History: This is a very old, genuine bantam breed.  It was imported from Pekin in the mid-nineteenth century, from whence it gets its name.

Characteristics: Pekins hold themselves rather forward and low, the head only a little higher than the tail.  They have a short body and back but this rises into a very full and round "cushion", the breast is deep and full.  The wings are short, tightly tucked up and the tail is very short, full and soft, without hard quill feathers.  The head is small and fine with a single straight comb.  The legs are short and set well apart and are covered with soft feathers, right down to the toes.

Colours: Black, blue, buff, cuckoo, mottled, barred, columbian, lavender, partridge, white.

At The Garden Hen we keep the partridge variety which have light gold feathers striped down the middle with black.

Why do we keep Pekins at The Garden Hen? They are so full of character.