Raising Serama Bantam Chickens

Serama bantams are tiny, living works of art.

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The Serama Bantam is the smallest bantam chicken in the world. It's a relatively new breed, developed in Malaysia. Jerry Schexnayder raises Seramas in Vacherie, Louisiana. They're not considered a meat bird or egg producer, but are raised to exhibit at shows and keep as pets. Schexnayder says the Seramas' personality is more like a puppy's than a chicken's.

"They're very calm and docile. People love them for the fact that they're very attentive to their owners. They're going to follow them around the house and when they sit, they'll jump on their lap and maybe even on their shoulders," says Schexnayder. "I've sent a lot of them to the senior citizen centers, and some of these people have them in their lobby. The old folks can pick up a chicken and let it sit on their lap, and it brings back their memories from when they were farm kids."

Seramas have been documented with over 2,500 color varieties. Schexnayder says if you hatch a-dozen eggs, you'll have twelve different-colored chicks.

A grown bird can be held in your hand. Hens weigh between 8-and-17-ounces, and the males top out between 10-and-19-ounces. The Seramas height from the ground to the top of the comb ranges from 6-to-10-inches. Because they're so small, you can house these petite poultry inside with very little space.

"People that are raising them indoors are using bird cages," says Schexnayder. "Something 10x12, or 12x16, something along that line is large enough for a single bird."

If you house them outside, make sure the shelter is kept above freezing and free from drafts and moisture. Provide regular chicken feed, and fresh greens on a regular basis. They don't eat much so a little food goes a long way.

Don't worry about a Serama rooster waking you up at 4-am, especially if it's living in the house with you. Its crow is very soft, and actually sounds more like a squeak.

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