Bantam chickens: description of the dwarf breed and characteristics, conditions of detention

Bantam chickens are considered an unusual variety. They are distinguished by excellent decorative properties, strong immunity and unpretentious care. These birds are characterized by excellent taste qualities of eggs and meat. However, they are small in size and friendly in nature. To achieve success in breeding birds, it is worth considering some features.

The story of the origin of Bantam chickens

The birthplace of these dwarf birds is Japan, although there is evidence that they came to this country from India. The ancestors of birds were wild. Therefore, these birds are characterized by natural resistance to infections. Roosters protect the flock from danger and are responsible for the young.

Breeders all over the world are working with this breed. Because Bantams are found in different countries - Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, Malaysia. Each of the varieties is characterized by certain features.

Description and characteristics of the breed

Birds have many characteristics that should be considered before breeding.

Exterior chickens

These are dwarf birds. Laying hens weigh 500-700 grams. The weight of cockerels reaches 1 kilogram. Feathers differ in different colors of feathers. In this case, the skin is white with a slight yellowness.

Legs are bare or covered with feathers. The birds are characterized by a small head, a leaf-shaped crest and a miniature beak. All species are distinguished by their attractive appearance and active character.

Breed productivity

Chickens of this breed are capable of producing 150 eggs per year. Each one weighs 50 grams. Egg laying begins at 7 months. The hens perfectly incubate the chicks and provide them with full care. Survival parameters reach 90%.

Chicken carcasses are small in size. At the same time, they are characterized by tender and tasty meat. Often chickens of this breed are bred as decorative ones. They are distinguished by their beautiful appearance and good he alth.

Behavior and features

Bantams are considered excellent hens. They provide excellent care for young animals. The maternal instinct of hens is so strong that they are able to sit in the nest for 3 months.

Pros and cons

This is a unique breed, which is distinguished by excellent decorative properties and high productivity. The main advantages of birds include the following:

expressed maternal instinct;
strong immunity;
species diversity;
calm character;
small size;
meat and eggs taste great;
feed savings;
the sonorous voice of cockerels.

The main disadvantage of the breed is the high cost of young animals. Therefore, novice poultry farmers often refuse to purchase it. However, the advantages outweigh this disadvantage. Because the breed has not lost its popularity for many years.

Varieties

Today many types of chickens of this breed are known. Each variety has certain characteristics.

Bantamka Padua

These birds are white with a silver sheen or dark golden plumage. They are characterized by a pronounced crest and a small crest. Cockerels are distinguished by long and sharp feathers, hens are rounded.

Bantam Nanjing

This is one of the oldest breeds, which is characterized by a yellow-orange color. Roosters are distinguished by a wide black bib. Specks on the scallop are considered a characteristic feature. The legs are bare and have a bluish tinge.

Beijing bantam

Such birds are white, black, multi-colored. The tail is spherical in shape. The legs are small and densely covered with feathers.

Bantam print

This is one of the most popular varieties in Russia. Males have black feathers on their chest and tail. There are white spots on the body. Limbs have a yellow tint.

Altai Bentamka

This variety of chickens was bred in Barnaul. It is characterized by a downed body and a arched chest. Birds are distinguished by an unusual color of feathers.

Dutch Bentham

These birds are characterized by their beautiful appearance. They are distinguished by black feathers and a snow-white crest. The tail is characterized by a rounded shape. The beak and legs are dark in color.

Bantam Seabright

These chickens are slowly dying out. This is due to frequent illnesses and a small number of offspring. Roosters have a cocky personality. They feature a strong chest and short back.

Yokohama Bentham Phoenix

These birds appeared in Japan over 200 years ago. They are characterized by red-brown feathers with a golden sheen. The tail reaches several meters, and the legs are adorned with spurs.

Malaysian Serama

This is a very small bird, slightly larger than a dove. The breed is the result of crossing Japanese Bentham and wild birds of Malaysia. The weight of birds does not exceed 700 grams. The body is almost vertical, and the neck arches like a swan.

Bantam Shabo Japanese

This bird has wild roots in Japanese forests. Feathers differ in different colors. Their characteristic feature is their small size. Curly and silky representatives of the breed were bred for exhibitions.

Specific chicken care

In order for Bantams to develop normally, they are recommended to provide full and high-quality care.

Coop Requirements

Birds of this breed require a warm and dry environment. It must be reliably protected from drafts. It is also important to provide birds with protection from other inhabitants of the compound.

Many varieties of chickens fly very well. Therefore, the poultry house is equipped with a high fence.

Playing yard

In summer it is recommended to keep birds in a spacious aviary. Its area is estimated depending on the number of birds. For small hens, 5-6 square meters for 10 layers is enough. If you plan to keep Bantamok with other birds, it is worth increasing the area of \u200b\u200bthe aviary. 10 birds require 10 square meters of ground.

Laying hens of this breed fly very well. Therefore, experienced farmers are advised to stretch the net over the aviary. In the courtyard it is worth placing drinking bowls and feeders. Nests and perches are recommended to be installed under a canopy.

Installation of feeders and drinkers

Nests and boxes with sand and ash should be located in the chicken coop. Thanks to this, chickens will be able to systematically clean their feathers. Feeders and drinkers should be comfortable for small birds.

Diet

It is recommended to feed Bantamok 3 times a day. In addition to the standard feed, the following foods are recommended for birds:

vegetables;
chopped greens;
cereals;
fishmeal;
feed sulfur.

It is worth considering that chalk, bone meal and other natural supplements intended for poultry should be present in the diet of birds.

Chicken breeding and care

These birds are characterized by a pronounced maternal instinct. Almost all chickens are born from under the laying hen. Therefore, there is no need to use an incubator. Due to its small size, the laying hen is able to incubate 5-7 eggs - it depends on their size. The survival rate of chickens depends on the variety of Bantam. The average is 90%.

In order for the chicks to acquire strong immunity and develop normally, they should provide full warmth and proper nutrition. Chickens are recommended to be fed at intervals of 2 hours.In the first month of life, they should be under a warm lamp. It is recommended to observe the temperature regime at +30 degrees.

Diseases to which the breed is susceptible

Under normal conditions, chickens of this breed are distinguished by strong immunity. If there is a violation of hygiene recommendations or tightness in the chicken coop, there is a risk of attacks by ticks, fleas and other parasites.

One of the key signs of problems is the unscheduled start of the molt. To cope with parasites, it is worth using special tools. It is recommended to clean the chicken coop.

If there is too much protein in the diet of chickens, there is a risk of deformity of the fingers. Also, birds can face infectious pathologies. These include pullorosis, paratyphoid, plague. At the first symptoms of the disease in the form of loss of appetite, lethargy or an increase in temperature, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

It is worth considering that there are incurable diseases that provoke the death of the entire livestock. To avoid such problems, it is recommended that birds be vaccinated in a timely manner.

Bantam chickens are distinguished by their beautiful appearance, high productivity, good taste of eggs and meat. To succeed in breeding birds, it is worth providing them with suitable conditions.