Pekin bantams are recognised in
Australia as a true bantam with no large fowl counter-part.
However, it would seem likely that the Pekin is
descended directly from Cochin stock, which breed it closely resembles in both type and
plumage. Other authorities claim that this bird was imported as is, direct from Peking
China, from where it got its name. Whatever the origins are, the fact remains that the
Pekin is a popular little fowl with wide public appeal.
When viewed from any angle, there should be no flat
surfaces or sharp angles apparent, and the entire bird looks more or less like a small,
round, feathery ball. The carriage of the bird is low set with the head carried below the
line of the tail and when viewed from the front, there should be no space visible between
the legs, the entire area being filled with plumage. The feet and legs are profusely
feathered. All Pekins are single combed.
The Australian Pekin comes in a wide range of
colours, with black and white being the strongest in the showpen. However blues and buffs
have improved greatly over the past twenty years. Pekins often win major awards in
Australian shows and the good ones are real show-stoppers. When training Pekins, the idea
is to encourage them to stand head down with the plumage held so as to exaggerate the
ball-like shape. At no time during training (or judging) should the handler ever use a
stick, as this tends to make the bird pull its feathers inwards and to stand more upright,
thus spoiling the appearance.
For all its beauty and cute appeal, the tiny Pekin
can be quite aggressive having no fear of humans or other fowls alike. This aggressiveness
is often exacerbated during show training when the birds are kept in small cages. Pekins
can be difficult to breed, with poor mating technique and low fertility the more common
problems. Many breeders use artificial insemination to ensure fertility, but this can
eventually lead to the strain losing completely, the ability to mate naturally. |
A lovely buff female
A Black Red cockerel
A Wheaten hen
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