hopetofinish Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 So many choices I would like hens that were tame, liked being handled and if possible did not completely demolish the garden. Not sure if the last request is possible I first thought that the miss pepperpot was lovely, and then I started investigating loads of others. I think the bantams are great too (we had these when I was a kid). Do bantams damage the garden less, but are they lousy layers? Thoughts would be much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 Rumour has it that feathery legged bantams dig less - mine havent read that rule! but because they are smaller they will do a little less damage Bantams are great though, lots of breeds and colours to choose from They will lay from March/May to about November ish and some may lay the odd one over winter, they will lay for years though Hybrids will lay like the clappers but only for a couple of years or so then they slow down and stop somewhere between 2-4 years depending on how unlucky you are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopetofinish Posted August 1, 2010 Author Share Posted August 1, 2010 Thank you Redwing! How long does the average Bantam live for, and are they productive for most of that time? Sorry if these are really obvious questions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 I agree with Redwing. My pekin's haven't read the rule of not destroying the garden. I have a personal favourite Light Sussex Bantams they are tame lay nice decent eggs and love a handle. (Just blow dryed one of mine and she adored it ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopetofinish Posted August 1, 2010 Author Share Posted August 1, 2010 Thanks Off to google Light Sussex bantam! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 Or mix the breeds. These are all bantams. Wyandotte Bantams Light Sussex Bantams Orpington Bantams Pekin's Serama's I just forgot the rest sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frizz Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 I am new to chicken keeping and started out with a couple of hybrids, however, they totally destroyed my garden, the plants were completely destroyed and the grass turned over, they have now been passed on to a friend who has a perfect garden for them. I have replaced them with pekins as I was told they are less destructive. whilst they still dig, they have not to date (two months), done any damage to my plants due to them being so low to the ground and feathery feet. They are very soft and friendly. I have bathed and blow dried one of them and she was good as gold, and really seemed to enjoy it. I think it is a case of which ever breed you take a personal shine to, there are a lot to choose from. Good luck in your research. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 I have a Brahma bantam in my flock, and she has never wrecked anywhere, my other 14 angels do a marvellous job of digging the garden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabel Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 My big girls (Orp, Buff Sussex & New Hamp Red) hadn't done an iota of damage to the grass ... part of their f/r fenced area is a shrub bed which they are welcome to scratch in - and they do. However, in our short-lived 3 weeks of Pekin ownership, the little beggars (ie. the Pekins!) have scratched loads of bald patches in the grass ... for that reason alone I was almost glad to bid them au-revoir today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
