Bookmark this site!Pekin Batam
Pekin bantams are round, and their plumage hangs to the ground. They look like little walking teacosy. 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 speckled.
The first Pekins are alleged to have been looted from the private collection of the Emperor of China at Peking (former name of Beijing) towards the end of the Opium Wars around 1860. However, some sources state that a consignment of birds from China around 1835 were given to Queen Victoria and assumed the name of 'Shanghais'. These birds were bred with further imports and were developed into the breed we know today as the Cochin.
Pekin Bantams are docile and can be tamed so that they will sit on one's lap if petted appropriately. The Pekin bantam cockerels, however, can still be aggressive and defensive of their territory and mates.
Despite their size, Pekin Bantams are well known for being stubborn broodies and wonderful mothers, similar to the Silkie. Many poultry keepers have used Pekins to hatch the eggs of other hens which aren't broody at the time. The profuse feathering on the shanks (legs) and on the rump keep the eggs very warm.
Children love to cuddle and pet the little bantams and they make excellent pets. But if a Pekin is broody, it may peck or fury and therefore might scare young children.
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