louise62 Posted April 28, 2010 Share Posted April 28, 2010 After attending a hen Party at the weekend, my husband and I are definately going to get some girls. At the moment though I want 3 ex-batts, but my husband wants some bantams. So while we fight that one out, could someone let me know more about bantams. How many to go for, which are the best layers etc. We are hoping to get an Eglu Go We also have a large garden for them. Many thanks. Lou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted April 28, 2010 Share Posted April 28, 2010 Pekin bantams are fab - little madams with attitude. But friendly attitude! They only lay small eggs - but you can always have 2 on toast! As a beginner I'd go for 4 in an eglu go - although they will snuggle up & you could probably fit more. But to allow them some decent space in the run - I'd go for 4. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted April 28, 2010 Share Posted April 28, 2010 I can't really answer your questions as I've only had my two pekin bantams since Sunday, but I decided not to go with the ex-batts after attending a hen party - I've got a Classic (which has the same dimensions as a Go) and a small garden, and I just hadn't realised how big hens can be! Plus I live in the city, so noise was also a consideration, and I won't be free ranging mine all that much because of work/foxes, so I decided on smaller hens - I'll adopt some ex-batts when we (eventually) move to the country and have lots of space for them. Anyway, I love LOVE my little girls - they are adorable, and the run doesn't look like it's too small for them at all, which was my main concern. They seem very happy in their new home - no eggs yet though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 28, 2010 Share Posted April 28, 2010 Where are you located? If you're anywhere near Banbury, you're more than welcome to come and see my assortment; I have some of most breeds and can't recommend them enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise62 Posted April 28, 2010 Author Share Posted April 28, 2010 Thank you for your replies I thought 4 bantams would be about right. I think that maybe easing our way into the chicken world will be a good thing. Maybe once we have got going with the bantams we will set up another eglu for some ex-batts. I know I will become addicted Time to put the kettle on and spend some more time searching online looking for breeders etc...it's a hard life Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise62 Posted April 28, 2010 Author Share Posted April 28, 2010 Where are you located? If you're anywhere near Banbury, you're more than welcome to come and see my assortment; I have some of most breeds and can't recommend them enough. Thank you claret We are in Salisbury, so a bit of a trip sadly. I will have a look if there is anywhere nearer to me. How long a journey in a car is too long for bantams? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 28, 2010 Share Posted April 28, 2010 They can manage a 2-3 hour journey with no problems, just make sure that their box is dark and that they have plenty of ventilation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise62 Posted April 28, 2010 Author Share Posted April 28, 2010 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted April 28, 2010 Share Posted April 28, 2010 Plus I live in the city, so noise was also a consideration, Just because they are little doesn't necessarily mean that they are quiet......mine can make quite a racket when they choose to (4 Pekins and a Pekin/Ara cross in the bantam pen)......they are adorable though ....just so you know Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squidsin Posted April 28, 2010 Share Posted April 28, 2010 They've been pretty quiet so far - don't think the neighbours have even realised they are there, although I am going to invite the kids over this evening to 'meet' them! Fingers crossed it continues that way - I am at work today so they're out in the run on their own unsupervised, I'm hoping I don't get home to find I'e been served a noise abatement notice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted April 28, 2010 Share Posted April 28, 2010 Hi Louise, My next door neighbour has bantams and got them from a place near Calne in Wiltshire, so not far from you! Will find out the details of the breeder and PM you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise62 Posted April 28, 2010 Author Share Posted April 28, 2010 Thanking you kindly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted April 29, 2010 Share Posted April 29, 2010 Another bantam fan here too Rather than going for just one breed, why not chose three or four different ones? Pekins are lovely, but go broody at the drop of a hat, which will mean no eggs! Sussex are fabulous little layers, but also quite prone to broodiness too (I have three!). I also have a Rhode Island Red and a Cuckoo Marans, both of which lay well and don't do motherhood. There are so many to choose from Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickyhazel Posted April 29, 2010 Share Posted April 29, 2010 We get our chickens from Little Misses Chickens near Calne, Wiltshire. They are all lovely chooks! I prefer full size chooks because of the ggs, but my cousins did have bantams and they were gorgeous, quiet and friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ValerieR Posted April 29, 2010 Share Posted April 29, 2010 My plymouth rock banties are my favourites - lovely and soft to hold and cuddle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise62 Posted April 29, 2010 Author Share Posted April 29, 2010 Thank you all for your replies. I have been googling my fingers off and have actually found a Bantam breeder 3 minutes down the road from me! Hubby and I will pop round soon and have a look at what they have and to have a chat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 30, 2010 Share Posted April 30, 2010 Don't feel obliged to buy anything unless you are absolutely happy with the environment and quality of the birds. I have walked away from some breeders in the past. The best thing you can do is to look at the list of breeders in the back of Practical Poultry mag, do some online research and visit a few before making any decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise62 Posted April 30, 2010 Author Share Posted April 30, 2010 Will do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
