The Pekin Duck, also called the American Pekin or White Pekin. They come from China and are a favorite type of duck worldwide. People love them for their big size, white feathers, and meat quality. Pekin Ducks are friendly and can live in different places. Which is why farmers and backyard fans like them!
These ducks were first bred in China long ago and later brought to the United States in the 1800s. People in the U.S. have been raising them mostly for their meat. It’s because they grow fast. The breed looks unique and is strong, so they’re important in American farming.
Pekin ducks are easy to take care of, so both new and experienced duck raisers enjoy having them. Let’s learn more about pekin ducks and raising tips!
Table of Contents
Pekin Duck Breed – A Short Profile
Pekin ducks are an amazing domestic breed with so much popularity. Let’s learn about them in a short table –
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anas platyrhynchos domesticus |
| Other Names | White Pekin |
| Origin | China |
| Color | Snow-white feathers, orange bill and legs |
| Size | 8-9 pounds (mature), smaller than other duck breeds |
| Lifespan | 8-12 years |
| Temperament | Docile, friendly, and sometimes affectionate |
| Uses | Meat and egg production, ornamental purposes (pets) |
| Special Characteristics | Fast-growing, high feed efficiency, known for crispy skin in Peking duck dish |
| Care Requirements | Access to water for swimming, clean coop, balanced diet, regular health checks |
| Fun Fact | Pekin ducklings are bright yellow and change to white feathers as they mature. |
What Are the History and Location of the Pekin Duck?
The Pekin duck has a history that spans over 2,000 years. Let’s explore its origins and journey:
Origins and Domestication
The Pekin duck likely originated in Southeast Asia, although the exact location is disputed. It was meticulously developed in China and has been domesticated for centuries. These ducks first reached the Western world when they arrived in England around 1872.
Beijing’s Emblematic Dish
Peking duck, another name for the Pekin duck, is as emblematic of Beijing as the Forbidden City or the old Hutong lanes. Skilled chefs can carve each duck into more than 100 pieces.
Traditionally, the skin is savored first, followed by the meat with all the trimmings.
Origins of Pekin Duck
The dish is said to have originated during the 13th century in Hangzhou, not far from Shanghai. The roast duck was initially sold door-to-door by street vendors. It became a specialty of nearby Nanjing, the first capital of the Ming dynasty.
Allegedly, it was only after 1420, when the Yongle emperor moved the capital to Beijing, that roast duck found its way to the city.
Originally known as ‘Jinling roast duck’ (Jinling being an archaic name for Nanjing), it gradually evolved into the beloved Peking duck. Beijing chefs bred a local variety known for its snowy-white feathers, thin skin, and tender flesh, surpassing the ducks of Nanjing.
Physical Characteristics of Pekin Ducks
Pekin ducks display distinct characteristics based on gender.. But they share some traits as well. Here’s a breakdown:
Male Pekin Ducks
- Size: Generally larger than females.
- Weight: Typically ranging between 8 to 11 pounds.
- Color: Predominantly white plumage with a vibrant orange bill.
- Head: Rounded head and stout neck.
- Voice: Emit a soft quacking sound.
Female Pekin Ducks
- Size: Slightly smaller compared to males.
- Weight: Typically weighing around 6 to 8 pounds.
- Color: Similar to males, females also possess white feathers and an orange bill.
- Head: Their head shape resembles that of males.
- Voice: Emit a gentle quack.
Similar Traits
- Both genders possess a plump body and waddling gait.
- Their legs are orange and set far back on their bodies.
- Pekin ducks are known for their friendly temperament and adaptability to various environments.
The Personality of Pekin Ducks
Pekin ducks have special personalities. Let’s look at how they behave:
- Friendly and Calm: Pekin ducks are friendly and calm. They enjoy being petted and are not easily upset. They make good friends on the farm.
- Fast Growers: Pekin ducklings grow quickly compared to other meat duck breeds. This helps make eggs and meat.
- Good Mothers: Pekin ducks are good mothers. They take care of their ducklings very well and make sure they are safe.
- Smart and Alert: These ducks are smart and alert. They make loud sounds to warn others if there are predators nearby. Their cleverness helps them do well in different places.
Reproduction And Breeding Of Pekin Duck
Pekin ducks are relatively easy to breed. These ducks are bred for their meat, but they also reproduce naturally.
When do the Pekin Ducks start the breeding session? Pekin ducks naturally breed in the spring and early summer. However, with proper lighting and conditions, they can breed year-round.
How long does it take for a Pekin Duck to hatch? It takes approximately 28 days for a Pekin duck egg to hatch.
An incubator replicates the conditions required for hatching. So, be sure you’re maintaining a temperature of 37.6°C, humidity at 65%, and a standard 45° incline.
The eggs must be of impeccable quality to ensure proper development. During incubation, the eggs lose about 12% of their weight compared to their initial weight.
Three days before hatching, the eggs are placed in a hatcher, where ducklings pip their way out of their shells and establish pulmonary respiration.
How to Breed Pekin Duck? Breeding them is relatively easy. It involves providing proper conditions, breeding pairs, and potentially using an incubator.
Consulting a breeder or veterinarian is important before attempting to breed them yourself.
As a general rule of thumb, you can keep the following things in mind –
- Group one male (Drake) with four to five females (Hens).
- Pekin ducks can start breeding at 7 to 8 months old.
