Pekin Duck
Specie Description

The Pekin Duck, also known as the American Pekin or Long Island Duck, is a domesticated breed of duck used primarily for meat and egg production. The breed's scientific name, Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, reflects its ancestry as a domestic variant of the wild Mallard duck. In different regions, this breed may be referred to simply as White Pekin, distinguishing it from the German Pekin which has slightly different characteristics.

The name Pekin (or Peking) derives from the city of Beijing, China, where the breed was originally developed over 2,000 years ago. When the breed was brought to America in 1873, it quickly became known as the Long Island Duck due to the concentration of duck farms on Long Island, New York. Today, the term American Pekin is commonly used to differentiate it from similar breeds developed in other countries, particularly the German Pekin which is more upright in posture.

In commercial settings, Pekin Ducks are sometimes simply called white ducks or commercial ducks, reflecting their overwhelming dominance in the commercial duck meat industry. The breed has no subspecies, but there are slight variations in type depending on whether the birds have been bred for commercial meat production (which emphasizes rapid growth and heavy body weight) or for exhibition and backyard keeping (which may have slightly different conformation standards). Regardless of the specific line, all Pekin Ducks share the characteristic white plumage and orange bill that make them instantly recognizable.

The Pekin Duck is a large, heavy-bodied waterfowl breed characterized by its striking pure white plumage, bright orange bill, and distinctive upright carriage. Adult Pekins typically weigh between eight to eleven pounds, with drakes (males) generally being slightly heavier than hens (females). These substantial birds stand approximately twenty to twenty-six inches tall and have a rounded, full-breasted appearance that gives them a robust, sturdy profile.

Their most distinctive feature is their brilliant white feathering, which covers the entire body without any colored markings or patterns. The plumage is dense and waterproof, providing excellent insulation and protection during swimming. The feathers have a slight cream or yellow tint when the birds are young, but mature to pure white as they age. Pekins have bright orange-yellow bills that are broad and slightly concave, perfectly adapted for dabbling in water and foraging on land. Their legs and feet are also orange-yellow, with webbed feet designed for efficient swimming.

Unlike many bird species, Pekin Ducks show minimal sexual dimorphism in appearance. The most reliable way to distinguish males from females is through vocalization, size, and the presence of curled feathers. Drakes typically have slightly larger bodies and heads, and adult males develop one to four distinctive curled feathers at the base of their tail. The male's voice is softer and raspier compared to the female's loud, clear quack. Both sexes have dark brown eyes that contrast beautifully with their white plumage.

Pekin Ducks have a relatively upright posture, typically holding their bodies at a twenty to forty degree angle when standing, though not as vertical as Runner ducks. Their wings are strong but relatively small in proportion to their heavy bodies, making sustained flight difficult or impossible for most individuals. The breed's overall appearance is one of health, vigor, and contentedness, with a calm, dignified bearing that has made them popular subjects in art and popular culture, including their inspiration for the Aflac duck mascot.

Pekin Ducks are a fully domesticated breed descended from the wild Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), which is native to the Northern Hemisphere and found across North America, Europe, and Asia. The ancestral Mallard inhabits a wide range of wetland environments including ponds, marshes, rivers, lakes, and coastal estuaries. These wild ancestors are highly adaptable birds that thrive in both freshwater and brackish water environments, from sea level to high mountain lakes.

The domestic Pekin breed itself originated in China over two thousand years ago, specifically in the regions around Beijing (formerly Peking). Ancient Chinese farmers selectively bred Mallards for favorable traits including rapid growth, white plumage, calm temperament, and excellent meat quality. The breed was refined through centuries of selective breeding in the agricultural regions of China, where ducks were integrated into rice farming systems. Ducks would forage in flooded rice paddies, eating insects and weeds while fertilizing the crops.

Pekin Ducks were first imported to the United States in 1873 when a Yankee clipper ship captain brought nine birds from China. These birds arrived in New York and were distributed to farmers on Long Island, where the breed flourished in the region's favorable climate and abundant water resources. The Long Island duck industry rapidly expanded, making the area famous for duck production well into the twentieth century. From this American foundation stock, Pekins spread across North America and eventually to Europe, South America, and other regions worldwide.

