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.