Kathleen Sanderson wrote:
I don't know for sure if they are more efficient, but it WOULD be nice to have bantams that were as good layers as the best of the standard breeds! The main reason I was thinking of bantams is because with a small piece of land (we only have slightly over one acre right now), it would be easier to keep enough birds for a breeding flock if they were smaller.
Kathleen
I havent seen solid stats on them being more efficient growers, but it seems so, based on feed amounts and weight of the birds.
either way though, its worth working on as bantams ARE my only option since i do want to feed a breeding population. Might as well try to get a nice production egg layer while im doing it..... It should be easy enough actually, because most breeding with them, simply doesnt focus on that. People want them to look certain ways, and thats fine and dandy, but Im more interested in them for my eggs. although I want to have them super friendly to, so as to be more personable to a wider range of folks who might not like the attitudes of some chickens. Lots of back yards think of their chickens as friends.
I also came across old posts on a few forums with folks who did exactly this, and had great results!!! I tried contacting them, but they likely have new email or dont go to that site, as I got no response. but its a worthwhile project for sure.