Today, Pekin Ducks are found globally wherever domestic waterfowl are kept, from small backyard operations to large commercial farms. They have adapted to various climates from temperate to subtropical regions, though they struggle in extreme heat without adequate shade and water. Unlike their wild Mallard ancestors which migrate seasonally, domestic Pekins are non-migratory and must be provided with appropriate housing and protection year-round. They are not found in truly wild populations, though feral domestic ducks sometimes establish themselves near urban parks and waterways. The breed's conservation status is not a concern as they are one of the most numerous domestic duck breeds worldwide, though preserving heritage strains maintained by small farmers and conservation breeders remains important for genetic diversity.

Pekin Ducks are renowned for their calm, docile, and friendly temperament, making them one of the most popular breeds for backyard duck keeping. These gentle waterfowl are far less skittish and nervous than many other duck breeds, readily adapting to human presence when properly socialized. Hand-raised Pekins often become remarkably tame, following their caretakers around the yard and eagerly approaching for treats. Their placid nature makes them excellent choices for families, small farms, and first-time duck owners.

These social birds are happiest when kept in groups, as they form strong bonds with their flock mates. A solitary Pekin Duck will often become stressed, depressed, and may develop behavioral problems or health issues. In a flock setting, Pekins establish a gentle social hierarchy with minimal aggression. They spend their days engaging in natural duck behaviors together, including synchronized swimming, group foraging, and communal preening sessions. Their social nature extends to other domestic animals as well, and they generally coexist peacefully with chickens, geese, and other farm birds.

Pekin Ducks are notably less aggressive than many other duck breeds, with drakes rarely showing the problematic over-mating behaviors common in some other domestic ducks. While they retain natural mating instincts and drakes will compete for female attention during breeding season, they are generally respectful and less forceful than Muscovy or Rouen drakes. For this reason, Pekins are often recommended for mixed-flock settings where different types of poultry are kept together.

Vocally, Pekins are moderately expressive. Females are the more vocal sex, producing the classic loud quack that can carry considerable distances, especially when excited or alarmed. They quack enthusiastically at feeding time, when they spot their caretaker, or when separated from their flock. Males, or drakes, have a much softer, raspy voice that sounds more like a hoarse whisper than a quack. While not silent birds, Pekins are generally less noisy than Muscovy ducks or domestic geese, making them suitable for suburban settings where noise might be a concern.

These ducks are curious and active during daylight hours, spending their time foraging for insects, grass, and other edibles. They waddle around their enclosure with an endearing gait, investigating anything new or interesting. Pekins are particularly enthusiastic about water, spending hours swimming, dunking their heads, and splashing about when given access to a pond or large water container. This water play is not just recreational but essential for their physical and psychological well-being. In the evening, Pekins naturally settle down and will return to their housing at dusk if trained to do so. Overall, their combination of friendliness, social nature, and low-maintenance temperament has made the Pekin Duck a beloved addition to farms and backyards around the world.

Pekin Ducks require outdoor housing that provides protection from predators, shelter from weather extremes, and adequate space for their large size. A minimum of four square feet of indoor housing space per duck is recommended, though more space is always better. The housing structure should be secure, well-ventilated, and draft-free, with proper insulation for cold climates. A simple shed, converted dog house, or custom-built duck house works well, provided it has a door that can be closed at night to protect against nocturnal predators like raccoons, foxes, and owls.

Bedding material such as straw, wood shavings, or sand should cover the floor of the housing to absorb moisture and provide comfort. Pekin Ducks are notoriously messy with water, so bedding will need frequent changing, typically every few days to weekly depending on flock size and weather conditions. Providing a slightly raised sleeping area helps keep ducks dry and comfortable. Unlike chickens, ducks do not roost on perches but prefer to sleep on the ground in groups, often huddling together for warmth and security.

Outdoor space is crucial for Pekin Duck health and happiness. These active birds need room to waddle, forage, and exercise. A minimum of fifteen to twenty square feet of outdoor space per duck is recommended, though free-range access to a larger fenced yard is ideal. The outdoor area should include both sunny and shaded areas, as Pekins can overheat in direct sun during warm weather. Ducks love to forage for grass, weeds, insects, and other natural foods, and this natural behavior provides both nutrition and mental stimulation.

Water access is absolutely essential for Pekin Ducks. While they can survive without swimming water, their quality of life is dramatically improved with access to a pond, kiddie pool, or large water tub deep enough for them to fully submerge their heads and bodies. Ducks need to be able to dunk their heads completely underwater to clean their nostrils and eyes. A pond or large pool allows them to engage in natural swimming, diving, and bathing behaviors. The water source should be cleaned regularly as ducks quickly dirty their water with mud, food, and droppings.

