A bantam is any small or miniature fowl, but usually the word bantam refers to small breeds of chicken.

Two English football clubs have been nicknamed 'The Bantams', Bradford City, and, until 1962, Coventry City.

Bantams make excellent mothers, guarding their chicks under their wings at night and help them find food during the day.

Where are Bantam hens from?
Bantam hens are believed to have originated in the Orient.

Bantams are easy to keep as pets as they do not need as much space as other breeds. Bantams are usually calmer than standard chickens.

Why do we keep Bantam hens?
Bantam hens are kept for their eggs.

They lay on average four to five eggs a week, although as they are quite small you would probably need two for breakfast!

Bantams have also been used for show purposes, because they have more varied and exotic breeds than other chickens.

Bantams are also now becoming popular as pets. They make excellent farmyard companions and can become quite tame.