It is not surprising that bantams are becoming increasingly popular. Exhibiting a great deal more character than their larger cousins, they soon become part of the family and provide both eggs and interest for very little expenditure. They appeal to both young and old alike and are relatively easy to accommodate and manage. This one-stop guide covers: all aspects of housing with reference to open runs, penning sheds, light, ventilation and suitable flooring; feeding including basic rations for birds from one day to sixteen weeks, grit, water, green stuffs and supplements; breeding, rearing and hatching; showing and preparation, including egg competitions and the ringing scheme; health, hygiene, ailments and diseases.

Jeremy Hobson has had a lifelong interest in bantams, he has kept several breeds and, as a head gamekeeper for over thirty years, he also used bantams to rear game birds. A regular contributor to the countryside and sporting press, Jeremy is now an established freelance author. He has written eight books including Gamekeeping for Crowood.