The Pekin chicken breed is a fascinating and unique addition to any backyard flock. As mentioned, they are bantam chickens originating in Peking (now known as Beijing) in China. Pekin chickens are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a charming pet or decorative addition to your backyard.
Guide to Pekin Chicken Breed
Characteristics of Pekin Chickens
- Pekin chickens are known for their distinct appearance, with a round and plump body, short legs, and a single comb on their head. They have soft feathers in various colors, including white, black, blue, buff, and red. Their eyes are reddish-brown, and they have orange-yellow beaks.
- One of the most notable characteristics of Pekin chickens is their friendly and docile personality.
- Despite their small size, Pekin chickens are surprisingly strong fliers. However, they would rather spend most of their time on the ground searching for insects or plants to eat than flying around.
- They are smaller than standard-sized chickens, making them true bantams. This makes them particularly well-suited for urban environments where space may be limited.
- This breed can be found worldwide and continues to be a favorite among many chicken owners due to its cute appearance and friendly personality.
Housing for Pekin Chickens
- When it comes to housing Pekin chickens, a spacious coop is necessary. These bantam birds require plenty of room for movement and exercise. The recommended space per bird is 4 square feet in the coop and 10 square feet in the run.
- The coop should be raised off the ground to prevent predators from getting inside. It should also have ample ventilation and windows.
- It’s important to have nest boxes filled with soft materials like straw or hay where they can lay eggs comfortably. An appropriate living environment for your Pekin chickens will ensure they stay healthy and happy.
Pekin Chicken Weight
Pekin chickens are small and are true bantams, with males weighing around 680 g and females weighing approximately 570 g. Due to their smaller size, they don’t require as much space as other chicken breeds.
Pekin Chicken Egg Production
On average, Pekin hens lay around 95-100 eggs per year. The eggs produced by Pekin chickens have a white or cream color and are medium size.
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Pekin Chicken Raising Care
- Pekin chickens are generally easy to care for, but they do require some attention and maintenance. Providing a clean environment is essential in keeping them healthy. Regularly cleaning their coop or enclosure will prevent the bacteria build-up that can cause diseases.
- In addition to cleanliness, Pekin chickens also need proper nutrition. Feeding them with high-quality chicken feed twice a day is recommended. You can supplement their diet with vegetables, fruits, and insects to provide additional nutrients.
- Another aspect of Pekin chicken care is ensuring they have access to clean water. This means regularly checking their water supply and changing it as frequently as needed.
- Giving your Pekin chickens plenty of space and exercise opportunities will improve their physical health and positively impact their temperament and behavior. You can raise happy and content birds that make great pets by giving them enough room to move freely.
Feeding Tips for Pekin Chickens
- Feeding Pekin chickens is an important aspect of their care, affecting their health and egg production. As omnivores, they require a balanced diet consisting of both plant-based and animal-based protein sources.
- A commercial feed specially designed for bantam breeds like Pekins can be given to them, but it’s also essential to provide fresh fruits and vegetables for added nutrients. Leafy greens like spinach or kale are excellent choices for their diet.
- Protein-rich foods should make up about 20% of their overall diet. Sources like cooked eggs, mealworms, or crickets can be offered as occasional treats. However, avoid giving them too many treats as it may lead to obesity or other health issues.
- Pekins also need access to clean water at all times. A good rule is to provide one gallon per ten birds daily.
Personality and Temperament of Pekin Chickens
- Pekin chickens are popular among backyard chicken keepers due to their friendly personalities and docile temperament. They tend to be very curious birds, often following their owners around the yard for treats or attention.
- With regular handling and interaction, they will often seek out cuddles and affection from their owners.
- Despite being small, Pekins are quite confident birds, making them great foragers. However, this also means they wander if not properly confined within a secure coop or run area.
- Pekins generally get along well with other breeds as long as enough space is provided.
- Pekin chickens make wonderful pets for families looking for friendly and sociable backyard companions.
Requirements to Raise Pekin Chickens
- Ensure your coop is spacious enough for the number of birds you have. It is to allow at least 4 square feet per bird. Also, ensure that the coop has proper ventilation and protection from predators.
- Provide clean water and feed regularly. Pekin chickens have big appetites, so they always have access to food throughout the day.
- Keep an eye on their health condition by observing their feathers, eyes, skin color, etc.; if any abnormality occurs, take immediate action, as early detection is crucial in treating illnesses.
- Give them space for exercise, like free-range or allowing them to roam around in your yard.
- Handle your Pekin chickens gently and calmly, especially when interacting with them during feeding or egg collection time. Chickens can get stressed easily, leading to decreased productivity or even sicknesses if unchecked.
Health Care Tips for Pekin Chickens
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian specializing in poultry care.
- Vaccinations: Ensure your birds receive all necessary vaccinations, such as Marek’s disease, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis.
- Preventing Parasites: Keep an eye out for parasites like lice and mites, which can cause discomfort and illness in the flock.
- Bio-security Measures: Always practice biosecurity measures like washing hands before handling birds or entering their coop area, keeping feed containers clean, etc., to prevent the spreading of diseases among the flock.
- Quarantine New Birds: If you bring new birds into your existing flock, quarantine them initially until they are checked by a vet and cleared of any contagious diseases.
- Clean Living Space: Ensure that the living space is always kept clean – remove droppings from coops or run areas to avoid attracting flies that can transmit diseases among chickens.
- Keep their living area clean: Regularly cleaning the coop and changing their bedding will help prevent the spread of diseases among the birds.
- Provide plenty of fresh water: Clean drinking water should always be available. Chickens need around 500 ml per day each.
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Conclusion
The Pekin chicken breed is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a delightful addition to their backyard flock. Maintaining good health ensures your Pekin chickens are happy and productive. With fluffy feathers, round bodies, and bright red combs, it’s no wonder these birds are so beloved among hobbyists.
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