Japanese Bantam Club 

                                            of            

       Great Britain     

Japanese bantams can be kept indoors quite happily all year round. This type of accommodation allows them to be kept clean and dry, protected from the worst of the weather. As well as providing the opportunity to extend the day with artificial light and hence feeding time through the short winter days, it allows for increased handling opportunities and observation of stock.

An example of indoor pens.

* Indoor accommodation is usually comprised of a bright, well ventilated building containing breeding pens. These must be of a size and construction to allow for easy access and cleaning.

* A pair of Japanese bantams will live and breed quite happily in a pen of three feet by two feet, but larger pens can be used to accommodate trios or groups of young birds.

* A useful method of construction incorporates removable dividers between the pens so that two or more can be connected together to form larger runs.

* Perches can be used providing they are of suitable size. Ideally two inches square, slightly rounded and removable to prevent young birds roosting too early so causing crooked breastbones.

* They should be positioned at an appropriate height to allow birds to get onto them easily, but high enough to prevent roosting on their nest box.

* A dropping board under the perches which can be removed easily for cleaning will help keep the floor of the pens cleaner.

* An ideal litter for the floor is wood shavings or sawdust as it absorbs moisture, does not stain plumage, and gives the birds something to scratch around in.

* The shavings/sawdust should be changed once a week or as required to prevent the build up of parasites. Hygiene is more important with indoor pens.

* Damp and dirty floor litter can contain harmful bacteria which can lead to respiratory disease, which, if the building is poorly ventilated, could lead to the infection of all the birds.

* When cleaning out it is a good idea to spray the floor of the pens with a non-toxic disinfectant before putting in fresh shavings/sawdust.

* Lice and mites must also be controlled in the same way as described for outdoor housing.

* An additional problem in poultry houses is Red mite, they hid in crevices, and feed particularly at night on roosting birds.

* A good way to eradicate them is to thoroughly clean the house, pen and nest boxes, then spray everything, including every nook and cranny, in a suitable solution. Allow to dry before re-introducing the birds. This process will have to be repeated regularly during the summer months as Red mite have a ten day life cycle.

This Website was prepared for the Japanese Bantam Club of Great Britain by Terry and Lisa Crook. If you have any questions or comments please Email the club at: japclub@ukonline.co.uk

Last updated on 24/02/2005