Predator protection is paramount. Fencing should be at least four feet high and preferably buried several inches underground or extended outward with an apron to prevent digging predators. Hardware cloth is more secure than chicken wire. If hawks or eagles are present in the area, overhead netting or covered runs provide protection. Electric fencing can be an effective deterrent for larger predators. Ducks should be locked securely in their housing from dusk until dawn.

Temperature and weather considerations are important year-round. Pekins are cold-hardy thanks to their dense feathering and can tolerate freezing temperatures if provided with dry, draft-free housing and unfrozen water. However, they are more susceptible to heat stress and require shade, cool water for swimming, and good ventilation during hot weather. In winter, heated water dishes prevent drinking water from freezing. The housing should never be heated with heat lamps due to fire risk, but ensuring ducks enter the night dry and well-fed helps them maintain body temperature.

Pekin Ducks are omnivorous waterfowl with relatively simple dietary requirements, though proper nutrition is essential for health, growth, and productivity. In their ancestral wild state, Mallards consume a varied diet of aquatic plants, seeds, insects, small fish, and invertebrates. Domestic Pekins thrive on a similar diverse diet adapted to their captive environment.

The foundation of a Pekin's diet should be commercial waterfowl feed or an appropriate poultry feed. Ducklings require a starter feed with approximately 18-20% protein for the first two weeks, then grower feed with 15-16% protein until they reach adult size at around eight weeks of age. Adult Pekins do well on a maintenance feed with 14-16% protein, though laying hens benefit from layer feed with added calcium to support eggshell production. It's important to choose feeds that are specifically formulated for waterfowl when possible, as these contain appropriate niacin levels, which ducks require in higher amounts than chickens.

Unmedicated feed is crucial for ducks. Many commercial chicken feeds contain medications or supplements that are inappropriate or potentially harmful for waterfowl. Niacin (vitamin B3) supplementation is particularly important for ducklings and growing birds, as deficiency can lead to leg problems and developmental issues. Brewer's yeast can be added to feed to boost niacin content, or a niacin supplement can be added to drinking water.

Fresh vegetables and greens should be offered daily as part of a balanced diet. Pekins enthusiastically consume leafy greens including lettuce, kale, cabbage, and spinach. They also enjoy chopped vegetables such as peas, corn, carrots, cucumbers, and squash. Fresh grass and weeds from pesticide-free lawns provide excellent nutrition and enrichment. Fruits can be offered as occasional treats, including berries, melon, and chopped apples, though these should be limited due to high sugar content.

Protein sources beyond commercial feed include mealworms, crickets, earthworms, and other insects, which Pekins will forage naturally when given outdoor access. Scrambled eggs can be offered as a protein boost, particularly for growing ducklings or laying hens. Small amounts of cooked fish or meat can be given occasionally. Allowing ducks to forage naturally for insects, slugs, and grubs provides both nutrition and behavioral enrichment.

There are several foods that should be avoided as they can be harmful to Pekin Ducks. Bread offers little nutritional value and can cause digestive problems and malnutrition when fed regularly. Avocado is toxic to ducks and should never be offered. Onions, garlic, and foods in the allium family can cause hemolytic anemia. Chocolate, coffee, and caffeinated products are toxic. Dried or raw beans contain toxins and must be cooked thoroughly before offering. Moldy or spoiled food should never be fed as it can cause aspergillosis or botulism.

Grit is essential for proper digestion. Ducks require both soluble grit (such as crushed oyster shell) for calcium and insoluble grit (such as granite grit or coarse sand) to help grind food in their gizzard. Grit should be available free-choice at all times, particularly for birds without regular access to outdoor foraging.

Clean, fresh water must be available at all times for drinking. Ducks consume large amounts of water and need to be able to dip their entire bill in water to drink properly and to clear their nostrils. Waterers should be deep enough for this purpose. Water should be changed daily or more frequently as ducks quickly dirty their drinking water. During winter, measures must be taken to prevent water from freezing.

Treats and supplements should comprise no more than 10-15% of the total diet. Scratch grains, cracked corn, and seeds can be scattered for foraging enrichment but should not replace balanced feed. Calcium supplementation through oyster shell is important for laying ducks. With a proper diet, Pekin Ducks maintain healthy weight, glossy feathers, and good egg production if female, living long and healthy lives.

