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 Post subject: Best Bantam.
PostPosted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 11:30 am 
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Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2009 11:48 pm
Posts: 7
Hi guys I am new to chickens and am after some advice. I have pretty limited room for chickens (only 2m by 3m), so standards are out and bantams are the most practical choice. I'm after a good all rounder, Something that's good at laying, good with kids and not too flighty. I've heard good things about Pekins, Silkies and RIRs, but I still need some help determining the best. However, I am wondering about bantam leghorns, because I have seem a few around lately and I know they're good layers, but their personality appears to differ significantly (according to the owners). I am definitely being picky about the characteristics of these pets-to-be, but our family is very definite about what we want out of the chickens. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Striker

p.s. What about Australorp bantams? Are they a good pet?


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 Post subject: Re: Best Bantam.
PostPosted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 1:58 pm 
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Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2008 7:40 pm
Posts: 117
Location: gold coast
Pekins and silkies are great little bantams and they are great with kids a_bravo.gif

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 Post subject: Re: Best Bantam.
PostPosted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 4:55 pm 
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Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2009 7:17 pm
Posts: 209
Location: Nanango QLD
pekins or Belgian duccles although duccles lay fewer eggs than pekins they are extremely friendly....

i would NEVER suggest silkys for small children i find that they can be a bit flighty and they are a bit bigger then the pekins...

but id go for pekins with children! 52.gif

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breeds include .::. Black mottle Belgian d'uccles .:. Various coloured Pekins .:. White Silkys .::.


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 Post subject: Re: Best Bantam.
PostPosted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 7:18 pm 
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Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2009 11:48 pm
Posts: 7
Really? I have heard that Silkies make good pets, but I myself prefer Pekins - Chickens that look like chickens (no offense to silky lovers :)). Also found some RIWs for sale, how are they for temperament?As far as the kids go, one's 13 (turning 14) and the other's 16, so not exactly little tackas, but still kids. They'd pretty much have just one person handling them ( the 13 yr old), so it's not exactly a problem if they're a one person chicken.

Thanks
Striker


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 Post subject: Re: Best Bantam.
PostPosted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 8:54 pm 
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Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2009 7:17 pm
Posts: 209
Location: Nanango QLD
i surpose it would also depend on what you plan on doing with the birds.. do you intend on showing or house pets??? for those age groups of kids though it dosent really matter all to much on breed, silkys are fine with that age i was imaging a 3 year old :lol: ...... i have met some very agro silkys over my time of chickens so im a bit weary... You can never fail with pekins though....!!! i believe everyone would agree on that one...

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breeds include .::. Black mottle Belgian d'uccles .:. Various coloured Pekins .:. White Silkys .::.


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 Post subject: Re: Best Bantam.
PostPosted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 9:48 pm 
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Joined: Sat May 17, 2008 7:28 pm
Posts: 95
Location: Barossa Valley SA
My six year old handles our very calm cuddly silkie with no probs, he was fine with the silkie rooster we had too, though I gather other people have different experiences with their roosters! The silkie is anything but flighty and runs up to be petted. None of our silkie hens has ever been difficult even when handled by very young, non-chook-savvy visiting kids.
I have seen some very flighty white leghorn bantam girls, but they were brilliant little layers and their 'independent' temperament was useful when they free-ranged. They were great at keeping themselves safe.
Our Wyandotte bantams have been docile, reliable layers with distictive personalities and good mothering skills. I would certainly have them again. But as FluffyFeet suggests, Pekins are practical in a small space, beautiful and endearing by nature. They would make lovely 'starters'.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

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 Post subject: Re: Best Bantam.
PostPosted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:24 pm 
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Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2009 11:48 pm
Posts: 7
Hey guys,
Pekins sound like the best choice then, as I have no desire to show them and would be keeping them only as pets and a regular source of eggs. Showing is still a looooong way off for me, lol.


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 Post subject: Re: Best Bantam.
PostPosted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 6:37 am 
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Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 8:48 pm
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I have both Pekin & Silky and have to say I prefer Pekin because they are friendlier and not so nerves as some silkiest can be. I have also had problems with an aggressive silky rooster that I had to put down.


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 Post subject: Re: Best Bantam.
PostPosted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 11:07 am 
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Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2009 11:48 pm
Posts: 7
:shock: Ok well then I will go Pekins then. Also some of the other breeds are more expensive, but Pekins really do seem to be everywhere, so price won't likely be an issue. :-D Thanks for the help guys!


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 Post subject: Re: Best Bantam.
PostPosted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 6:48 pm 
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Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:01 pm
Posts: 3006
Pekins range from $25-$100 ea down here


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