Last Updated on January 14, 2025 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 to 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 is to be found on their legs and feet. Because they have so many feathers on the feet and legs, they need to be kept away from muddy places. These birds are very docile and friendly, so they make good pets.
The rooster thought 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:
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Is The Pekin Chicken A Good Choice For You?
Pekin Chicken Care Guide
1. Pekin chickens are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you will need to do to keep them healthy and happy.
2. Make sure they have access to food and water. Pekins need a diet that is high in protein to lay eggs. You can either give them commercial chicken feed or supplement their diet with kitchen scraps and insects.
3. Provide a shelter for your Pekins to sleep in at night. This can be anything from a simple chicken coop to a converted shed. The important thing is that the shelter is dry, draft-free, and predator-proof.
4. Keep an eye on your Pekins for signs of illness. Some common chicken diseases include bronchitis, coccidiosis, and respiratory infections. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact a vet as soon as possible.
5. Give your Pekins some space to exercise. While they don’t need a lot of space, Pekins do enjoy scratching and foraging for food. So provide them with a chicken run or some other form of the exercise area.
6. Collect the eggs that your Pekins lay. Pekin chickens are known for their large, white eggs. You can either use them yourself or sell them to earn extra cash.
Pekin chickens make excellent pets and are relatively easy to care for. With a little effort, you can provide them with everything they need to lead happy and healthy lives.
FAQ: Pekin Chicken
Are Pekin chickens good layers?
Pekin chickens are considered good layers, as they are known to produce a high number of eggs each year. Many people who keep chickens find that Pekins make excellent pets, as they are friendly and relatively easy to care for. While they may not be the most prolific layers, Pekins certainly make up for it in personality!
How long do Pekin chickens live?
Pekin chickens typically have a lifespan of around eight to ten years. However, this can vary depending on the individual chicken and its living conditions. Some Pekins have been known to live for over fifteen years!
Are Pekin chickens noisy?
Pekin chickens are not known to be particularly noisy, although they may make the occasional cluck or squawk. Many people who keep chickens find that Pekins are relatively quiet compared to other chicken breeds.
Do Pekin chickens need a lot of space?
Pekins do not require much space and can typically be kept in a small backyard or even in an urban setting. However, they will need access to a run or other exercise area. Pekins are relatively active chickens and enjoy scratching and foraging for food.
Are Pekin chickens easy to care for?
Pekins are relatively easy to care for, as they are hardy birds that do not require a lot of special attention. However, like all chickens, they will need access to food, water, and shelter. Pekins are also susceptible to common chicken diseases, so it is important to keep an eye on their health and well-being.
Final Verdict: Pekin Chicken
Pekin chickens are a great choice for anyone looking for a pet chicken. They are friendly, relatively easy to care for and make great layers. While they may not be the most prolific layers, Pekins certainly make up for it in personality! So if you’re thinking of getting a chicken, a Pekin is a great choice.