Pekin

That from someone who let his ducks fend for themselves and does not feed them. Expecting them to get a good diet from free ranging. They are domestic ducks for a reason!

Ducks and Banny Hens writes:
I did have to feed my pekins. I handraised them, and when they were about 2 weeks old (which in pekins is equivelent to 1.5 months in other breeds) I began ranging them. Do I expect them to get a superior diet from ranging? Of course I do. Personally, I don't understand that bit? Don't you think ducks can get a good diet while ranging?
And yes, they are domestic for a reason. But they aren't supposed to be domestic because they're too stupid to do anything on their own. They are domestic because they're loyal enough to not leave the farm, and because they're are beneficial enough to the farm to be worth having.
Can I ask you a question: What strains do you raise? And how do you go about keeping them?

Loud quack = hen
Curled tail fether = drake
I know you know that . Just didn't know what else to say, I don't know a thing about vent sexing a duck LOL

yea thats the thing i noe that it talks like a female but has the curl like amale

Do you mean ducks or chickens? I have two little Pekin bantams which we got last Autumn, one mille fleur and one columbian buff. They're brilliant! The mille fleur is the sweetest chicken I've ever known (she's the one in my avatar) and the columbian buff is so fluffy! They'd only just started laying when we bought them and obviously stopped for the winter soon after, but Minty's (the buff) eggs were amazing! Tiny, but perfect with huge bright orange yolks. So if you've got the chickens, you have a lot to look forward to

We have 15 Barred Plymouth Rocks, 4 Pekins, & 2 Silkies. They all have their own personalities, and we're just falling for them all. They are all just chicks now, but growing like weeds. Next week, we are going to transfer them to larger holdings, and then move them to the coop (Plymouth Rocks). Big learning curve for us, but we are extremely excited...

my mother had a duck when she was young and i thought of getting her one but i wasnt sure . reading this has made me think more on it thank you.

i too bought two little yellow peepers in the tractor supply and didn't know what i was getting into. but i have never loved a duck so much as i do my boy Milton and my girl Ollie. i would recommend the pekin duck also. what wonderful creatures.

Po is such a cute name

Pekins are pretty!!!!!!

These are the BEST little birds ever! I have one who live inside for 4 years. He now has his own flock of ladies outside (and he is currently 8 years old). Pretty decent layers of big eggs, too. In the spring I get 3-5 eggs a week per female.

We just got Pekins three weeks ago and love them. They are so sweet and curious. Ours go absolutely nuts for the water. Can't wait until they can sleep outside for the night though!

I just recently got a Pekin duck for a pet. He is adorable and very attached to me. I was wondering how do I get him to overcome his separation anxiety... he follows me everywhere and when I have to put him in his cage he keeps peeping....I try leaving him alone but it breaks my heart hearing him cry lol.....he is only quiet when he is able to be with me.. I never owned a duck before so any suggestions would be helpful

i have 2 pekin and they are awsome

I totally agree with you. Before this year we did not have ducks, but have fallen in love. They are so very comical, and goodness yes, they grow unbelievably fast. You can see the difference day by day. I weighed them daily in their first week, gave up on that, from 4 oz to over a pound in one week, figured they were doing just fine. Now at 6 months they are easily10 pounds, and they're girls, the one drake must be over 12. The eggs are wonderful, and even tho they have more cholesterol, they are loaded with vitamins and minerals you won't find in chicken eggs. Very lovely to bake with, everything comes out more moist. Don't you love the double yolkers too? My doubles weigh 5 oz or more, and a jumbo chix is 2.5. Double the pleasure! The yolks are so nice and rich, great for toast dippin'. The birds themselves can be friendly and trained to come when called, especially when it's "pea time." They fall all over themselves trying to be the first in line. These make great pets for kids, they're pretty sturdy, and if the kids have just one or two, they can certainly spend a lot of time handling and imprint them. Will follow the kids around like puppies. I like your picture by the way, once had a rooster who played tag with our golden!

You're right! The eggs ARE the best. Especially the double yolkers. I have never had a more tasty egg. Until now, my 5 year old didn't like eggs. She just now started eating them only becuase she knows that her ducks "Mattie" and "Molly", make them for her They are great. I just wish they lived as long as the other breeds. When I read that they only live an average of 3-4 years (5 years under IDEAL circumstances), I was in tears. I guess I will just have to enjoy them as much as I possibly can

what an odd combination! No wonder you call it boy/girl! LOL

I agree love my large eggs and they are a great meat bird.

Love my pair

I have a few Pekins and find them very thrifty on feed as they are great at free-ranging and eat a lot of grass and acorns. They will come eat with the chickens and turkeys, but don't eat as much as either. Mine are fasinating to watch playing on the pond all day and when the security lights come on, they put themselves away for the night in the barn. They march single file chatting all the way and have very good manners. They are very easy to train and keep the property free of misquitos. They eat a lot of bugs and are a delight to raise. I hope to be3 eating some soon too! I have about 30something.