What is the Smallest Chicken Breed?

Small chicken breeds can be a great choice for people who don’t have a lot of room or who want an easier-to-tame flock. But which breed of chicken is the tiniest? Let’s look at some of the contenders for the title of world’s tiniest chicken.

Serama

The current record holder for the world’s smallest chicken is the Serama originating from Malaysia. Weighing in at just 500g (1.1 lbs) and standing only 25-30cm (10-12 inches) tall, the Serama is a true bantam breed with no larger counterpart.

These petite chickens have a proud, upright posture with their wings held close to the body. The tail is carried at a sharp 90 degree angle. The breast is full and pushed forward. This stately carriage gives Seramas an almost regal appearance, befitting their name, which comes from the Thai king Rama.

Seramas are active, friendly little birds that make excellent pets. Because they are small, they can also live happily in cages or small runs. Seramas can handle heat better than cold, but their small size comes with a price. Shelter should be provided during winter.

As you would expect from such a small bird, Seramas are not prolific layers, producing about 3-4 tiny eggs per week. But what they lack in production they make up for in charm!

Dutch Bantam

Hailing from the Netherlands, Dutch bantams are another contender for the title of smallest chicken Weighing around 500g (1.1 lbs) and standing only 15-20cm (6-8 inches), these dainty charmers have the same upright carriage as Seramas

Their full, rounded body is set on short legs. The tail points nearly vertical. The head is small and carried high. Soft, fluffy feathers complete the Dutch bantam’s ornamental appearance.

This pleasant breed adjusts well as a house pet. Dutch bantams are calm and docile, interacting gently with humans. They are content confined to a cage or small run. Being tolerant of cold weather is a bonus for these tiny northern fowl.

This breed of chicken doesn’t lay a lot of eggs, but when they do, the small white eggs are a treat. Overall these mini chickens make better pets than producers.

Japanese Bantam

Hailing from Japan, Japanese bantams weigh a mere 500-800g (1.1-1.8 lbs) and stand 20-23cm (8-9 inches) high. Their petite size comes from centuries of selective breeding as an ornamental bird.

These tiny chickens have a full breast, short legs, and a large head topped by a single compact comb. Their tail angles up at about 45 degrees. Dense, soft feathers cover the round body. Many color variations exist, but black, white, gray and red are common.

The Japanese bantams are calm and easy to handle, but the roosters can get a little sassy. They do better in small spaces than most chickens, so they make good pets for people who live in cities or suburbs. But their small size does limit winter hardiness.

These birds are not kept for eggs, laying only 1-2 very small white eggs per week. But their decorative appeal is unmatched in such a petite package!

Which is Smallest?

While the breeds above all have a claim to the title of “smallest chicken”, the current record holder is the Serama, with some individuals weighing as little as 350g (12 oz).

But when dealing with mature weights of 500g (1.1 lbs) or less, the differences between these miniaturized breeds is slight. Any would make an ideal pet bird when space is limited!

In the end, choosing the right micro-chicken depends on your needs. If winter weather is harsh, go with the cold-hardy Dutch bantam. If you live in a warm climate and want a living ornament, try the Japanese bantam. Or pick the current record holder, the Serama, to own the world’s smallest chicken.

Just be sure to provide any tiny chicken with shelter from temperature extremes and predators. Their small size makes them vulnerable to overheating, chilling and aerial attacks. With proper care, your petite flock will bring you years of enjoyment!

Other Diminutive Chicken Breeds

While the Serama, Dutch and Japanese bantams take top honors for minimum size, other breeds also have small representatives. Here are some more pint-sized contenders:

• Sebright – Under 500g (1.1 lbs), around 25cm (10 inches) high. True bantams with hen-feathered roosters.

• Polish – 500-900g (1.1-2 lbs), 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) high. Crested heads. Non-sitters.

• Belgian d’Uccle – 900g-1.4 kg (2-3 lbs), 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) high. Bearded and booted. Broody.

• Silkie – 1-1.5 kg (2.2-3.3 lbs), 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) high. Fluffy plumage. Docile pets.

• Rosecomb bantam – 450-650g (1-1.4 lbs), 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) high. Small rose combs. Prolific white egg layers.

• Nankin – 650-900g (1.4-2 lbs), 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) high. Hint of Asian ancestry. Rare.

So while these bantams are a bit larger than the three smallest breeds, they still qualify as true miniatures weighing less than 1 kg (2.2 lbs). Their tiny size can fit even restricted spaces.

Caring for Small Chickens

Dwarf chicken breeds need the same basic care as their full-sized counterparts. But their petite stature calls for a few special considerations:

Housing: Tiny chickens do well in cages, small coops or enclosed runs. Make sure housing is predator-proof. Insulate or heat for cold weather. Ventilate for hot temps.

Feeding: Use mini chicken feed or crumbles, not big pellets. They can’t eat large pieces. Offer treats in moderation.

Handling: Pick up and hold little chickens with care. Support the body fully. Supervise children. Prevent injury due to rough play.

Mixing: Avoid mixing bantams with large fowl. The size difference can lead to bullying. Separate food, water and housing prevent conflict.

Follow these tips to keep your micro-flock healthy and safe. Though small in stature, these tiny birds still have big personalities! With proper care, they will enrich your life with their beauty and charm for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tiny Serama chicken used for?

Seramas are kept primarily as pets and exhibition birds due to their small size, regal carriage, and friendly personality. They are good in cages or small runs but don’t produce many eggs.

Why are bantam chickens small?

Bantams are naturally small breeds of chicken. Some, like Seramas and Japanese, were selectively bred down in size over many generations. Others are miniaturized versions of standard-sized breeds.

Do bantams lay normal sized eggs?

No, most bantams lay small eggs weighing 25-40 grams, about 1/4 to 1/3 the size of a large chicken egg. A few bantam breeds can lay eggs up to 50-60 grams.

Are bantam chickens good pets?

Yes, many bantam breeds like Silkies, Dutch, and Cochins have calm, friendly personalities. Their small size also makes them easier to handle and house than large chickens.

Can bantams live with regular chickens?

Bantams and standard chickens can coexist but need enough space and multiple food/water sources to prevent bullying. Separate housing is easier and safer for the smaller bantams.