All You Need to Know About the Pekin Duck Breed

Pekin ducks are one of the most recognizable farm duck breeds, known for their pure white plumage, orange bills and legs, bright upright stance, and full, rounded bodies. They are friendly, social, talkative, and adaptable, which makes them a strong fit for families and first-time duck owners.

Pekins are also practical, multi-purpose ducks. Females can be used for egg production, both males and females are listed for meat use, and both are well-suited for pets. In this guide, you’ll learn how their combination of size, temperament, and productivity has made them one of the most popular domestic duck breeds in North America.

American Pekin Duck Characteristics

Appearance:

Head: Smooth & Rounded
Eyes: Deep Blue
Bill: Orange
Body: Short neck, broad chest, and plump body.
Tail: Male Pekins have hard & stiff curled feathers at the base of their tail. Female Pekin tails are completely straight, smooth, and flush without a curl.
Feathers: Pure white plumage
Feet: Orange legs & feet
Colors: Pure white

Other Characteristics

Size: Male Pekins typically weigh 8 to 10 lbs. Female Pekins typically weigh 7 to 9 lbs.
Temperament: Friendly, social, talkative, and adaptable.
Purpose/Best For: Pekins are a good fit for families and first-time duck owners. They are good for pets, meat, and egg production from females.
Flight: N/A
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Noise Level: Pekins are talkative ducks. Females are especially known for a cheerful, loud quack, so noise should be considered before adding them to a backyard flock.

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Male vs. Female Pekin Ducks

Male and female Pekin ducks share the same white plumage, orange bills, and orange feet, making them difficult to distinguish by appearance alone when they’re young. Once Pekins reach about 8 weeks of age, telling drakes and hens apart becomes much easier. Here are some easy ways to tell them apart:

Female Pekin Ducks

Loud, clear quak
Straight tail feathers
Smaller size, typically only weighting 7 to 9 pounds

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Male Pekin Ducks

Quieter, raspy, whisper-like voice
2 curled tail feathers that appear around 8 weeks known as the “drake feather”
Larger and heavier, weighing 8 to 10 pounds
Appear bulkier with thicker necks than female Pekins

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Pekin Ducks for Eggs

Pekin ducks are productive layers that can provide a steady supply of large duck eggs throughout much of the year. Their consistent production and large egg size make them a popular choice for those interested in keeping ducks for their eggs.

In general, between 16 and 24 weeks or 4 to 6 months of age, but the exact timing really depends on daylight. As noted later, the breed performs best with 14 hours of daylight, so it may take longer if they reach that age during the winter months.

You can learn more about how to improve egg laying in our winter production guide.

Female Pekin ducks lay about 200 to 250 eggs per year. This makes them one of the top egg layers, next to Silver Appleyards and Khaki Campbells.

With proper care and adequate daylight, Pekin ducks can lay consistently throughout the year. The breed performs best with at least 14 hours of daylight during the laying season.

Pekins are rarely broody, which means they are more likely to continue laying eggs rather than spending long periods sitting on a nest.

Absolutely. Pekin duck eggs are prized for their large size and rich cooking qualities.

The eggs typically weigh between 2.5 and 2.8 ounces and have a mild, clean flavor that many people describe as slightly richer than chicken eggs without being gamey. They are excellent for baking, cooking, and frying.

Their thick shells also help protect the egg and may contribute to a longer storage life compared to chicken eggs when handled properly.

Pekin Ducks for Meat

Pekin ducks are one of the most popular choices for duck meat in North America. Their large size, broad chest, and plump body make them the best choice for those interested in raising ducks for meat.

Can You Eat Pekin Ducks?

Yes. Pekin ducks are commonly raised as a meat breed and are widely recognized for that purpose.

Characteristics of Pekin Duck Meat

Flavor: Clean-tasting, mild, savory, and subtly rich
Texture: Tender
Color: Dark Meat
Fat Content: A thick layer of fat under the skin that results in ultra crispy skin

Pekin Ducks as Pets

Pekin ducks can also be kept as pets due to their friendly and social nature.

Pekin ducks are one of the best choices for families and first-time duck owners.

Their friendly nature, adaptability, and social personalities make them enjoyable birds to keep. They tend to get along well with people and are often recommended for owners new to raising ducks.

Pekins can be vocal birds, particularly females. Their cheerful quacks are part of their charm, but they can also be noticeable in suburban settings.

If noise is a concern, consider how close your neighbors are before adding ducks to your property.

Yes. Pekins are known for their friendly and social personalities.

They typically do well in backyard flocks and often become family favorites because of their approachable nature and calm temperament.

Pekin Duck Diet

Pekin ducks thrive on a balanced diet that includes quality duck feed along with appropriate treats such as peas, corn, lettuce, kale, insects, and worms. For a complete breakdown of what Pekin ducks can and cannot eat, visit our duck feeding guide.

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FAQs About Pekin Ducks

No. Pekins are a non-flying domestic breed. Years of selective breeding for size and productivity have resulted in heavy bodies and relatively small wings, preventing sustained flight.

Most Pekin ducks live between 5 and 10 years. Lifespan can vary based on genetics, overall health, diet, housing, and predator protection.

Adult male Pekin ducks typically weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. Adult females generally weigh between 7 and 9 pounds.

Their large size is one reason they are often chosen as a dual-purpose breed for both eggs and meat.

Permit requirements vary by state, county, municipality, and homeowners’ association rules. Some areas allow ducks without permits, while others limit flock size or prohibit poultry altogether. Before purchasing ducks, contact your local zoning or planning office to verify any restrictions that may apply to your property.

Where Can I Buy Pekin Ducks?

If you’re ready to add Pekin ducks to your flock, purchasing from a reputable hatchery is one of the best ways to start with healthy birds.

As an NPIP-certified hatchery, Shirlock Acres is committed to providing healthy Pekin ducklings and hatching eggs to customers across the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We ship to 49 states, excluding Hawaii, making it easy for customers across the country to add quality waterfowl to their flocks.

We work with new and experienced duck owners alike, helping them find the breeds that fit their goals, from dependable egg production to family-friendly pets and productive backyard flocks.

Browse our available Pekin ducklings and duck eggs to find the right addition to your flock.

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All You Need to Know About the Pekin Duck Breed