- Breeding too early or too late can result in infertile eggs and unhealthy ducklings.
How Many Eggs Does a Pekin Duck Lay? Pekin ducks lay between 200 to 300 extra-large white eggs annually. Their eggs are larger, thicker-shelled, and have a longer shelf life than chicken eggs.
These nutrient-dense eggs are prized for their rich flavor and creamy yolks.
Will Pekin ducks lay eggs without a male? Yes, Pekin ducks lay eggs without a male. Males are not involved in ovulation; they only play a role in fertilization.
Which Color Eggs Do Pekin Duck Lay? Pekin ducks lay large white eggs.
3 Major Purposes of the Pekin Duck Breed
The Pekin duck is a versatile breed that serves multiple purposes. Here are some simplified points about its uses:
Egg Production
Pekin ducks have traditionally been raised for egg production. They are consistent quality egg layers, even during winter months.
Meat Production
Pekins are favored for their meat production. Their full-breasted body shape makes them ideal for this purpose. They produce moist and tender meat. pekin ducks reach a good size for meat production, typically weighing around 8-9 pounds when mature.
Farm Pets
Due to their docile and sometimes affectionate nature, Pekin ducks are also popular as farm pets. You can keep them alongside the chickens.
How To Raise the Pekin Duck Breed?
Raising Pekin ducks needs some proper care. When you bring Pekin ducklings, keep them in a brooder with a heat source. They need warmth during their early days.
Start with a starter food specifically designed for ducks. As they grow, switch to grower food when they reach around 3 weeks old.
Ducks love water! Provide a shallow container for them to swim. A paint tray works well initially. It’s essential for their happiness and health.
Pekin ducks grow rapidly. Within seven weeks, they can weigh over 7 pounds.
Ensure they have a dry, sheltered area to rest at night and during wet weather.
You can see the video to learn more about raising Pekin ducks.
American Pekin Duck vs. Other Breeds
You may wonder why Pekin ducks rather than other breeds. Or some may expect other ducks rather than Pekin. So, here is a table to clarify –
| Trait | Pekin Duck | Muscovy Duck | Moulard Duck | Mallard Duck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | China | South America | France (Hybrid) | Wild (domesticated varieties available) |
| Size | Medium | Large | Very Large | Medium |
| Temperament | Docile, friendly | Docile, but can be territorial | Calm | Can be flighty and noisy |
| Meat | Tender, mild flavor, good for roasting | Rich, gamey flavor, better for stewing | Fast-growing, high meat yield | Leaner meat, but less common for meat production |
| Egg Production | Up to 200 eggs/year | Around 100 eggs/year | Not typically bred for eggs | Not typically bred for eggs |
| Purpose | Primarily meat and eggs | Meat and sometimes eggs | Primarily meat | Ornamental, sometimes eggs |
| Special Characteristics | Fast-growing, white feathers, orange bill and legs | Colorful plumage, quieter than Pekin | Hybrid, large size, high meat yield | Wild ancestor, various color variations |
Pekin Duck vs Peking Duck: Are They Same?
No, Pekin Duck and Peking Duck are not the same. They are related, but in different ways:
- Pekin Duck: This is the breed of duck. They are known for their white feathers, orange bill, and legs. Such breeds are widely raised for their meat and eggs.
- Peking Duck: This is a famous Chinese dish made using Pekin duck. The dish is known for the duck’s crispy skin. It is achieved through a specific preparation method involving air inflation, seasoning, and roasting.
What Are the Pros And Cons of Pekin Duck?
When getting American Pekin ducks, be sure you know the pros and cons.
Pros of Pekin Ducks
- Pekin ducks grow fast and provide a lot of meat.
- Decent Egg Production.
- Pekin ducks are calm and easy to handle.
- Relatively Easy to Care for.
- Beautiful Appearance.
Cons of Pekin Ducks
- They may not be as versatile as other breeds.
- The breed may have some health concerns
- Pekin duck can be loud.
- More susceptible to Predators.
- There are ethical concerns to breed them, too.
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FAQs
You can check out some related queries about the Pekin duck breed.
Q. Can Pekin ducks fly?
No, Pekin ducks cannot fly. Pekin ducks are too heavy due to selective breeding.
Q. What do Pekin ducks eat?
If you look at the feeding behavior of Pekin ducks, they are omnivores. They eat a combination of commercial duck feed, vegetables, fruits, and greens.
Q. Are Pekin ducks tasty?
Yes, Pekin duck meat is known for being tender and flavorful. It’s especially true when prepared correctly like the Peking duck.
Q. Is Pekin duck egg good?
Yes, Pekin duck eggs are edible and considered good. Although their flavor and size can differ from chicken eggs.
Q. Do Pekin ducks sleep in water?
No, Pekin ducks enjoy swimming but they don’t sleep. They sleep on land in a secure coop or shelter.
Q. Can Pekin ducks sleep outside?
No, Pekin ducks are comfortable outdoors but they sleep in a secure coop.
Final Word
If you’re considering American Pekin ducks, prepare for a truly rewarding adventure! Whether you’re just starting or have some experience with ducks, Pekins offers so much to love. These ducks are real winners, from their speedy growth to their delicious meat and eggs. Plus, their friendly nature and easy care make them perfect for both farms and backyard setups.
Sure, there might be a few challenges along the way. But with the right care and attention, these can be overcome.
