Small, nice, lively and beautiful: hens belonging to dwarf breeds of chickens have all the characteristics to break into the hearts of poultry enthusiasts and beyond.

Dwarf breeds of chickens are divided into authentic dwarf breeds, i.e. selected from the beginning as small breeds, and miniaturized breeds, i.e. a small version of normally large breeds. Often dwarf breeds are generically referred to as Bantam, but this term should only be used for the Bantam of Java, one of the oldest and most famous dwarf breeds of chickens, which probably arrived in Europe from the port of Bantam in Indonesia. But have you ever wondered what advantages their breeding can bring? Here is a list of 10 reasons why it is worth raising dwarf breeds of chickens!

Dwarf breeds of chickens, such as this Dwarf Wyanotta, have character and personality

1. You need less space. The truly tiny size (combined sometimes with the quiet character of some of these breeds) allows dwarf or bantam breeds to be bred in less space. Even a small garden can accommodate a small group. In the night shelter you can calculate an average of 5-6 animals per square meter without excessive problems and in the fence/pasture about one animal every three square meters.
2. Your lawn will thank you. Dwarf chickens are small and light animals, and on top of that, some breeds don’t even scratch around. Unlike larger, heavier breeds, the turf of the enclosure (if not overlap it) will not disappear completely due to their continuous search for seeds and insects. And that brings us to the next point, which is…
3. They are excellent exterminators. You can also raise dwarf breeds of chickens in an organic orchard, where they will constantly help you keep moths, caterpillars, and various types of fruit tree pests under control. In addition, by scratching among the dead leaves at the foot of the trees, in autumn, they will eliminate chrysalises and overwintering larvae.
4. They are fantastic mothers. Hens belonging to dwarf breeds are usually very good as hens, and can also be happily used as nannies to incubate eggs of large breeds. They were also once used to hatch the eggs of pheasants and other ornamental poultry.
5. They have a nice character! Despite their size, dwarf breeds of chickens have a very strong and distinct character, and shine for personality. Breeding them will generally be a lot of fun.
6. You won’t miss the infant carrier. Many dwarf breeds of chicken are at least decent layers, and a nice group of dwarf hens will provide you with a good amount of eggs. The latter will be smaller than the eggs found on the market, but you will be surprised by the size of their yolk, which is very large in proportion to the size.
7. They consume little! Dwarf breeds of chickens eat less because of their small bodies, and the savings on groceries will be felt. Depending on the breed, you can calculate a saving of a quarter or more compared to the ration of a large hen.
8. They make great pets. Dwarf breeds of chickens are often extremely docile with humans and over time they can become fantastic pets, also very suitable for children precisely because they are small and light.
9. You’ll be spoilt for choice. There are dozens of dwarf breeds of chickens, you just have to choose the one that suits you best. Try visiting a specialized exhibition and you will be amazed by their beauty and elegance.
10. They are not just chickens! You will find that many dwarf breeds of chickens are more like wild birds than simple chickens, if raised in semi-freedom. They love to sleep in trees, and you’ll find that they fly pretty well. Their behavior will not fail to amaze you.

A dwarf Cochinchina at a chicken beauty show

Did you know that Italy also boasts two dwarf breeds of chickens? One, Mericanel della Brianza, comes from Lombardy and was selected by Maurizio Tona. The other is the beautiful Gallina Mugellese from Tuscany, selected among others in recent years by Maurizio Pavone

Although not purebred, many dwarf chicken crosses are absolutely beautiful!

But don’t forget, in addition to the dwarf breeds of chickens, there have always been many crosses of small chickens in the countryside, less famous but still beautiful, fun and sociable, and many breeders regularly give extra subjects to those who can and want to keep them. So take the opportunity as soon as possible and start breeding dwarf chickens too: you will certainly have fun and become passionate about these extraordinary animals. Proof!

Conclusion

And remember that if you decide to breed some dwarf breeds of chickens, Novital will be by your side, with its line of products for poultry farming, from feeders to drinking troughs and nesting nests. What are you waiting for then? Dwarf chicken breeding awaits!