How to tell if your female pekin is fully mature?

[jahya0]

Good morning from Turkey!

Limon, our female pekin, is now 20 weeks old. In case you didn't know, she had a difficult battle with respiratory illness (which took her sister ), but she seems fully recovered.

Limon seems quite small for her age, about 3/4 of the size of other ducks. She's still a cream color, not close to white at all. The past few days she seems to be exhibiting hormonal behavior - laying down with her neck stretched out,, tail slightly up.

Could she be fully grown now? Will her feather color change? Will she be able to safely lay eggs?

She's our first duck, so we aren't really sure how she should look exactly. Thoughts?

 

[Jenbirdee]

she’s so pretty. she will likely start laying eggs soon. she is old enough to be mated with if you have drake. true pekins are not supposed to be pure white. they have a little yellowish tint , like buttered popcorn, so pretty. i have a 6 year old pekin female and a 6 month old . they are both still the beautiful not pure white color.

 

[jahya0]

Thanks so much. We don't have a drake, but will be acquiring a friend or 2 for Limon in the future. She's a very sweet and friendly girl. I bet she would love being a momma. I'd love to see pics of yours when you have time to post them.