Info on Pekin Ducks Needed

[caitiewantsducks]

hello! so I'm interested in getting female pekin ducks! I'm not sure if this will happen but I'm doing tons of research and found BYC! So I was hoping you guys here could give me any tips I should know, good brands, and just some important or helpful things I should know. I'm still going to research on my own but I'd love to talk with some experienced people and get your thoughts, tips, and, tricks! I am still pretty young and I live with my parents but I assure you I am very responsible and own a few small pets and they are living happy and healthy lives! but the down side to being young is that I have to convince my parents so that'll be a challenge. I'll update ya'll if I ever get ducks (I'm assuming if I do it'll be in a year or more because I'm probably going to have to save up and buy them myself). But anyway enough about myself, I'd love to hear from you all!

-Caitlin

 

[Isaac 0]

Caitlin, I'm going to be blunt, but I want to save you from future problems. While Pekins are commonly kept as pets, they were bred to be meat birds - after a year they will often develop leg issues, bumblefoot, or issues related to inactivity (wet weather for example. If you're looking for pet ducks, I suggest a lightweight to medium-weight breed (Runners, Calls, Khakis, Muscovies, Rounens, Cayuga, Welsh Hareliquens are good choices)

 

[caitiewantsducks]

Caitlin, I'm going to be blunt, but I want to save you from future problems. While Pekins are commonly kept as pets, they were bred to be meat birds - after a year they will often develop leg issues, bumblefoot, or issues related to inactivity (wet weather for example. If you're looking for pet ducks, I suggest a lightweight to medium-weight breed (Runners, Calls, Khakis, Muscovies, Rounens, Cayuga, Welsh Hareliquens are good choices)

ok thank you! I'll look into other ones too! I appreciate you letting me know!

 

[SolarDuck]

Well ducks are cheap, but setting up an enclosure for them will be the expensive part. You will want a nice sized coop and predator proof run to keep them safe. Also I was about to say the same thing Isaac says, if you are getting them as Pets, Pekins aren't the best option. I have 4 female muscovy ducks and I love them! As long as you provide them plenty of duck food, lots of space, lots of love, and a kiddie pool they will be very happy ducks!

 

[fatty and friends]

hi, i have two pekin boys. they are my pets and i love them, but they have all kinds of issues while my two khakis and my rouen do not. they both get bumblefoot because of their weight, and they spend most of their day relaxing while my other ducks are foraging or playing. they are 2 now and i love them, but please do not get pekin unless you can handle their special care

 

[caitiewantsducks]

Well ducks are cheap, but setting up an enclosure for them will be the expensive part. You will want a nice sized coop and predator proof run to keep them safe. Also I was about to say the same thing Isaac says, if you are getting them as Pets, Pekins aren't the best option. I have 4 female muscovy ducks and I love them! As long as you provide them plenty of duck food, lots of space, lots of love, and a kiddie pool they will be very happy ducks!

thank you for the info!

 

[caitiewantsducks]

hi, i have two pekin boys. they are my pets and i love them, but they have all kinds of issues while my two khakis and my rouen do not. they both get bumblefoot because of their weight, and they spend most of their day relaxing while my other ducks are foraging or playing. they are 2 now and i love them, but please do not get pekin unless you can handle their special care

thank you!

 

[RosemaryDuck]

I have 2 pekins and also used to breed them for many years. I never had any health issues previously with them but I think I just got very lucky with that whole bloodline.

They are prone to leg/feet problems because they can get overweight (they are originally a meat duck). I've always kept mine on a restricted diet and provided veggies and fruits.

Besides the health problems, I can say they are some of the friendliest ducks you'll ever have. They are very personable, loving and sweet. They will eat out of your hands and follow you around.

Mine have always made it to around 8-9 years old. Again, I think that's luck, as the breed isn't made to last. You're likely looking more at 4-5 years on average.

I hope this helps. Solar duck & Isaac are very knowledgeable on ducks and you should trust their information.

 

[caitiewantsducks]

I have 2 pekins and also used to breed them for many years. I never had any health issues previously with them but I think I just got very lucky with that whole bloodline.

They are prone to leg/feet problems because they can get overweight (they are originally a meat duck). I've always kept mine on a restricted diet and provided veggies and fruits.

Besides the health problems, I can say they are some of the friendliest ducks you'll ever have. They are very personable, loving and sweet. They will eat out of your hands and follow you around.

Mine have always made it to around 8-9 years old. Again, I think that's luck, as the breed isn't made to last. You're likely looking more at 4-5 years on average.

I hope this helps. Solar duck & Isaac are very knowledgeable on ducks and you should trust their information.

thank you! I don't think pekins are the duck for me know that i know more and i thank you for giving me this info. i hope you continue to have luck with your pekins!