Raising Pekin Ducks

Raising Pekin Ducks

Raising Pekin Ducks

Raising Pekin ducks is one of the most popular choices for backyard poultry keepers, small farms, and homesteaders—thanks to their friendly personalities, fast growth, and excellent egg and meat production. Often recognized as the classic “white duck” from children’s books and Aflac commercials, Pekins are hardy, adaptable, and relatively easy to raise.

1. Know the Breed: Pekin Duck Profile

• Origin: China (despite the name, not from Pekin, NY—though that’s where they were popularized in the U.S.).

• Appearance: Pure white feathers, orange bill and legs, stout upright body.

• Size:

  • Drakes: 8–10 lbs

  • Ducks: 7–9 lbs

  • Jumbo strains (e.g., “Cherry Valley”) can reach 12+ lbs.

• Egg Production: 150–200 large white eggs per year.

• Temperament: Friendly, calm, curious, and social—great for families.

• Lifespan: 5–10 years (shorter than heritage breeds due to rapid growth).

• Purpose: Dual-purpose—excellent for both meat (processed at 7–9 weeks) and eggs.

✅ Why Choose Pekins?

• Fast-growing meat birds

• Good egg layers

• Gentle and personable

• Cold-hardy and adaptable

• Ideal for beginners

2. Getting Started: Sourcing Ducklings

• Hatcheries: Metzer Farms, McMurray Hatchery, Cackle Hatchery (look for “hatchery-grade” or “jumbo” strains).

• Buy in groups: Minimum of 2–3—ducks are highly social.

• Best time: Spring or early summer—allows ducklings to feather out before winter.

🐣 Tip: Pekin ducklings grow extremely fast—be ready with space and feed!

3. Brooding Ducklings (0–6 Weeks)

Heat:

• Week 1: 90°F

• Reduce by 5°F weekly until fully feathered (~6 weeks)

Bedding:

• Non-slip surface for first week (paper towels, rubber mat)—prevents leg splay.

• Switch to pine shavings or straw afterward.

Water:

• Shallow container only—deep enough to dip bills, not drown.

• Change 2–3 times daily (Pekins are messy!).

• Keep water outside heat lamp area to prevent chilling.

Feed:

• Non-medicated chick starter (20–22% protein) + niacin (vitamin B3).
  → Add 100–150 mg niacin per gallon of water, or 1–2 tbsp brewer’s yeast per cup of feed.

• Never use medicated feed—toxic to ducks.

• Avoid high-protein “meat bird” feed unless raising for early processing.

Space: Start with ½ sq ft per duckling; increase quickly—they grow fast!

4. Housing & Shelter

Pekins sleep on the ground and don’t roost.

Coop Requirements:

• 4–6 sq ft per duck inside (they’re large birds!).

• Dry, draft-free, well-ventilated—moisture causes respiratory issues.

• Bedding: Straw or pine shavings (change regularly—Pekins produce wet droppings).

• Nesting: Quiet corners with soft bedding—they often lay on the floor.

🔒 Security: Lock them in at night—raccoons, foxes, and dogs target Pekins.

5. Outdoor Run & Free-Ranging

• Minimum run space: 15–20 sq ft per duck (more is better).

• Fencing: 3–4 ft tall with ¼" hardware cloth (not chicken wire).

• Buried base: Bury 12" or add an outward apron to stop diggers.

• Free-ranging: Encouraged—but supervise near roads or gardens (they trample plants).

💧 Mud Warning: Pekins love water and create mud quickly—use gravel or sand in high-traffic zones.

6. Water: Essential for Pekins

Ducks must have water to:

• Clean eyes and nostrils

• Preen and stay waterproof

Provide:

• Fresh drinking water at all times (deep enough to submerge bills).

• Dipping tub or kiddie pool—change daily (they’ll splash and soil it fast).

• Swimming: Highly enriching—use a low-sided pool they can easily enter/exit.

🚫 Never restrict water—Pekins can develop eye and respiratory problems without it.

7. Feeding Adult Pekins

• Layer feed: 16% protein pellets or crumbles.

• Calcium: Offer free-choice crushed oyster shell—critical for strong eggshells.

• Grit: Needed if not free-ranging.

• Forage: Grass, insects, weeds—can reduce feed by 20–30% if ranging.

• Treats: Peas, kale, cucumbers, mealworms, tomatoes.

• Avoid: Bread, avocado, citrus, raw potatoes, spinach (in excess).

🥩 Meat Note: Ready for processing at 7–9 weeks (4–6 lbs dressed); older birds become tough.

8. Health & Common Issues

Pekins are hardy but prone to:

• Leg problems: Due to rapid growth—ensure proper niacin and avoid slippery floors.

• Bumblefoot: From rough or wet surfaces—keep bedding dry and clean.

• Angel wing: Caused by excess protein or poor nutrition—use balanced feed.

• Wet feather: Dirty water or poor diet—provide clean dipping water.

✅ Prevention: Niacin supplementation, dry shelter, clean water, and proper feed.

9. Egg Laying & Broodiness

• Start laying: 5–6 months old.

• Egg color: Large, white eggs with rich yolks.

• Broodiness: Rarely broody—plan to use an incubator if hatching ducklings.

• Incubation: 28 days at 99.5°F, 55% humidity (increase to 65–70% at lockdown).

10. Seasonal Care

• Winter:

  • Provide dry, draft-free shelter

  • Use deep straw bedding

  • Break ice in waterers 2–3x/day

• Summer:

  • Extra shade and fresh water

  • Shallow pools for cooling

  • Watch for heat stress (panting = danger)

11. Integration into a Self-Sufficient System

• Garden helpers: Use in orchards or post-harvest beds for pest control (avoid seedlings).

• Manure: High in nitrogen—compost before using on plants.

• Meat production: One of the most efficient duck breeds for home processing.

• Egg surplus: Great for baking—Pekin eggs are large and rich.

Final Thoughts

Pekin ducks are the quintessential beginner’s duck: friendly, productive, and versatile. Whether you’re raising them for eggs, meat, or companionship, they bring joy, utility, and a bit of cheerful chaos to any homestead.

🌟 “Feed a Pekin duck, and it’ll follow you like a puppy—while laying giant eggs and keeping bugs at bay.”

Ready to start? Get 3–5 ducklings in spring, set up a simple coop and pool, and enjoy the rewards of raising these iconic white ducks!

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