What Are Mini Chickens? (And Why People Love Them)

If you’ve ever seen my tiny chicken, Tinkerbell, you know why people stop and ask, “What kind of chicken is she?” Mini chickens, or bantam chickens, are quickly becoming a backyard favorite. They’re adorable, full of personality and perfect for people with smaller yards or urban setups. But what exactly are mini chickens, and are they right for you?

What is a Mini Chicken?

Mini chickens, also called bantams, are smaller versions of standard chicken breeds, or naturally small breeds all on their own. Most adult mini chickens weigh just 2 to 3 pounds, about one-third the size of regular chickens. Despite their size, they strut with just as much confidence as their full-sized cousins.

There are two main types of mini chickens:

• True Bantams: Naturally miniature breeds that don’t have a larger counterpart, like the Sebright, Japanese Bantam, Dutch Bantam and Mille Fleur d’Uccle.

• Miniature Versions of Standard Breeds: These are bred down from larger chickens such as Miniature Cochins, Mini Silkies and Mini Orpingtons.

Why People Love Mini Chickens

While mini chickens don’t lay as many or as large eggs as standard breeds, they make up for it with big personalities and charm. Most bantam eggs are about half the size of a normal egg, but they’re still delicious and nutritious.

People keep mini chickens because they:

• Take up less space in the coop and yard

• Eat less feed, saving money

• Have friendly, social temperaments

• Add variety and color to a flock

• Are great for kids and beginners due to their size and docile nature

Honestly, it’s easy to see why they’ve become the stars of small-flock chicken keeping!

How to Care for Mini Chickens

Even though they’re smaller, mini chickens need the same essentials as full-sized breeds, just scaled down a bit.

Provide a safe, predator-proof coop with about 2–3 square feet per bird inside and at least 8 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run. Feed them a balanced chicken diet and make sure fresh water is always available.

Because of their size, mini chickens are more sensitive to cold weather and predators. Add extra bedding in the winter and reinforce the coop to keep out raccoons, hawks and other threats. They’re also social creatures, so keep them in small groups for company.

And despite their dainty looks, mine hold their own in the pecking order, especially Tinkerbell, who’s convinced she’s the Queen of the Coop!

Are Mini Chickens Right for You?

If you live in town, have limited space or simply love the idea of pint-sized chickens running around your yard, mini chickens might be the perfect fit. They’re ideal for urban homesteaders, families with kids and backyard chicken enthusiasts who want something unique, manageable and endlessly entertaining.

In my flock, I keep Mille Fleur d’Uccles, Bantam Buff Brahmas and Silkies, and they mix beautifully with my standard hens. They may be small, but they bring huge personality and joy to the coop!

Until next time,

—The Wing Lady