How fast do pekins grow?

[chasing ducks]

My kids brought home 2 pekins from TSC when the pekins were 3 days old. 5 days later I got my shipment of ducklings in that were about 3 days old, so the 2 pekins I already had are about 5 days older. The 2 I had are gigantic next to the other pekins and much heavier with fuller breasts and long bodies. Is it possible I ended up with jumbo pekins or is it fairly normal that they are so much bigger being almost a week older?

 

[Amiga]

I bought runners this year. In one week's time, if you did not know it was the same ducklings, you would have thought they were a different breed. They were SO much larger, their bodies were shaped differently. It was astounding.

 

[artsyrobin]

yes- they do grow fast- seems like inches a nite- here are a few pics

week 1

week 2

week 3

week 4

 

[TennesseeTruly]

All I can advise is "don't blink!" Because if you do, they're already grown!

Laurie

 

[TheRanch]

Yup, we bought a duckling the beginning of March and it's HUGE!!! and messy lol!!!

 

[duckyfromoz]

Pekins are bred as a meat bird- So they were selectively bred to be fast growers...

They do grow up too fast. Thats why I also keep a light breed of duck as well- they still grow fast- but I can keep them inside for an extra week or two.