Small domestic fowls or midget chickens, commonly called bantams, have gained popularity among backyard poultry farmers and poultry freaks. But what are these pint-sized birds, and why people are so fond of it? Now that most people are embracing the idea of keeping poultry as a hobby or for home use, let’s look at midget chickens and the top five breeds you should consider adopting. 

What are midget chickens called?

Midget chickens you will first want to know are called bantams and come in many breeds. These small-sized birds are preferred because of their small size, full of energy, and have interesting looks. Nonetheless, bantams are as robust as standard poultry and are favored in ornamental and utility poultry farming. It is available in different breeds, and all the breeds have their characteristics. 

Top 5 Midget Chicken Breeds

List of the best midget chicken breeds. Each breed is different and has its features and virtues, so they can be called special in their own way. 

Breed 1: Serama 

Origin and History: The Serama chicken originates from Malaysia, and it is known as one of the smallest chicken breeds in the world. 

Key Characteristics: Famous for their freedom of the spirit and bearing the pride of a lion, the Serama chicken breeds are preferred especially by chicken lovers. They are available in different colors and designs, which make it possible for anyone to add beauty to the flock. 

Breed 2: Sebright 

Origin and History: Sebright chicken is a breed developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s. It was named after the breeding farmer Sir John Sebright. 

Key Characteristics: It won’t come as anyone’s surprise to learn that brights are popular aviaries due to their beautiful laced plumage-like paintings. They are highly-strung birds and like to explore. Therefore, they are a great addition to any aviary. 

Breed 3: Dutch Bantam 

Origin and History: Dutch Bantams are one of the oldest Bantam breeds and originate from the Netherlands. 

Key Characteristics: These are small chickens, but they know how to survive no matter the prevailing conditions. They are erect species, and they can be of different colors. It is surprising for a small-scale egg producer that their eggs are relatively large, measuring in proportion to their overall body size. 

Breed 4: Silkies

Origin and History: Silkies have a long history and are believed to have originated in Asia. They were first documented by Marco Polo during his travels in the 13th century.

Key Characteristics: Known for their fluffy, silky feathers, Silkies are unlike any other chicken breed. They are gentle and friendly, making them excellent pets. Their unique feathering gives them a soft, plush appearance that distinguishes them from other breeds.

Breed 5: Japanese Bantam

Origin and History: Japanese Bantam originated in Japan, and it took this breed a considerably long time to finally be developed. 

Key Characteristics: These chickens have a leg’s length of 5 to 6 centimeters and a tail’s length of 15 to 18 centimeters. Most of the birds are kept for their elegance and not for the purpose of laying eggs. 

Caring for Midget Chickens 

They are easy to manage or take care of if that is the right term; however, the following issues have to be considered. They need a safe place with good ventilation, a coop to lay eggs, and a yard where they can run and perch. They are also likely to be threatened by predation mainly because they are small; therefore, their living space should be well protected. The food that fish are supposed to take should involve a balanced feed that is now and again supplemented by fruits, vegetables, and grains. 

Breeding and Egg Production 

Although midget birds are not often associated with prodigious levels of egg-laying, some breeds, including the Dutch Bantam, do quite well in this regard. The feeding and breeding procedures for such chickens are very similar to those for normal chickens, but as we can see, their size is slightly bigger than that of normal chickens, so they might require a little attention. Midget chickens’ eggs may be tiny, but they are rich in taste and are good for preparation in the kitchen. 

Where to Buy Midget Chickens?

If you are planning to buy midget chickens for your home flock, then there are some recommended breeders and online marketplaces to check. Accordingly, there is the need to make sure you are acquiring healthy birds by having to buy from a reputable dealer. Local poultry shows and farmer markets could also provide these beautiful-looking chickens. 

Conclusion 

Midget chickens are known to be small in size but are big in character, making them fun to rear. Whether you are overcrowded or possess an interest in their peculiarities, one is assured that there is always a right midget chicken breed. From the beautiful Sebright to the cute Silkie, these small chickens certainly add a lot of personality to any backyard. 

FAQs

Do midget chickens require special care compared to regular chickens? 

Not necessarily. While they need secure housing to protect them from predators, their care requirements are similar to standard chickens.

Can midget chickens live with standard-sized chickens?

Yes, midget chickens can coexist with larger chickens, but it’s important to monitor their interactions to prevent bullying.

Are midget chickens good for egg production?

While they don’t lay as many eggs as larger breeds, certain midget chickens like the Dutch Bantam can be decent layers.

How much space do midget chickens need? 

Midget chickens require less space than standard breeds, making them ideal for small backyards. A coop should provide about 2-3 square feet per bird.

Do midget chickens make good pets? 

Absolutely! Their friendly nature and manageable size make them excellent pets, especially for families with children.