~~I butchered 2 Pekins today. They are 7 weeks old and dressed out to 3 pounds each. I have read a lot about Pekins lately and I think they should have weighed more. I have been feeding a 20% crumble for ducklings. I guess I should have waited a few more weeks, but they are supposed to be ready to butcher at 7-12 weeks. I guess I'll have to put up with them a little while longer. Has anybody kept up with age/weight for slaughter? What is the average weight of Pekins?
I am really ready to get rid of these ducks. They are making a swamp in the back yard. They are entertaining, but I got them to butcher and I am ready to get on with it. Everything I read said they are ready to butcher at 7-12 weeks. I will try another 2 of them next week. I keep feed in front of them, they have a tub to play in and I made a bucket and tub waterer for them, so they never run out of water. I pull dandelions out of the garden several times a day for them, plus they like the grass and weeds I pull too. I just do a little each day, instead of getting the whole garden done in a day.
Anybody raise Pekins for the freezer and what age did you butcher and what were the weights? I would really appreciate feedback on this, it would be a big help.
I am really ready to get rid of these ducks. They are making a swamp in the back yard. They are entertaining, but I got them to butcher and I am ready to get on with it. Everything I read said they are ready to butcher at 7-12 weeks. I will try another 2 of them next week. I keep feed in front of them, they have a tub to play in and I made a bucket and tub waterer for them, so they never run out of water. I pull dandelions out of the garden several times a day for them, plus they like the grass and weeds I pull too. I just do a little each day, instead of getting the whole garden done in a day.
Anybody raise Pekins for the freezer and what age did you butcher and what were the weights? I would really appreciate feedback on this, it would be a big help.