American Pekin: Characteristics, Lifespan, Size, Price, and More!

Brought to the U.S. from China in the nineteenth century, the American Pekin is one of the most popular breeds of domestic duck. Although many people raise them for egg and meat production, the American Pekin’s docile nature makes them lovable pets. Learn more about the American Pekin’s characteristics, lifespan, size, price, and more.

History of the American Pekin

Originally developed in China, the Pekin duck was imported by an American businessman named McGrath in 1873. His associate, James E. Palmer, traveled from Connecticut to Shanghai to acquire the ducklings. The ducklings were then loaded onto a ship, where they sailed the 124-day voyage to New York City. Only nine of the 15 Pekins survived the trip. Five were then sent to McGrath, but they were eaten during transport. So, the four remaining Pekins in Palmer’s possession began the American Pekin breed. Between March 1873 and July 1873, Palmer’s hens had laid over 300 eggs!

Today, tens of millions of American Pekin ducks are in the U.S. Nearly half of all ducks raised as meat birds are American Pekin.

Characteristics

The American Pekin is bred in one variety: white. The plumage of this duck is pure white, and its body is large and full-breasted. Its long and broad build allows it to grow into quite a meaty bird, which is why it is among the most popular breeds for homesteading.

With a short, almost straight bill, the feet, legs, and bill are all yellowish-orange in color. American Pekins are covered in a yellow fluffy fuzz when they are ducklings. If you imagine an Easter duckling, American Pekins are the quintessential picture of that.

Cultural classics like Donald Duck and the Aflac Duck were modeled after the American Pekin.

Lifespan

American Pekins typically live five to 10 years. However, domesticated ducks or ones that are kept as pets may live as long as eight to 12 years.

Diet

Living in the wild, American Pekins have quite a diverse diet. Primarily feeding on vegetation, seeds, and insects, sometimes Pekins will consume fish and aquatic invertebrates as well. Domestic ducks are fantastic foragers and will help themselves to the insects and worms on your property.

Typically, if you are supplementing their diet, you should provide a range of proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Some examples include:

• Vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, or cabbage
• Fruit such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Grains such as corn or oats
• Protein such as mealworms or alfalfa pellets

A varied diet will produce a thriving bird, benefiting you, whether you are keeping Pekins for meat or egg production or as a happy pet.

Size

A female American Pekin typically grows to be around nine pounds in size. The males usually grow to be 10 pounds. This breed grows very quickly; by nine weeks of age, they can weigh between six and eight pounds. No wonder it’s a popular breed of meat bird!

Price

The price for American Pekin ducklings often depends on your purchasing quantity. Sellers usually give discounts on the larger amount of ducklings you buy. Prices for American Pekin ducklings also depend on the gender that you are ordering. Typical prices are as follows:

• Male: $8-$12
• Female: $10-$15
• Unsexed: $9-$13

Can an American Pekin Fly?

Many new owners worry that their American Pekin will fly off. But they were bred for their large size and meaty bodies, so they aren’t great fliers. While they can lift off the ground for short distances, their heavy frame cannot sustain flight.

Are American Pekin Ducks Good Pets?

Many people enjoy owning American Pekins as pets because of their docile temperament and low aggression. They will even let their owners pet their bellies! Because American Pekins are such active foragers, they are extremely durable and easy to care for. Owners also value how the ducks decrease the amount of garden pests and insects on the property.

American Pekin Eggs

Usually, a female will produce 150 to 200 eggs per year. But, American Pekin females don’t tend to be very broody. This is excellent news if you are looking for egg production. However, an artificial incubator would be a helpful investment if you hope to breed American Pekins.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mary Raccoon/Shutterstock.com