Bantam Brahmas
I have had a few bantam Brahmas in my flock for years. After Covid, my bantam flock has increased considerably and I have started exhibiting them. Particularly my darks.
Left is my first really good bantam dark cock from Canadian breeder/judge John Beamer.
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Bantam Brahmas are nearly as old as their large fowl counterparts, and are simply a miniaturized version. Feathered feet and all.
The bantams are 1/5 the size of the large fowl Brahmas and average around 2-3 pounds each. They are very winter hardy and with their fluffy down under plumage, feathered feet, and small, tight combs, are very resistant to frostbite in our harsh winters. To this day I have never had one get frostbite, nor lost one to cold weather.
If you love the Brahma temperament, but don't want to keep a breed so large due to feed cost or space, the bantams may be for you. They are very good layers of small eggs, which are often surprisingly large for bantam eggs, and I find them to be very reliable about laying through the winter. Cost translates to one quarter the feed for over one half the egg size of the large fowl, and many more eggs. In my opinion, more than a fair trade.
At this time I am specializing in dark (silver partridge), which is a recognized variety, and showable through APA (American Poultry Association) and ABA (American Bantam Association) which are the organizations which sanction shows.
I find their mellow temperaments and sweet personalities quite endearing. A good breed to start with in your backyard flock, even with children. I have not had the roosters have issues with human aggression.
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Currently I plan to have bantam dark eggs available in fall 2025 and spring 2026. I will have a waiting list since I will also be hatching for myself.
I also plan to be attending fall shows in NY 2025, as well as Ohio Nationals in November, and Congress in Springfield Mass.in January 2026.
At left is the dark pullet that won Best of Variety (BV) at the 150th Anniversary Ohio Nationals in November 2023.
It was my first time attending nationals and I entered 3 pullets and placed 1 (BV), 2 (RV) and 3rd in their variety.
They are not entirely where my goal is for this variety, but they are improving yearly. I was very happy with this recognition.
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The pullet at the right is my favorite and took Reserve of Variety (RV) at the same nationals as the pullet above in 2023.
I am extremely happy with how this years offspring are looking, and improving type and penciling.
Update to add...
attended 2024 Ohio APA nationals and AGAIN proud to announce taking BV and RV for the second year in a row with Daughters of these birds.
