Pekin Ducks for Meat

[Farmer lish]

Yes, for broilers you provide food all day. Some people also provide 24/7 light and keep them confined to promote weight gain.

Thanks!

 

[johntfs]

So I have been trying to find some research on raising pekins for meat. I have seen few things but not really much. I just ordered 20 ducklings from Ideal. This is my first year doing ducks for meat. What is the best time of feed for meat ducks? How much can I expect a single duck to eat between hatch and butcher date? What age is best to butcher pekins? I have read 7.5, 12, and 18 weeks? Whats the best for most meat to feed ratio? Sorry for all the questions, I am just curious how to save the most money.

The 7.5/12/18 comes from the idea of plucking vs. skinning. If you harvest at that age, all the feathers have matured so there's no "pin" feathers, making plucking a lot easier. This article might help: https://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/10/how-to-butcher-a-duck.html

Meanwhile, you'll probably get better advice in the "Meat Birds" section of the forum. This part is about ducks in terms of keeping them alive and healthy.