Pekin Ducks are generally hardy and healthy birds when provided with proper care, appropriate housing, and a balanced diet. They are considerably more disease-resistant than many other domestic poultry species, particularly when compared to chickens and turkeys. With good management, Pekins typically live nine to twelve years, though some individuals in optimal conditions may reach fifteen years of age. Respiratory infections can affect Pekin Ducks, particularly when housing is poorly ventilated, damp, or dusty. Aspergillosis, a fungal respiratory disease, may develop when birds are exposed to moldy bedding or feed. Ducks kept in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions are more susceptible to infectious diseases including avian cholera and duck virus enteritis. Bumblefoot, a bacterial infection of the foot pad, can occur when ducks walk on rough, abrasive surfaces or when cuts become contaminated. Angel wing is a developmental condition seen in growing ducklings fed diets too high in protein or calories, causing wing feathers to grow abnormally. Botulism can affect waterfowl that consume contaminated water or spoiled food in stagnant ponds. Parasites including external mites and internal worms can impact duck health if left untreated.

Regular veterinary checkups, ideally with an avian or exotic animal veterinarian, help identify health issues before they become serious. Annual wellness exams allow veterinarians to assess overall condition, check for parasites, and provide guidance on nutritional needs. Proper diet and nutrition are fundamental to preventing obesity, a common problem in Pekins given unrestricted access to high-calorie feed. Environmental enrichment including adequate swimming water, foraging opportunities, and social interaction prevents stress-related problems. Cage cleanliness and proper housing sanitation reduce disease transmission and parasitic infections. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times for drinking and bathing. UV lighting exposure through outdoor access supports vitamin D synthesis and calcium metabolism, crucial for strong bones and eggshell formation in laying hens. Predator protection is essential for maintaining flock health and safety, as stress from predator attacks can compromise immune function even in birds that escape physical harm. Proper biosecurity measures, including quarantining new birds and limiting exposure to wild waterfowl, prevent disease introduction. With attentive care, Pekins remain vigorous and productive throughout their lives, providing years of enjoyment for their keepers.

Pekin Ducks have limited but real trainability compared to more intelligent bird species like parrots. While they lack the cognitive complexity for advanced trick training or complex commands, Pekins can learn basic routines, respond to food-based motivation, and adapt to predictable schedules. The key to successful duck training is consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, particularly through food rewards which are highly motivating for these food-oriented birds.

The most practical training for Pekin Ducks involves establishing daily routines and teaching them to respond to simple cues. With patience and regular practice, Pekins can learn to come when called, particularly if the call is associated with feeding time. Many duck keepers train their flocks to return to their housing at dusk by establishing a consistent evening feeding routine inside the enclosure. Shaking a feed container or calling in a specific way helps ducks associate the sound with positive outcomes.

Target training using a target stick or colored object can teach ducks to follow or touch a target, which is useful for directing them during health checks or moving them between areas. Recall training is particularly valuable, as it allows keepers to gather their flock without stressful chasing. Starting with short distances and high-value treats like mealworms or chopped greens, ducks can learn to waddle quickly toward their keeper when called.

Handling training is important for routine care and veterinary examinations. Ducks raised with regular gentle handling from duckling stage are generally calmer and more cooperative during necessary procedures like nail trims or health checks. Brief, positive handling sessions with treats help ducks associate human contact with good experiences rather than fear. However, it's important to remember that ducks are prey animals and may never fully overcome instinctive wariness of being restrained.

Unlike chickens which can learn quite complex tricks, Pekin Ducks' training potential is more limited to practical applications. They are less motivated by social interaction than food rewards, and their natural behaviors don't lend themselves to tricks in the way that more intelligent or agile birds might. However, their predictable nature and routine-oriented behavior makes them easier to manage in many ways than more flighty or unpredictable poultry breeds.

Vocalization in Pekin Ducks is an important aspect of their communication and social behavior. Female Pekins, or hens, are the more vocal sex, producing the classic loud quack that most people associate with ducks. This quacking can be quite loud and carry for considerable distances, particularly when the hen is excited, alarmed, or separated from her flock. Laying hens may quack loudly before, during, or after laying an egg. Females also use quacking to maintain contact with their flock and to alert others to potential threats.

