Feathers and fresh starts

From broody bans to hatching plans, Cara Wheeldon asked bantam keepers across the country what their New Year's resolutions are for their flocks, and the answers were as charmingly varied as the birds themselves.

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ELLIE JADE, EDEN VALLEY

“Lucifer would like to say a big hi to everyone this New Year,” laughs Ellie, who keeps a lively mix of full-size and bantam chickens, including cheeky cockerel Lucifer. “I'm thankful for having my fabulous flocks of mixed breed chickens, they all have such quirky personalities and I love having them as part of the Eden Valley Hens team. I’m starting my journey into hatching different breeds, including bantams,” she laughs.

“We actually had one of our own hatch this past summer and she’s doing fabulous! It’s so lovely to have my own breeding birds starting with the bantams! They're an underrated breed in my opinion.”

Ellie’s resolution is all about growth, and for many keepers, breeding and raising their own birds represents a natural next step.

TOMMY COPELAND, NORFOLK

“My New Year’s resolution will be to not let my bantams go broody again,” says Tommy, who has learned firsthand how determined a sitting hen can be. “Last year, I spent half my weekends coaxing my little Pekin off empty nests. I think we'll both appreciate a bit more rest this year!”

Tommy’s lighthearted goal is one many can relate to, after all, bantams are renowned for their persistence when the nesting instinct kicks in.

FIONA MATTHEWS, 47, WILTSHIRE

“My resolution is to finally get my bantam run looking like something out of a gardening magazine,” says Fiona, who keeps a trio of Millefleur d’Uccles. “They have a habit of rearranging all my bark chippings within minutes, but this year I’m determined to keep things neat. Or as neat as a bantam coop can be!”

Her hens, she says, have other plans, but like all good resolutions, it’s the thought that counts.