Well……Have I got the perfect solution for you.
Meet Zeus, the serama rooster, the world’s smallest breed of chicken.
He is our spokesman for getting started with chickens.
These pint sized cuties make the perfect starter bird for your backyard flock AND they make great pets.
Zeus loves nothing more than to be held by kids and loved on.
He just sits, and sits, and sits; finally falling asleep. I am often asked how we got him to do that.
Well, ya all, he was born that way and he has pasted that trait off to his own littles.
Are you intrigued yet?
Well, let me tell you a bit more about the breed.
This little bird stands not more than 10 inches tall, although some maybe smaller and come in all sorts of colors and patterns.
They belong to the bantam breed of chickens. These include the silkie, which most of you have probably heard.
They stand very up right and look permanently alert and ‘on guard’ so was given the nicknames of ‘toy soldier’ or ‘fearless warrior’. But don’t let that scare you away. They love people and are calm and personable.
They lay tiny eggs, and yes you can eat them, although, it will take 2 or 3 to equal the size of a regular egg. They are still just as tasty.
You can bring your serama inside, as they will love being held. Zeus would even sit and watch TV with us. I would not recommend keeping them inside long term, however. These birds have sensitive lungs and can sense indoor air pollution. This includes perfumes, cigarette smoke, hairspray, Teflon (when cooking with non-stick cookware), cleaners and bleach. Just be very aware of fumes.
There are several advantages to having a serama.
- The rooster has a soft crow, so if you are in neighborhood, your neighbors won’t know you have chickens.
- They don’t eat a lot. One bird will eat about 1 lb. a month; it just needs to be crumbles or mash.
- They don’t need a lot of space. A small grassy area that is predator proof is perfect.
- They tolerate the heat well, which it great for southeast Texas.
- And who can’t resist teeny, tiny chicks?
So what do you think?
What to give these little beggers a try?
If your not quite sure, come on out to the farm and meet Zeus and his lady friends. I am sure that he will win you over!