Male Pekins, or drakes, have a notably different voice than females. Instead of a loud quack, drakes produce a softer, raspier sound that is sometimes described as a hoarse whisper or a quiet rasp. This quieter vocalization is one of the most reliable ways to sex adult Pekin Ducks. The drake's voice is much less likely to disturb neighbors, making male-only flocks a consideration for noise-sensitive situations.

Pekin Ducks vocalize more during certain times of day and during specific activities. Morning is typically a noisy time as ducks greet the day and anticipate breakfast. Feeding time often prompts excited quacking, especially from females. Ducks may call loudly if they perceive a threat or if they are separated from their flock mates. Changes in routine or environment can also trigger increased vocalization.

While Pekin Ducks' vocalizations cannot be eliminated, they can be managed to some degree. Providing adequate flock mates reduces stress-related calling. Maintaining consistent routines minimizes anxiety-driven vocalizations. Ensuring predator protection reduces alarm calling. However, prospective duck keepers should understand that female ducks will quack, and this is a normal, healthy behavior that should be expected and accepted rather than discouraged. Unlike the situation with parrots where excessive screaming often indicates problems, normal duck quacking is simply part of daily communication and should not be viewed as a problem to solve.

Pekin Ducks can make wonderful additions to family settings and generally interact well with respectful children and other household pets, though supervision and appropriate handling guidelines are essential. Their calm, gentle temperament makes them more suitable for family situations than many other duck breeds, but like all animals, they have specific needs and boundaries that must be respected.

With children, Pekin Ducks can be delightful companions. Children are often enchanted by these friendly, waddling birds and enjoy helping with duck care tasks. Ducks raised around children from duckling stage typically become quite comfortable with gentle interaction. However, it's crucial that children are taught appropriate behavior around ducks. Children should be instructed to approach slowly and quietly, avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle the birds, and understand that ducks are ground-dwelling birds that should not be chased or roughly handled.

Age-appropriate supervision is essential. Very young children, typically those under five years old, should always be supervised during duck interactions as they may not yet understand the need for gentle handling or might accidentally hurt the birds. Older children can take on age-appropriate care responsibilities such as filling water containers, collecting eggs, or helping to clean housing under adult supervision. Teaching children proper hand washing after handling ducks or cleaning duck areas is important for hygiene and disease prevention.

While Pekin Ducks can be hand-tamed and may enjoy gentle petting, particularly on their backs or heads, they should not be picked up frequently or carried around like dogs or cats. Ducks are prey animals and being lifted off the ground can be stressful for them. When picking up a duck is necessary for health checks or moving them, proper handling technique should be taught, supporting the bird's body and holding wings secure to prevent injury. Many Pekins prefer to interact with humans at ground level where they feel secure.

Regarding other pets, Pekin Ducks generally coexist peacefully with other domestic poultry including chickens, geese, and turkeys when properly introduced. Mixed flocks often work well with adequate space and resources. Ducks should have their own swimming water that chickens cannot access, as chickens can drown in water deep enough for ducks to swim. Feeding may need to be monitored as ducks eat messily and chickens may monopolize food sources.

The relationship between Pekin Ducks and household dogs or cats requires more careful management. Some dogs and cats have strong prey drives that make them unsuitable companions for ducks. However, many dogs, particularly those raised around poultry or of naturally gentle breeds, can learn to respect and even protect ducks. Initial introductions should always be controlled, with dogs on leash and ducks in a protected area where they can be observed. A dog that shows excessive interest, excitement, or predatory body language (stalking, intense staring, whining) may not be trustworthy around ducks.

Herding breeds may have an instinct to chase and herd ducks, which, while not predatory, can be stressful for the birds. Training and management are essential. Even seemingly trustworthy dogs should not be left unsupervised with ducks, as instincts can override training. Cats generally pose less risk to adult Pekin Ducks due to the ducks' large size, but may threaten ducklings or show excessive hunting interest.

Ducks should always have escape routes and safe spaces where dogs and cats cannot access them. Never allow pets to chase or harass ducks even in play, as this is extremely stressful for the ducks and reinforces inappropriate behavior in the pets. Some duck keepers successfully integrate guardian dogs specifically trained for poultry protection, creating a protective relationship where dogs actively defend ducks from predators. With proper introductions, training, supervision, and respect for each species' needs, Pekin Ducks can be successfully integrated into family life with both children and other pets, enriching everyone's experience.