Bantam Chicken Eggs: Size, How Many They Lay, and Hatching Guide[2026]
If you have bantams, your first eggs will look tiny compared to store eggs. That’s normal.
A bantam chicken egg is about 38% the size of a standard large egg – but they are just as tasty.
Here is everything you need to know.
Bantam Chicken Eggs Size Chart
Egg Type | Average Weight | Size Compared
Standard Large Egg | 50-60 grams | 100% (reference)
Bantam Egg | 30-35 grams | 38-50%
Small Bantam (Sebright) | 25-30 grams | 35%
You need about 2 bantam eggs to equal 1 large chicken egg when cooking.
How Many Eggs Do Bantam Chickens Lay?
Bantams lay less than standard hens, but they lay consistently.
- Per week: 2-4 eggs
- Per year: 120-150 eggs
- Best layers: Brahma Bantam, Sussex Bantam (up to 180/year)
- Lowest layers: Silkie Bantam (90-100/year)
They stop laying in winter unless you add light in the coop – same as big chickens.
What Color Are Bantam Chicken Eggs?
Depends on the breed:
- Brown: Brahma Bantam, Cochin Bantam
- White/Cream: Sebright, Japanese Bantam
- Tinted/Pinkish: Silkie Bantam, Sussex Bantam
- Blue/Green: Easter Egger Bantam
Color doesn’t affect taste.
Can You Eat Bantam Chicken Eggs?
Yes, 100% edible and many people say they taste richer. The yolk-to-white ratio is higher, so they are great for baking.
Only difference is size – use 2 bantam eggs for every 1 regular egg in recipes.
How Long Do Bantam Eggs Take to Hatch?
Bantam eggs hatch FASTER than regular eggs because they are smaller.
- Bantam eggs: 19-20 days
- Standard eggs: 21 days
- Temperature: 99.5°F
- Humidity: 50-55% first 18 days, 65% last 3 days
Tip: Don’t help the chick hatch unless it’s stuck for 12+ hours. Bantam chicks are small and dry out fast.
Why Are My Bantam Eggs So Small?
3 common reasons:
- Young pullet – First 2-3 months eggs are always smaller, they get bigger after.
- Breed – Sebright and Dutch bantams lay the smallest eggs.
- Feed – Low protein (under 16%) = small eggs. Give 18% layer feed.
Final Tip:
If you want eggs for eating, get 4-5 bantam hens. That’s about 10-15 small eggs per week – enough for a family breakfast.
Looking for egg-laying breeds? Check our bantam chickens for sale – 120+ eggs/year breeds available
Also read: How Much Does a Gamefowl Cost in 2026? Price by Breed
