Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Beautiful bantams are ideal for the smaller garden
The Country Smallholder
|May 2023
Lisa Mancell, National Sales Co-ordinator at Farmgate Feeds gives her top tips on caring for bantams.
Back garden hen keeping has been on the rise in the UK for the past decade with a boom seen during the pandemic and chickens becoming more popular pets than hamsters in 2020! Consequently, hen keeping is no longer just a rural pursuit, with more suburban and urban households enjoying caring for their own little flocks. Typically, these first-time hen owners have smaller gardens making bantams an excellent choice, especially if you fancy your chances at showing your birds too. Here are some top tips to make sure you get the most from your bantam flock.
NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
If you are keeping bantams for egg production a good feeding regime is imperative, so that you are getting the correct amount of good quality protein; vitamins; minerals etc. A lack of certain nutrients can affect egg production, shell quality and even the bird’s health.
This story is from the May 2023 edition of The Country Smallholder.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Country Smallholder
The Country Smallholder
Preventing and Controlling Predators
Poultry are prey animals and, in the UK, there are a wide array of predators that can hunt them. Hugh and Fiona Osborne look at the predators to be aware of and how to guard against them.
7 mins
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Showing our Turtle Doves some love this Christmas
Helen Moffatt says you can be part of Operation Turtle Dove on your smallholding
3 mins
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
On the third day of Christmas
The famous Christmas carol celebrates \"three French hens\", but what if we gave the verse a smallholder's twist? Cara Wheeldon introduces three festive bantam breeds that bring sparkle, charm, and cheer to coops across Britain this winter.
5 mins
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Five ideas for inside food growing over winter
Editor and eco-expert Kim Stoddart outlines some more creative ways to bring the outdoors in this winter
3 mins
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
How to enjoy winter pig keeping
Linda Aldous says success is all in the preparation and in your clothing!
5 mins
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Where next for Britain's smallholding and farming communities as we look to 2026 and beyond
Agricultural journalist, smallholder and editor of Ford & Fordson Tractors Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for her regular look at the world.
4 mins
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
All dressed up with nowhere to show?
Grant Brereton says there's still cause for optimism with pure breeds
6 mins
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
When small businesses collaborate, things happen!
Angela Williams shows how by working with like minded people, you can create things you thought you could only dream
5 mins
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
Cluckin' around the Christmas tree
'Tis season of peace and goodwill to all hens
5 mins
December 2025
The Country Smallholder
The gentle giant Brahma - big and beautiful
Victoria Roberts BVSC MRCVS looks at a stately, docile chicken with an impressive history
2 mins
December 2025
Translate
Change font size