Pekin Chicken

Last Updated on February 9, 2021 by Pauline G. Carter

When the British army returned from Peking, China, in the 1860s, they brought with them their first Peking chicken to the UK. Since then this Peking chicken breed has been interbred with American Cochin bantams, arriving today at what is now known as the Pekin Chicken.

There is no larger counterpart of the Pekin bantam. They have been mistaken for Cochin bantams because they are so similar. There are several varieties of the Pekin. These are the Blue, Black, Mottled, Cuckoo, Barred, Columbian, Partridge, Lavender, Silver Partridge, Buff, Birchen and white Pekin Chicken.

Because the Pekin breed is so popular, many fanciers continue to try and produce even more rare colours. The Pekin chicken’s posture is tipped-forward looking and the sloping of their heads which is a little lower than their tail feather height contributes to the tipping forward look. Today it is considered a beautiful show bird.

Pekin Chicken | Breed Profile

Country of origin:	China
Primary use:	Ornamental
Weight:	Cock: 680g Max. Hen: 570g Max.
Temperament:	Docile
Recognized Varieties:	Blue, Cuckoo, Partridge, Lavender, Barred, Buff, Silver Partridge, Columbian, Mottled, Birchen, Black, White
Egg production (annual):	130 – 160
Egg color:	Brown
Egg size:	Small
Comb type:	Single

Characteristics Of The Pekin Chicken

Chicken Breeds, The Pekin chicken is a bantam chicken, that’s why it is known as a Pekin bantam chicken; miniature in size, but not small in personality. They kind of look like balls of fluff with their cushion tails as well.

Plenty of feathers are to be found on their legs and feet. Because they have so many feathers on the feet and leg, they need to be kept away from muddy places. These birds are very docile and friendly, so they make good pets.

The rooster though can become aggressive as they mature, based on their protective nature. They are very broody chickens making excellent mothers. A hen will produce tinted-coloured eggs, around 150 per season.

The Pekin chicken is single combed. They are almost comically round shaped, a delight to watch in the garden. Their comb, earlobes and wattles are red.

Pekin chickens are shorter than other bantams. The Pekin will reach 20-30cms in height. They weight around 570 g for the hens and around 680g for the cockerels.

What we like and what we don’t like about the Pekin Chicken:

We Liked

• Pretty to look at, small, docile and friendly
• Good for backyard
• Hardy Breed
• Very Safe for children
• Gentle
• Good for beginners
• Good for ornamental purpose

We Don’t Like

• Need extra effort with care
• Unable to fly, so need protection from predators
• Breeds with foot-feathersneed indoor protection in wet weather
• Regular examinations of toes and legs for mites under feathering
• Mediocre layers

Is The Pekin Chicken A Good Choice For You?

• The Pekin bantam chicken is a great addition to your chicken flock. They are ideal for backyards as they can’t fly. They just add cuteness and pleasure to the flock. They don’t wander far and can’t fly, being content in a fairly small space -not necessary for high fences.
• If you are someone who wants to go for natural incubating and rearing, the Pekin hens are obliging. They are very well known for their broodiness and ability to look after and nurture their chicks.
• They are so friendly, allowing bonds to form between them and their keepers.
• hand-o-rightAs a beginner to chicken-keeping and chicken breeds, you will enjoy the Pekin because they have a tendency to be calm and just stay within their boundaries. With good poultry fencing and a good coop, they are happy.
• hand-o-rightPekin chickens for sale might not be the best layers around but they certainly make up for it with their charming natures and looks.