Description and rules for keeping the dwarf breed of Bantam chickens

Bantam chickens are considered an unusual variety. They are distinguished by excellent decorative properties, strong immunity and ease of care. These birds are characterized by excellent taste of eggs and meat. At the same time, they are distinguished by their small size and friendly character. To achieve success in breeding birds, it is worth considering some features.

The history of the origin of Bantam chickens

Japan is considered the homeland of these dwarf birds, 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. Therefore, Bantams are found in different countries - Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, Malaysia. Each variety has certain characteristics.

Description and characteristics of the breed

Birds have many characteristics that should be taken into account before breeding.

Exterior of chickens

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

The 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 of them weighs 50 grams. Egg laying begins at 7 months. The hens hatch their chicks well and provide them with complete care. Survival rates reach 90%.

Chicken carcasses are small in size. At the same time, they are characterized by tender and tasty meat. Chickens of this breed are often bred as ornamental chickens. They are distinguished by their beautiful appearance and good health.

Behavior and characteristics

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

Advantages and disadvantages

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

• pronounced maternal instinct;
• strong immunity;
• diversity of species;
• calm character;
• small sizes;
• wonderful taste of meat and eggs;
• saving on feed;
• the ringing voice of the 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. Therefore, the breed has not lost its popularity for many years.

Varieties

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

Bantam of Padua

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

Nanjing bantam

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

Beijing bantam

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

Calico bantam

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.The limbs are distinguished by a yellow tint.

Altai Bantam

This type of chicken was bred in Barnaul. It is characterized by a downed body and a curved chest. Birds are distinguished by unusual feather colors.

Dutch Bantam

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 character. They are distinguished by a strong chest and short back.

Yokohama Bantam Phoenix

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

Malaysian Serama

This is a very small bird, slightly larger than a pigeon. The breed is the result of crossing Japanese bantams and wild birds of Malaysia. The weight of the 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. Birds have different colors. Their characteristic feature is their small size. Curly and silky representatives of the breed were bred for exhibitions.

Specifics of chicken care

In order for Bantams to develop normally, it is recommended that they be provided with complete and high-quality care.

Chicken coop requirements

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

Many varieties of chickens are excellent fliers. That’s why the poultry house is equipped with a high fence.

Walking 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 chickens, 5-6 square meters per 10 laying hens is enough. If you plan to keep the Bentamok with other birds, it is worth increasing the area of ​​the enclosure. 10 birds require 10 square meters of area.

Laying hens of this breed are excellent fliers. Therefore, experienced farmers advise stretching the net over the enclosure. It is worth placing drinking bowls and feeders in the yard. It is recommended to install nests and perches under a canopy.

Installation of feeders and drinkers

The chicken coop should have nests and boxes with sand and ash. Thanks to this, chickens will be able to systematically clean their feathers. Feeders and drinkers should be convenient for small birds.

Diet

It is recommended to feed Bentamok 3 times a day. In addition to standard food, it is recommended to give birds the following products:

• vegetables;
• chopped greens;
• cereals;
• fish flour;
• feed sulfur.

It is worth considering that the diet of birds should contain chalk, bone meal and other natural additives intended for poultry.

Breeding and caring for chickens

These birds are characterized by a clearly expressed maternal instinct. Almost all chickens are born from laying hens. Therefore, there is no need to use an incubator. Due to its small size, a laying hen is capable of hatching 5-7 eggs - this 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 be provided with adequate warmth and proper nutrition. It is recommended to feed chickens at intervals of 2 hours.In the first month of life they should be under a warm lamp. It is recommended to maintain a temperature regime of +30 degrees.

Diseases to which the breed is susceptible

Under normal conditions, chickens of this breed have strong immunity. If there is a violation of hygiene recommendations or crowding 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 onset of shedding. To cope with parasites, it is worth using special means. It is recommended to clean the chicken coop.

If a chicken's diet contains too many protein foods, there is a risk of deformed toes. Birds may also encounter infectious pathologies. These include pullorosis, paratyphoid fever, and plague. At the first symptoms of the disease in the form of loss of appetite, lethargy or increased 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 to vaccinate birds in a timely manner.

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