xChicken04x Posted August 28, 2007 Share Posted August 28, 2007 Hiya everyone! We are going to get some more chickens soon and we are now deciding on a breed, we all really like pekin bantams but the problem is we keep large fowl, not bantams. The pekins look quite big to me so do you think they would be ok with our girlies? Or are they a bit small? Thanks for any help xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted August 28, 2007 Share Posted August 28, 2007 I saw some pekin bantams yesterday at the Wernlas Collection. They are adorable, but I'm not sure about mixing them with large birds. In fact, I have ordered 4 bantams from Wernlas and have decided to get an eglu for them rather than put them in the cube with my big girls. You could always phone Wernlas on 01584 856318 and ask for their advice. Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted August 28, 2007 Author Share Posted August 28, 2007 Thankyou very much for that, i think getting the eglu is out of the question (although i have asked) We have only just got the cube. How big where they? We have quite a small White Star (not a bantam) and she is fine with every one else! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted August 28, 2007 Share Posted August 28, 2007 It's quite difficult to say how big they were but, looking at my big girls tonight - Gingernuts, Pepperpots, Blue Comet and Snow White - I would guess that the bantams are half the size. Sorry I can't be more accurate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lost-sheep Posted August 29, 2007 Share Posted August 29, 2007 i heard that bantams where 2 thirds of the size of their large breed counter parts... is tat helpful? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted August 29, 2007 Share Posted August 29, 2007 My Pekin is teeny compared to the big girls, & we have her & her pal Floss the Poland in a seperate pen to the others. I am not even brave enough to let them range together,I am afraid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 29, 2007 Share Posted August 29, 2007 I had hybrids then adopted three Pekin bantams - a very expensive thing to do I ended up having to buy a another eglu. They did co-exist eventually in the big pen I have - but they did not really mix. They were manageable when there was no food about! When freeranging in my garden which has lots of hiding places, hedges, shrubs, etc they led a peaceful existence - albeit totally apart. It is not impossible to have them living altogether - if you get them all the same age at the same time then probably they would mix happily. Hybrids bred for egg laying as opposed to pure breeds - do tend to be - well vicious when it comes to introducing bantams or even introducing some big hens too. Even having lots of separate feeding stations and watering holes - the bantams had to run fast and hide! I am sure that it is not impossible and maybe I was unlucky - but I did try very hard indeed. Separate accommodation and a big garden is probably the best bet though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baggins Posted August 29, 2007 Share Posted August 29, 2007 My Pepperpot was a bit of a ruffian (no blood though - just sheer bad manners) when I first introduced 2 bantams ... but they are now completely fine together (albeit she insists on being top chicken ). My Pekin Bantam is my favourite in many ways - extremely tame and trusting, into everything (not even frightened of the lawn mower ) and so cute with her feathered legs. Good luck whatever you decide Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted August 29, 2007 Author Share Posted August 29, 2007 Thank you very much everyone we are still not sure what to do!!!! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 29, 2007 Share Posted August 29, 2007 I hope it all goes well too if you do go down that route. 6 biggies to one or two bantams might that a bit of time though. There is a 'sticky' when someone else tried - a while ago - not sure the ratio of chickens to bantams - but I remember it being rather traumatic though and they ended in separate eglus like mine - but freeranged around the garden ok. So it might be worth a read. xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xChicken04x Posted August 29, 2007 Author Share Posted August 29, 2007 I think for first time chicken owners, its a bit too much and it would be horrible if the big girls started picking on them. We are still getting more chickens dont worry!!! The good thing is there is so many to choose from! Thank you very much everyone for the advise! xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladylucan Posted August 29, 2007 Share Posted August 29, 2007 I have had pekin bantams for a while now, and they mix in great with the big girls, they can look after themselves with no problems, Go for it. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
