Pekin Ducks: Breed Profile

The Pekin is a large, white duck with an orange bill and orange-yellow legs. It stands upright, with a deep body and a thick, round chest. It is the most common duck in the United States for meat and a familiar sight at county fairs.

History

The breed comes from China and was brought to the United States in the 1870s. American breeders and commercial producers developed it into the main meat duck, and it is the foundation of the duck industry. The American Standard of Perfection recognizes the Pekin, and the breed is also kept in smaller, show-quality lines.

Purpose

Pekins grow quickly and reach a good market size in a short time, which is why they dominate commercial production. Hens also lay a fair number of eggs, though they are not as productive as the best laying breeds. The birds are calm, and many people keep them as pets, as backyard layers and as meat birds.

Where the breed stands today

Pekins are common and are not considered rare. Many hatcheries sell them, and the quality of birds varies. Exhibition-quality Pekins from careful breeders differ from commercial stock in body shape and carriage.

Showing Pekin Ducks at 4-H and FFA

Pros

• Standard breed. Pekins are a recognized breed in poultry shows, so classes are easy to find.
• Calm temperament. The breed is typically easy to handle.
• Fast growth. Birds can be ready for show or market quickly.
• Low cost. Ducklings are inexpensive and widely available.
• Good starter bird. Waterfowl teach the basics of feed, health and biosecurity.

Cons

• Messy. Ducks splash and soil their water and bedding, which makes cleaning a daily job.
• Noisy hens. Females can be loud.
• White plumage. Keeping feathers clean for show takes effort.
• Hatchery quality varies. Birds from commercial lines may not match the Standard.
• Health rules. Waterfowl need to meet the same biosecurity rules as other poultry.

What to look for in a Pekin show bird

The Standard calls for a broad, deep body carried at a slight upward angle, a full chest, a broad back, a strong, medium-length neck and a bill of a bright orange color. The plumage should be clean and white, and the legs should be sturdy and orange. Check for clear eyes, a clean nostril and no leg or foot injuries.

Questions to ask a breeder

• Are the birds from show-quality stock or hatchery stock?
• How old are they, and what are they eating?
• Have they been handled?
• What health and biosecurity practices does the flock follow?
• Does my show have a waterfowl class for Pekins?

Care basics for a show Pekin

Ducks need clean, dry bedding, fresh water deep enough to dip their whole bill, and a balanced feed formulated for waterfowl. Niacin matters for growing ducklings, so ask your feed dealer about a ration made for ducks. Give them shade in summer and a draft-free shelter in winter. Handle them often and gently so they stand calmly for the judge, and keep them off wet, muddy ground in the days before the show so their white feathers stay clean.

Bottom line

The Pekin is a friendly, easy first waterfowl project, and a good choice for students who want a bird with plenty of classes and low cost.

Our page on Showmanship explains how handling is judged. agriculture.directory lists feed stores and vets, and farm.fm has Hen House Heist.