Pekin Bantams
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!!
They come in a lot of different colours e.g. black, white, buff, birchen, buff and white columbian, crele, spangle, partridge, silver pencil and cuckoo.
Pekin Bantams are a robust little breed but do come down with the usual chicken ailments if about, but being low to the ground they do need care because of the feathery feet. They do not like the mud and wet as their decorative toes can harbour mud, mites and insects, making for a Peg Leg Pekin that’s unsteady on its feet. A trick is to use slabs or a dry floor for their home, if you do you use hay or straw, change it frequently so it does not get wet and the same applies to their nesting boxes.
The Pekin Bantam is the most peculiar of the bunch. Ideal for children, they are easy to tame and friendly. The cockerels are great protectors and will let you know if alarmed by suprisingly loud calls from such a small chap.
Pekin mothers have wonderful maternal instincts, and although they don’t lay a lot at a time, their feathery legs ensure that all chicks are kept as warm as toast. They produce up to four eggs a week, smaller eggs with a more delicate flavour ideal for salads or starters. The males are wonderful fathers and will protect the young, not just their own offspring, but any vulnerable chicks in the brood.
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!!
They come in a lot of different colours e.g. black, white, buff, birchen, buff and white columbian, crele, spangle, partridge, silver pencil and cuckoo.
Pekin Bantams are a robust little breed but do come down with the usual chicken ailments if about, but being low to the ground they do need care because of the feathery feet. They do not like the mud and wet as their decorative toes can harbour mud, mites and insects, making for a Peg Leg Pekin that’s unsteady on its feet. A trick is to use slabs or a dry floor for their home, if you do you use hay or straw, change it frequently so it does not get wet and the same applies to their nesting boxes.
The Pekin Bantam is the most peculiar of the bunch. Ideal for children, they are easy to tame and friendly. The cockerels are great protectors and will let you know if alarmed by suprisingly loud calls from such a small chap.
Pekin mothers have wonderful maternal instincts, and although they don’t lay a lot at a time, their feathery legs ensure that all chicks are kept as warm as toast. They produce up to four eggs a week, smaller eggs with a more delicate flavour ideal for salads or starters. The males are wonderful fathers and will protect the young, not just their own offspring, but any vulnerable chicks in the brood.