Kristina Mercedes

Bantams are breeds of chickens that are smaller than standard-sized birds; some only weigh a few pounds. There are “true bantams,” which are breeds only available in the bantam size, and then there are bantam varieties of standard-sized breeds.

The great thing about bantams is their tiny footprint (so to speak). They eat less, take up less space, cost less to care for and their housing is smaller, so it costs less, too! And yet they are just as easy to care for as a flock of standard hens might be. Here are some of the best bantam breeds for beginners, families, seasoned standard-breed chicken-keepers and everyone in between.

Barred Plymouth Rock Bantams

Like their standard-sized counterparts, Barred Plymouth Rock bantams pack a punch of personality and make one of the most perfect backyard chicken breeds you could add to your flock. The Barred Rock bantam is friendly and personable. Hens are great layers of brown eggs, and both sexes are great meat birds.