The Pekin bantam is a variety of true bantam chicken, this
means it has no large fowl equivalent.
They are shorter than the ordinary bantam, approximately 20-30 centimeters
tall (with head upright) and their feet and legs are completely covered by their feathers. This means they do little damage
to domestic gardens, as they are not heavy on their feet. They are however, prolific foragers so keep them off your
best vegetable patch!!
Pekin bantams are round, and their plumage hangs low to the ground. The cockerels
often have long feathers that protrude outwards from their feet. They come in a lot of different colours e.g. black, white,
buff, lavender and cuckoo.
The first Pekins were reportedly from the private collection of the Emperor
of China at Peking around 1860.
Pekin Bantams are very docile and can be tamed easily, this makes them ideal
for beginners or children. The Pekin bantam cockerels, however, can still be aggressive and defensive of their territory and mates.
Pekins are wonderful broodies and although they cannot sit on large numbers
of eggs, their feathered legs and feet help keep the eggs warm. They make superb mothers and the cockerels will help
in raising the young.
Due to their feathery legs, great care must be taken to keep pekins dry and clean. They do not like
mud and this can cause painful balls of mud on their feet which set like concrete and are hard to remove. Prevention
is best by either keeping them inside in the winter or laying slabs in their run.
I keep several colours of pekin: white, black, blue, splash, buff,
buff cuckoo, lemon cuckoo, lavender, cuckoo mottled, black mottled, blue mottled, silver wheaten, millefleur, silver partridge,
gold partridge, crele, red wheaten.
I have been lucky to have achieved success with my pekins showing at local
shows throughout 2007.
My blue mottled hen got a 2nd at the National with my black mottled cock
getting a third.
Several of my pekins have been show locally with great success.
Hatching eggs ready now please contact me for colours available
