Homesteading RI Red Bantams

By Dane Blumthal

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Hi Bob,

    OK, we are up and running -- finally! The ban ties are adjusting very well to their new "condo". We have the roosts and nest boxes in an acceptable place for them apparently since they have been laying like crazy. We chose to stop eating the eggs (excellent by the way) this week and see if one or so of them would eventually go broody. Will see. Have attached a few images. Just want to again thank you for the kindness of meeting me out there so late at night, and for the advice on these little fellows. We feel that we have made a fine choice with these instead of the larger R I Reds. We even like their intelligent disposition -- really amazing.

From your suggestion to keep them enclosed for four weeks so that they know their home, will have the enclosed/protective 8X8 run completed over spring break as they are coming up on a month in the coop by then. It is hard to tell in the picture, but there is an enormous 5X2 window high on the shadowed wall of the coop. We also wired it for DC fluorescent lighting and a small 12V computer fan. Will keep you posted. And again, thanks for all your help.

Editors note: I converted Dane from large fowl production reds to SCRI Red bantams. I shared with him one male and four pullets. He has no electricity and will hatch the chicks that he needs with the females who will make excellent mothers. Rhode Island Red Bantams make an excellent breed for yuppies who want to become homesteaders and to get their children involved in livestock. Always try to push our breed even if the person does not wish to be an exhibitor. That is what hour hobby is all about. BOB