Pekin Ducks: Breed Guide for Backyard Flocks

The duck behind American duck dinners

The poultry extension service calls the Pekin the main meat duck in the US, responsible for about 90% of the duck meat produced domestically. The breed descends from white ducks brought from China in the 1870s, and its fast growth and efficient use of feed made it the foundation of the commercial industry, famously on Long Island, which is why restaurant menus still mention Long Island duck.

Pekins are large, broad birds with creamy white feathers, yellow skin, an orange bill and orange legs, and an upright, slightly tilted stance. The extension service notes that commercial birds reach 7 to 8 pounds in about seven weeks, while small-farm birds reach 6 to 7 pounds in seven to eight weeks.

Pekins as pets

Many backyard Pekins never go near a kitchen. They are calm, curious and sociable, and they tend to follow their keepers around the yard. They are too heavy to fly, so a low fence keeps them in, and they generally get along with other ducks and with chickens if each has its own space and water.

Ducks are flock animals and do best with at least one companion. Pekin drakes are quieter than hens, which have the loud quack typical of Mallard-derived breeds. Pet Pekins kept at a healthy weight commonly live much longer than commercial birds, but their fast-growing build makes leg and weight problems more likely, so do not overfeed.

Eggs

The extension service describes the Pekin as a general-purpose breed whose hens lay fairly large white-shelled eggs. Backyard Pekin hens often start laying at five to six months and lay well through spring and summer, though fewer eggs than dedicated laying breeds such as Khaki Campbells or Runners, which the extension service names as the top egg ducks.

Ducks lay most of their eggs early in the morning, so keeping them in their house overnight and letting them out mid-morning makes collection easy. Pekin hens rarely go broody, so hatching is usually done in an incubator. Duck eggs take about 28 days to hatch.

Raising Pekin ducklings

Pekin ducklings grow astonishingly fast. The extension service recommends a brooder at 90°F to 95°F in the first week, lowered about 5°F each week until three to four weeks old, deep, dry litter, and no slippery cardboard or newspaper, which can cause spraddle leg. Feed a non-medicated duck starter with about 22% to 24% protein for the first four weeks, then a lower-protein grower.

Ducklings need fresh water at all times, deep enough to dip their whole bill but not so deep they can drown, and the extension service advises not letting them swim for the first three weeks. Ducks also need more niacin than chicks; if you use chick starter, ask your feed store or extension office about adding a niacin supplement to prevent weak legs.

Housing, water and health

Give each adult at least 4 square feet in a dry, draft-free house with deep bedding, and shut them in at night: Pekins cannot fly away from raccoons, foxes or dogs. They need water deep enough to dunk their whole heads every day to keep eyes and nostrils clean, and a kiddie pool is a favorite. Place water on gravel or away from the house so the bedding stays dry. Our duck houses collection includes sizes suited to big breeds, and the duck house buying guide explains how to choose. Two examples of the style are the duck coop with an openable roof and the wooden duck house with double doors.

Heavy Pekins are prone to leg problems and bumblefoot, so give them soft ground, keep bedding clean and avoid letting them get overweight. Call a vet who treats poultry or waterfowl if a duck limps, cannot stand, stops eating, has crusty or swollen eyes, or breathes with an open bill when it is not hot.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace advice from a veterinarian who treats poultry.