The Poultry Keeper

Matildanz · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:51 am Post subject: Big chooks versus wee chooks.....

Ever since deciding to take on chicken keeping, I'd always thought I'd want big chickens, orpingtons, sussex etc due to them being fairly docile and with young nephews and nieces, want something that they'll be safe with. Also I had always thought there were only two sizes - standard and bantam!

BUT now.....

Someone suggested pekins (thanks Pekin!! Rolling Eyes

) and after a bit of research, I'm putting them on the list! I've always gone for larger species as 'generally' I've found them to be more laid back, and my main concern is that they will suffer from 'little man syndrome'!

So......

who has had both? Pros and cons of either? Advice.... suggestions.... Very Happy

Cheers Guys Very Happy

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7370 Location: isle of lewis

i've got mainly big utility birds ,but have 4 little dutch ,no pekins i'm afraid they were not for me tend to get very muddy here Wink

,although they are lovely Very Happy

,i wish the dutch would stay out of the kitchen they keep sitting on the window sill and the childrens shoulders Wink

Pekinout · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1196 Location: Cornwall

I've kept both large and bantams. Pekins get on with larger breeds, they're very very docile, but can stand up for themselves, they won't pick fights on bigger birds either.

As milkmaid's pointed out, pekins having feathery feet do need to be kept in a covered run over winter or on wet days, as they do get their feet plastered which can lead to infections.

mojo · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 6:43 pm Post subject:

for folks that fancy a wee chook try japs....super wee birds and good doers

Matildanz · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 8:40 pm Post subject:

MOJO!!! You're supposed to be helping, not muddying the waters with another selection!! God only knows, I'm confused enough already! Wink

... right then, off to research blimmin Japs - whatever they are Rolling Eyes

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3469 Location: Monmouthshire

I've always kepts a mixture of LF and Bantams and never had a problem in shared runs. Some of the bantams will chose to live with the LF anyway.

Dusty · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 935 Location: St. Asaph

I've got Black Rocks and light sussex as LF, dutch banty coq and three girls, 2 x Barbu D'uccles and a modern game bantam coq and two girls all living together happily.

The light sussex are always with the modern game and the dutch banty coq keeps the LF in place, but no squabbles. Laughing

mojo · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject:

we have only LF running together .................why the japs bully them if let in with the LF................it looks so funny

Pekinout · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1196 Location: Cornwall

Sablepoots (true bantams) make lovely pets and aren't bad as layers. Really tame and docile.

Matildanz · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 11:22 pm Post subject:

CP · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:54 am Post subject:

Nankins are another true bantam breed & would make lovely addition to the flock! Wink

Matildanz · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 4:08 am Post subject:

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3469 Location: Monmouthshire

Sablepoots are sometimes listed as Booted Bantams, or Belgian Booted.

Matildanz · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:55 pm Post subject:

Pekinout · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1196 Location: Cornwall

Well what about some miniatures often called bantams (wrongly) hamburghs are nice in the miniature variety but a bit flighty. Very beautiful to look at though.