White Pekin Ducks The White Pekin Duck is a well-known breed, famously featured in AFLAC commercials and beloved for its adorable appearance. Originating in China, the Pekin duck was introduced to the Americas in the 1870s and was officially recognized in the American Standard of Perfection in 1874. With a rapid growth rate, the White Pekin is highly valued for its meat, while also being entertaining, active, and excellent at hatching. Popular as pets, White Pekin ducklings have even appeared in hit shows like "Friends" and Disney series. Order your White Pekin ducklings today for a lively and engaging addition to your home or farm! Appearance: Feather Color: The White Pekin Duck has pure white feathers, which give it a clean, classic appearance. Their soft, fluffy plumage is easy to recognize and makes them one of the most distinctive duck breeds. Body Type: The White Pekin Duck is known for its muscular, well-rounded body. These ducks have a broad chest and a solid, sturdy build, which contributes to their high meat yield. Their body is compact and deep, and they are large ducks overall, making them ideal for meat production. Head and Beak: The White Pekin Duck has a relatively small head compared to its body size, with a slightly flat and rounded shape. Their beak is orange or yellow, which contrasts beautifully against their white plumage. They also have bright orange legs that further stand out. Eyes: The White Pekin Duck has dark eyes, which are typical for ducks of this breed. Size: White Pekin Ducks are large ducks, with males (drakes) typically weighing between 8 to 11 pounds and females (hens) usually weighing between 7 to 9 pounds. They are one of the largest duck breeds commonly raised for meat production, with a solid frame ideal for yielding a substantial amount of meat. Temperament: Calm and Friendly: The White Pekin Duck is generally known for its calm and gentle temperament. These ducks are friendly and easy to handle, making them a good choice for families, small farms, and homesteads. They are less skittish compared to some other breeds, which makes them a popular choice for those who want to raise ducks without too much trouble. Social and Curious: White Pekin Ducks are social animals and enjoy being around other ducks. They are curious and love exploring their environment, so they do well in free-range or spacious areas where they can forage for food. They are generally not aggressive, but males can show some territorial behavior during mating season. Good for Free-Range: White Pekin Ducks do well in free-range environments where they can forage for food. They are excellent foragers and will happily graze on grass, insects, and small plants. However, they are also happy to stay in a secure pen or coop if necessary, as long as they have room to move around. Less Noisy: While ducks are generally known for being noisy, the White Pekin Duck is relatively quieter compared to some other breeds. Their vocalizations are soft, and they do not generally have the loud quacking that is characteristic of other duck breeds. Meat Production: High Yield: One of the primary reasons the White Pekin Duck is so popular is its ability to produce high-quality duck meat. Their large size and well-developed musculature make them an excellent choice for meat production. The meat is tender, juicy, and has a rich, flavorful taste. The White Pekin Duck is typically used in commercial meat production due to its rapid growth and meat yield. Fast Growth Rate: The White Pekin Duck has a relatively fast growth rate compared to other duck breeds. They typically reach slaughter weight in about 7 to 8 weeks, which is why they are often raised for commercial purposes where quick meat production is important. Meat Quality: The meat of the White Pekin Duck is known for being tender and succulent. The flavor is rich, but not overly gamey, which makes it a popular choice for those new to eating duck meat. The breast meat is especially prized for its tenderness and texture. Health and Care: Hardy and Resilient: White Pekin Ducks are generally a hardy breed. They can adapt to a variety of climates and conditions, although they should always have access to fresh water, particularly for cleaning their bills and bathing. They do best in moderate climates but can thrive in colder regions as long as they are provided with shelter. Low Maintenance: These ducks are relatively low-maintenance in terms of care. They do not require specialized diets beyond standard poultry feed, although they will benefit from access to fresh grass and water. They also enjoy access to a pond or a small kiddie pool for bathing and cleaning, which helps maintain their feather condition. Vigilant to Health Issues: Like all poultry, White Pekin Ducks can be susceptible to health issues such as duck disease (botulism), parasites (such as lice, mites), and foot problems. It is important to provide clean water, shelter, and proper nutrition to help prevent these issues. Parasite Prevention: These ducks should be regularly checked for external parasites like mites and lice. Proper care of their living environment and bedding will help reduce the risk of infections and parasites. Housing: Adequate Space: White Pekin Ducks require adequate space to roam and forage, especially if raised free-range. A spacious outdoor area is ideal, where they can have access to water for bathing and foraging. If kept in a pen or coop, it should be large enough for them to move around comfortably. Protection from Predators: Ducks are vulnerable to predators, especially at night. It’s essential to provide a secure coop or shelter for them, with sturdy fencing to keep predators like raccoons, foxes, and birds of prey out. Clean Water: Access to clean water is essential for White Pekin Ducks, as they need it to clean their bills and eyes, as well as for bathing. If you don’t have a pond, a large container of water or a kiddie pool will suffice. They also need a clean water source for drinking to stay hydrated. Show and Ornamental Qualities: Poultry Shows: While the White Pekin Duck is not typically bred for show purposes, it may still be entered into local poultry exhibitions. The breed’s pristine white feathers and calm demeanor can make it a pleasant addition to a show flock. Ornamental Value: The White Pekin Duck is not generally considered a true ornamental breed due to its primarily utilitarian role as a meat duck. However, its friendly personality and attractive appearance may still make it an enjoyable addition to ornamental collections, especially for those seeking a productive breed with a good temperament. Frequently Asked Questions: What is a White Pekin Duck?A popular duck breed known for its fast growth, friendly nature, and use in meat production.Where did the White Pekin Duck originate?It originated in China and was introduced to the Americas in the 1870s.Is the White Pekin Duck recognized by poultry standards?Yes, it was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1874.Are White Pekin Ducks good pets?Yes, they are popular as pets due to their active and friendly nature.Where have White Pekin Ducks been featured on TV?They appeared in the AFLAC commercials, the show "Friends," and various Disney series. White Pekin Ducks Facts Poultry Show Class: Ducks, Heavy Weight Weights: Hen—-9 lbs Drake—-10 lbs Purpose and Type: Egg Laying and Meat; Exhibition Egg Color: White Egg Production: 140-180 per year Egg Size: Large to Extra Large Temperament: Docile, Calm Gender Accuracy: 90% Fertility Percentage: 60-75% Broody: Setters Mating Ratio: 6 Females to 1 Male Roost Height: Floor Country of Origin: China APA: Yes, Recognized by the Standard of Perfection in 1874 TLC: Not Listed Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm developing our bloodlines or strain of White Pekin Duck Breed since 1977.
