Pekin Bantam Gallus gallus domesticus

In the UK and Australia the Pekin Bantam, a British breed developed from birds brought from China in the nineteenth century, is classed as a true bantam - meaning it doesn't have an equivalent breed of full-sized chicken. However in continental Europe and the USA, it is classed as a bantam-sized Cochin chicken (also from China) and not a true bantam. There are several colour varieties, all with a full "bustle" and feathered legs and feet.

European sailors found the small size of this bantam useful to take on ships to provide fresh eggs when travelling long distance. However they lay only some 120-140 egs/year and are now mainly used for exhibition. They are also good mothers and are sometimes used as foster mothers for other poultry breeds.