Description
Rhode Island Red Bantam Chicken
Breed History and Origin
The Rhode Island Red Bantam is the miniature version of the well-known Single Comb Rhode Island Red Standard chicken. This bantam variety was recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1940 within the Single Comb Clean Legged Bantam class. As a smaller version of one of America’s most popular utility breeds, it carries strong egg-laying ability along with a manageable size for backyard flocks. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its bloodline of Rhode Island Red Bantam chickens since 1993.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Rhode Island Red Bantam chickens display the same rich deep red feathering as their standard-sized counterparts, along with a single comb and clean legs. Mature hens typically weigh about 30 ounces, while roosters average around 34 ounces. Pullets generally weigh about 26 ounces, and cockerels about 30 ounces. Their balanced body type and classic coloration make them a recognizable and practical bantam breed.
Egg Production and Performance
Rhode Island Red Bantam hens lay small brown bantam-sized eggs, and egg production is considered excellent for a bantam breed. These birds are valued for their ability to consistently produce eggs while maintaining a compact size suitable for backyard environments.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
This breed is known for its docile and active personality, making it a great choice for backyard poultry keepers. Rhode Island Red Bantams are also good foragers and adapt well to both confinement and free-range environments. Fertility percentages generally range between 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of eight females to one male. Hens are known setters and may go broody. They prefer roost heights between 2 to 4 feet.
Backyard and Production Use
Rhode Island Red Bantam chickens are an excellent backyard chicken for egg production and enjoyment, offering a balance of productivity and manageable size. While they can be shown, they are best known for their laying ability and practical use in small flocks.
Cackle Hatchery® offers the Single Comb Rhode Island Red Chicken (Exhibition Type) https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/rhode-island-red-chicken-exhibition-type/
We also offer production type Rhode Island Red chickens as day old chicks https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/rhode-island-reds/ and Started Pullets https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/rhode-island-red-started-pullet/ and at limited times of the year Rhode Island Red Fertile Hatching Eggs https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/rhode-island-red-chicken-exhibition-type-hatching-eggs/
Rhode Island Red Bantam Chicken FAQs
What color eggs do Rhode Island Red Bantams lay? They lay small brown bantam-sized eggs.
Are Rhode Island Red Bantams good egg layers? Yes. They are considered excellent layers for a bantam breed.
Are Rhode Island Red Bantams good for backyard flocks? Yes. They are docile, adaptable, and great for both eggs and enjoyment.
Do Rhode Island Red Bantams go broody? Yes. They are setters and may go broody to hatch eggs.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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khanalsameer –
Ordered 17 (5 females, 4 males, and 8 unsexed) day old chicks and received 20. At 2.5 months as of today, no mortality. My 6 yr old’s having an amazing time feeding these since they were a day old. All 20 come rushing toward us when we go near the chicken run. Males have started to set their pecking order, but no major incidences so far. We will only keep one or two of the 10 males. These are very active and flighty; so, very entertaining!
Michelle Hall –
The best breed, highly recommend! I ordered 5 females and 1 male, and received a bonus female. They were easily sexed when they arrived, as the male had a prominent white patch on his chest. All 7 birds have been a pleasure to raise from day 1. They’re all extremely sweet, friendly, curious, and gentle. As chicks they were not fearful of humans, and would fall straight to sleep under a warm hand. They were by far the easiest chicks I’ve ever raised, despite having spent a day longer in the mail than usual. No sickness, no loud distressed chirping, and no bullying or major squabbles in the brooder. They just ate/slept/played peacefully together all day and put themselves to bed at night without a fuss. Once they joined the rest of the bantam flock, their little group was good at sticking up for each other when the older hens would push them around. But they have also integrated smoothly with the rest of the flock.
One negative, is that the cockerel has so far been very rough when trying to mate with the older hens. He and a couple of the RIR females are headed to a friend’s farm as a breeding trio, and they do have other roosters there, so I’m hoping he can be taught some manners by a more senior roo in their bantam flock. Poor guy did grow up without any male role models, after all.
furkan19955 –
This is my second time ordering some of these lovely little hens. Last time I only received 2 but this time I added 3 more! Unfortunately one of the older ones passed away earlier this year so I am down to 4 bantam RIR. I genuinely love this breed! They are super intuitive and friendly. They lay pretty much daily and havent gone broody like my other bantams. They seem to be hardy and have a great appetite and personality. I definitely recommend these for people who want to have bantams that also produce well!
