up hardly any space, and lay the cutest little eggs. Sure, there’s a learning curve like with everything in homesteading but if you want to dip your toes into raising chickens without going full farm mode, bantams are the way to go.
I’ve learned a lot from these birds. About patience, mistakes, joy, and poop (so much poop). They’re part of my little backyard rhythm now. If I can make it work on a 400 sq ft lot with nosy neighbors and city bylaws, you can too.
Got a weird bantam question? Comment below, I actually answer. Or email me I check between compost turns and coffee refills.