About Pekin

Duck Breeds

Photo Source: Wikipedia.org

The Pekin duck is a domesticated duck breed that is widely kept for meat and egg production, as well as for its ornamental qualities. It is also known as the Long Island duck or the American Pekin.

Pekin ducks have a distinctive appearance with their round, plump body and broad, flat bill. They have a white plumage and orange legs and feet. They are considered a large breed of ducks, with the drakes weighing up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg) and the ducks weighing up to 6 pounds (2.7 kg).

Pekin ducks are generally friendly and docile birds, making them a popular choice for small-scale backyard duck keeping. They are also hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for a variety of climates and living conditions.

Pekin ducks are prolific layers, producing up to 200 white-shelled eggs per year. They are also known for their fast growth rate and large size, making them an excellent choice for meat production.

The Pekin duck is thought to have originated in China and was introduced to Europe and the United States in the mid-19th century. They quickly became popular in the United States, particularly on Long Island, where they were selectively bred to produce a meatier bird. Today, the Pekin duck is the most widely raised breed of duck for commercial meat production in the United States.