Christi Johnson –
I ordered 3 RIR Bantams along with 2 other breeds of full sized sexed hens. The bantams were the friendliest from early on. They are beautiful birds in a tiny package. At 20 weeks they have not started laying yet but they have done great with my 3 Welsummers and 3 Buff Orpingtons. They don’t back down but they aren’t bullies either, so they hold their own. Highly recommend!
Michael Lewis –
Mine are still young…but are growing into beautiful birds. Purchased for my very young son as his first agricultural endeavor. Looking forward to seeing how these continue to develop, and perhaps will even plus up the flock next year.
Whittni (@WhitsFlock) –
Naturally friend females without being held particularly handled. Excellent looking birds. Hardy through hot humid summer and snowy weather. Would buy again.
Cynthia Lopez –
Just received our order of 15 unsexed RIR banties this morning. I was worried because we’ve had unusually cold weather this spring, even had snow 2 weeks ago, but all 15 are spunky and LOUD. The little heating pad in the box was just what they needed. They all immediately starting drinking and eating, none of them seem weak or lethargic, and overall they seem friendly to humans – when I drape my hand at the bottom of the brooder, they look at it and then brush my fingers as they walk by. No startling or shying away. I’m really tickled with these chicks and hope i have enough hens in the bunch to have a self sustaining flock.
MadHatter –
Best breed for small scale homestead
Great layers, friendly, difiently a dual purpose breed. I just can’t say enough about them. Once the hens start laying they seem to never stop.
W&T 4-H –
We love them!
They are so friendly and calm. Wherever we are in the backyard they come along. Very calm and very sweet!
benjo –
beautiful but still waiting for eggs
ordered 5 female (got 6).They grew up into beautiful birds,I am still waiting on eggs (they are 7 months old, and the red cochin bantams have been laying for at least 2 months).They are full of personality and readily come to us when we enter their pen.Of course we always have treats for them. Truly enjoy these delightful little birds. Thank you.
Erbagirl –
Such sweet girls!
I ordered one RIRB and received 2. They both went into the banty coop, but one went into the full size coop and has stayed there ever since. They both are sweet, running up to you and waiting to be picked up. I almost wish I would’ve orders full size.
Sam –
RR bantams
This is the first year we have ordered this breed from the hatchery. They are a nice looking, beautiful mahogany feathered bantam. They were easy to work with and my 6 yr old was able to show one of the pullets with ease.
Nicole –
Healthly and Friendly
We got 5 females. 4 are female 1 was a male, which is not uncommon for sexed bantams. The 4 females are very friendly. All were healthy when they arrived and have grown up to be healthy. I was not sure what to expect as a breed or size, but these little ladies are bantam sized and will be a breed I keep!
Karla –
love rhode island red bantams
I purchased this breed for the first time spring 2019. I wanted a flock but don’t really need the production a full size breed gives considering its just me and my husband. And surprisingly, the bantam yoke is the same size as a standard chicken’s small egg! Therefore, I feel that the Rhode Island Bantam is a more efficient bird.
sheepinarowboat –
itty bitty treasures
I’ve never had Rhode Island Red Bantam’s before. They arrived last February. They are healthy, curious, super super friendly, sweet and I love them to bits. Now my favorite breed of chicken by far!
Ashley –
Wonderful!
My daughter got Grand Champion Bantam at our County Fair!! Very sweet healthy
John –
Very Sweet Babies
Our babies are almost 3 weeks old now. So sweet, easy to spoil. Love ’em
Abby Iowa May 2012 –
Thanks!
I showed in the American, English, Mediterranean, All Other Standard Breed, Mixed Breed, Pairs, Bantam Single Comb, Clean Legged and Showmanship Classes. This was my first year showing. I got 1 Red and 9 Blue Ribbons. I also received 4 best of breed awards and 1 Reserve Champion and 1 Champion. I also got 3rd in showmanship.
James Arizona April 2010 –
Arrival
Just wanted to let you know that our shipment of chicks arrived this morning, they are all alive and we just gave them the sugar water and some food. They all look good. Thank You
Ken April 2014 –
Thank You!
Thanks a million!!! I love my new bantam Rhode Island Red biddies! They are beautiful and healthy beyond my expectations! Put me on the ABSOLUTELY 100% SATISFIED list!!