Japanese Bantam Club 

                                            of            

       Great Britain     

Poultry houses can be found in many shapes and sizes, some can be elaborate and attractive, others just having basic requirements. Providing the following key points are recognised, Japanese bantams would be happy in a wide range of these.

An example of housing suitable for japanese.

Outdoor accommodation

* Japanese bantams can only successfully kept on grass during the dry summer months. Due to their small size and low carriage they are not suited to being kept this way during the cold and wet weather.

* Outdoor accommodation can vary in shape and size, but a typical 'ark' would comprise of a house which is approximately three feet square and a run the same width as the house and five or six feet long.

* It should be high enough so as not to damage the cock's comb or tail. In order to keep vermin (e.g. mice and sparrows) out, the run should be covered in half inch chicken wire or weldmesh. The floor of the run can also be wired if larger predators (e.g. rats and foxes) are a problem.

* Extra protection from wind and rain can be obtained by covering the roof of the run with corrugated plastic sheeting, but this will make observation of stock more difficult.

* An annual coat of wood preserver will increase it's life expectancy. Most treatments are toxic though, so it is a good idea to do this during the winter when it is unoccupied.

* Arks are usually made so they can easily be moved onto fresh ground. This stops the area becoming caked with droppings.

* Larger, non portable houses, should have good access for easy cleaning. This means removing floor litter (ideally woodshavings or sawdust) and dropping frequently.

* Spraying with a non-toxic disinfectant will prevent the build up of harmful bacteria and viruses. Lice and mites can be controlled in houses and nest boxes by regular dusting with powder.

* Keeping birds outside does have its benefits. Fresh grass is available and, with regular moving of portable housing, there is no build up of droppings with the consequence of parasites and disease. A run provides an ideal scratching and dust bathing area.

* Birds kept on grass usually develop good leg and beak colour, but it should be remembered that sunlight will discolour plumage, so potential show birds need shade or indoor accommodation.

An example of 'ark' type housing.

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