Pekin Bantam

     The Pekin Bantam is a breed of true Bantam Chickens from China. There is a considerable debate concerning whether Pekins are Cochin bantams or not. In fact, American standards consider Pekins to be miniature Cochins, while British standards classify them as a separate species. Perhaps it’s because Pekin-like chickens have been sent to England from China in the first half of the 19^th century. Later on, they got developed to the current shape of the Pekin we see today, and that was before the arrival of Cochins to England.

     Pekins are rather short and possess a wealth of feathering about their feet and legs, quite nearly obscuring them. It is a very gentle bird and a good layer of small eggs too (around 120 – 160 eggs per year). Pekin hens also go broody, and become great mothers. 

     Pekin Bantams are placid chickens that require little space, and they are normally robust birds that love company. They are a very popular breed in the UK, and available in a wide range of colors. The most common colors for Pekins are; lavender, blue, silver-partridge, red-partridge, blue-mottled, cuckoo, buff, black, and white. They always have single combs, red faces, and red earlobes.