Easter Egger bantam chickens are a smaller version of chickens that originate from a cross between blue-egg laying Ameraucanas and breeds that lay eggs with brown shells. The result is a breeding population of chickens with a variety of conformations and plumage colors, and that lay eggs with a wide range of shell colors.
Physical Attributes
Easter Egger bantams are about one-third the size of Easter Egger chickens. Hens weigh a mere 31 ounces. Roosters weigh about 35 ounces.
An interesting thing about these bantams is that each individual is unique in its plumage pattern and feather colors. Even the leg colors vary. A flock of Easter Egger bantams can therefore represent just about every color in the chicken plumage rainbow.
They all, however, sport a beard and muffs, as well as a full tail. They also have large eyes, a flattish head, and a downward turning beak, giving them a hawk-like appearance.
Because they are not otherwise selectively bred for uniform conformation and plumage color, Easter Egger bantams are not a standardized breed. Instead of physical appearance, these bantams are bred to lay eggs with a variety of shell colors.
Breed Qualities
Easter Egger bantam hens are good layers of small eggs with shells in various shades of blue, green, and pink. It’s the flock, as a group, that lays eggs in an awe-inspiring rainbow variety of shell colors. Each hen, however, consistently lays eggs of a single color. But her female offspring won’t necessarily lay eggs having the same shell color as hers.
Easter Egger hens excel at brooding and are devoted mothers. As long as a rooster is included, your backyard flock therefore can be self perpetuating.
Easter Egger bantams are especially cold hardy, enhanced by their warmth retaining beards and muffs. Most Easter Eggers also have a pea comb, which is less prone to frostbite than a single comb. Occasionally, though, an individual will hatch with a single comb.
An unfortunate feature of these chickens is their inherent genetic beak issue, which affects approximately 1% of all chicks. As these birds grow they develop crossbeak, which usually gets worse as they mature.
Nevertheless, Easter Egger bantams remain popular not only because they, and their eggs, are so colorful, but also because of their docile and naturally friendly temperament. Easter Egger bantam chickens are among the absolutely best first chickens for kids and novice chicken keepers, simply because they are such wonderful fun.
Helpful Links
Why Chicken Eggs Come in Different Colors
How to Care for Bantam Chicks Shipped By Mail
Easter Egger Bantams from Cackle Hatchery®
And that’s today’s news from the Cackle Coop.
Gail Damerow has written numerous poultry-keeping books, many of them available from the Cackle Bookstore.
