Skip to content
The American Pekin duck is a popular domestic duck breed, renowned for its commercial use, especially in meat production. Known for its fast growth rate and tender meat, it has become a staple in the poultry industry, particularly in North America and China. These ducks are characterized by their white feathers and orange bills, which give them a distinctive appearance. Besides their meat, American Pekins are also appreciated for their egg-laying abilities, making them a versatile choice for both commercial farmers and backyard enthusiasts
- Large and robust birds
- Predominantly white plumage
- Legs and feet are orange
- Body is large, with a strong, deep chest
- Body is large, with a strong, deep chest
BREED & ORIGIN
American Pekin
&
China (brought to the U.S. in the 19th century)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
5-10 years
HEIGHT & WEIGHT
Drakes (males): 8-10 lbs (3.6-4.5 kg)
Ducks (females): 7-9 lbs (3.2-4 kg)
Chicks (7 days old)
Growers (6 Weeks old)
Layers (26 Weeks old)
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Temperament
Calm, friendly, and hardy
Activity Level
Active but more relaxed compared to some other breeds
Climate Tolerance
Tolerates a wide range of climates but prefers temperate environments
Genetic Traits
Fast growth, excellent meat yield, friendly disposition
Egg Laying Capacity
Moderate, about 140-200 eggs per year
Broodiness
Rare; not a reliable sitter, eggs often require artificial incubation
Feeding
A high-quality, balanced diet is essential, particularly if raised for meat. Pekins benefit from access to water for foraging and supplementing their feed with vegetables and grains. Starter feed should be high in protein to support their rapid growth.
Housing
Needs spacious housing with protection from predators. A well-ventilated coop with about 4-6 square feet per duck is recommended. They are relatively hardy but need shelter during extreme cold.
Health
Generally hardy, though their large size can make them prone to leg issues. Regular checks for parasites and clean water sources are important. Needs clean water, access to swimming if possible, regular feeding, and leg care
Breeding Practices
Pekins are generally bred for meat production. Eggs incubate for about 28 days, and hatchlings grow rapidly, often reaching full size in 6-8 weeks.
Raising Chicks
Ducklings require warmth and a secure brooder for the first few weeks. They grow quickly, needing a diet rich in protein.
Nutritional Needs
Ducks require balanced nutrition, with higher protein levels during the early stages of growth. Adult Pekins need a diet rich in grains and greens.
Flygrubs provide essential protein and calcium, supporting egg production. It complement their diet, providing high protein, healthy fats, calcium, and phosphorus and can be integrated into the diet from ducklings to adulthood. Easy to incorporate, can be fed
dried or rehydrated.
The American Pekin is one of the most significant breeds in the commercial meat industry, particularly in the U.S. due to its efficiency in feed-to-meat conversion. In terms of cultural impact, Pekins are often the image associated with "white farm ducks" in the media.
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Breed |
American Pekin |
Origin |
China, brought to the U.S. in the 1800s |
Temperature |
Ideal range: 45-75°F (7-24°C); tolerance to cold with appropriate shelter |
Common Health Issues |
Bumble-foot, respiratory infections in poor ventilation conditions, obesity from improper diet |
Commercial Use |
Primary duck breed for meat production in the U.S., fast-growing with excellent feed conversion |
Backyard Use |
Popular for backyard flocks due to easy management, docile nature, and meat production potential |
Breed Standards |
Recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1874 |
Exhibition |
Judged on body size, shape, and color of feathers, legs, and bill |
Role in Culture |
Dominant breed in U.S. duck meat industry, associated with Peking Duck cuisine |
Population Status |
Not endangered, highly common and widely bred |
Conservation Efforts |
Not necessary due to widespread use in agriculture |
Breeding Practices |
Developed for meat production in the U.S.; became the most popular breed for commercial duck meat |
Fertility Rates |
High fertility but require artificial incubation for optimal hatching |
Development |
Developed for meat production in the U.S.; became the most popular breed for commercial duck meat |
Parasite Control |
Routine external and internal parasite control needed; ensure clean living conditions |
Market Value |
Ducklings: $3-$6 each; Meat ducks depend on weight and demand |
Cost of Raising |
Approx. $30-$50 per duck per year (feed, housing, care, healthcare costs) |
- Fast-growing, large size makes them ideal for meat production
- Hardy and low-maintenance
- Friendly and calm temperament
- Less suited for egg production compared to specialized laying breeds
- Their large size can make them prone to leg issues
- Require a lot of feed due to rapid growth
American Pekins are primarily raised for meat production. They are known for
their fast growth and high feed conversion efficiency, making them the most
popular breed in commercial duck meat production in the U.S.
For those looking to dive deeper into the care and breeding of Rhode Island Red chickens, consider the following resources:
- Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens" by Gail Damerow
- The American Poultry Association's website
- Online forums and communities such as Backyard Chickens
