Bantam is any one of a number of miniature fowl—especially chickens. Most bantams weigh less than 11/2 pounds (0.68 kilogram), but the males of some breeds may weigh more than 2 pounds (0.9 kilogram). Some bantam breeds have distinctive characteristics, but others resemble varieties of larger chickens.
People raise bantams chiefly as a hobby and to exhibit in shows. They breed bantams primarily for body size and for feather color. Some breeds also are noted for such unusual characteristics as clusters of feathers on the legs or on other parts of the body. In addition, a few breeds of bantams are fairly good egg producers and are raised for their small eggs. Meat from young bantams can be good to eat, but that from older birds may be tough.
