Bantam Roosters

Small Feathered Packages of Attitude

As a group, Bantams retain many differences in temperament and instinctual behavior that has been bred out of many egg laying breeds.

In many cases, these traits lie dormant until the need arises.

As far as physical characteristics go, there is a lot to choose from. My preference is a dark bird, and I like rosebud or raspberry combs, simply because they don’t get frozen in colder climates. The larger upright combed roosters do fine in hot climates, as it acts as a radiator to cool the bird off.

The different aged roosters have a system with the younger ones running away respectfully, and seldom facing off.

Young Bantams in their clique

One of my older Bantam roosters guards the broody hen and her four chicks, standing on the top of the compost pile, even calling the chicks to a tasty morsel, and hanging out with them.

Rags, the Broody Bantam - Rooster?

I've even seen him actually brooding the chicks as they approach the age when the hen has had enough of them - crouching down to let them get warm under his wings - this is not a common trait for roosters to have.

In this picture he's brooding at least one chick, keeping them warm in his downy feathers.

He warns of any birds flying by, especially hawks or ravens which are an ever present danger to young chicks.

The chicks instinctively know what the warning call means, running for cover until the all clear sounds.

Even though this particular Bantam rooster is a bit shaggy and scruffy - going by the apt name of Rags - he is a valuable member of the flock due to his protective assertive nature.

Teaching the young cockerels their manners, herding the young pullets and doing his manly duty with the mature hens is a full time job, one which a Bantam rooster gladly takes responsibility for.

go to Drought Smart Plants home page

Sustainable Gardening

Backyard Chickens