Bantam chickens make perfect starter birds for beginning poultry keepers, especially young ones. Here are 10 reasons why bantams are the best chickens for kids.
Bantams Are Small
Pint-size bantams rarely weigh more than two pounds. Because of their smaller size and lighter weight, these diminutive chickens can be less intimidating for kids than some of the larger breeds.
Bantams Eat Less
Because they are small, bantams eat less than larger chickens. A full-size bantam will eat only about 1/2 pound of ration per week. Compare that to larger breeds, which can average 2 to 4 pounds per week, depending on size.
Bantams Need Less Space
Full grown bantam chickens need only 2 square feet of coop space per bird. Larger breeds, depending on size, require 3 to 4 square feet per chicken.
Bantams Are Less Expensive
One reason bantams are the best chickens for kids is because they are inexpensive to keep. Since they need less space, housing costs are lower. And since they eat less, they cost less to feed than the larger breeds.
Most Bantams Are Docile
Many bantam breeds are gentle and naturally people friendly. They don’t easily startle, which is a great advantage around active young folks.
Bantams Are Easy to Handle
Being small, light, and docile, bantams are easy for small folks to handle. Their size accommodates small hands, and they are not heavy to hold and carry.
Bantam Management Is Easy
Because bantams are kid friendly and fun, young folks easily and eagerly learn to care for them. Feeding and watering bantams, collecting their eggs, and keeping their living quarters clean helps kids develop responsibility and confidence.
Bantams are Fun to Show
Raising bantams is the best way for children to start showing chickens at a fair or other exhibit, and they make terrific 4-H or FFA projects. Because of their size and easygoing temperament, bantams are easy to coop train, groom, and transport to shows.
Bantams Make Wonderful Pets
Bantams have amazing personalities. Along with all their other outstanding features, their amusing antics make them wonderful backyard pets for kids.
Plus You Can Get Pullets Only!
Most sources offer bantam breeds only as straight run, meaning they are not sorted by gender. Now, for those who don’t want (or can’t legally keep) roosters, Cackle Hatchery® offers several bantam breeds as pullets only. You might opt for the potluck assortment of female only bantam chicks. Or, by going to the assortment description, you will find a list of all the bantams for which sexed chicks are available by breed.
Source: The Cackle Hatchery
