Description White Pekin Duck Breed History and Origin The White Pekin duck is one of the most recognized and widely raised duck breeds in the world. Originating from China, it was introduced into the United States in the 1870s and admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1874. This breed has become the industry standard for duck meat production due to its rapid growth and efficient feed conversion. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its White Pekin duck bloodline since 1977. Appearance and Breed Characteristics White Pekin ducks are known for their solid white plumage, orange bill and legs, and large, well-rounded body. Mature hens typically weigh around 9 pounds, while drakes average about 10 pounds. Their size and structure make them ideal for both meat production and exhibition purposes. Egg Production and Performance White Pekin ducks lay white eggs, producing approximately 140–180 eggs per year. Eggs are typically large to extra large, making them a practical choice for both home use and small-scale production. Temperament and Flock Suitability This breed is known for its docile and calm temperament, making it suitable for backyard flocks as well as farm environments. They are generally easy to manage and adapt well to a variety of setups. Fertility percentages typically range between 60–75%, with a recommended mating ratio of six females to one male. Gender accuracy is approximately 90%. Meat Production and Use The White Pekin duck is considered one of the best breeds for meat production, thanks to its fast growth rate and efficient feed-to-meat conversion. It is widely used for both commercial and family meat production. Housing and Management Unlike chickens, ducks do not require traditional roosts and typically remain at ground level (floor). They benefit from access to clean water and adequate space to move and forage. Shipping and Availability Cackle Hatchery® offers seasonal shipping for ducks and also provides fall availability options. View current availability here: White Pekin Duck https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/white-pekin-duck/ Due to shipping regulations, we cannot ship ducks to Hawaii. Duck Care Resources How Many Eggs Does a Duck Lay? https://www.cacklehatchery.com/how-many-eggs-does-a-duck-lay/ 12 Benefits of Keeping Ducks https://www.cacklehatchery.com/12-benefits-of-keeping-ducks/ Heritage Breed Spotlight: White Pekin Duck https://www.cacklehatchery.com/heritage-breed-spotlight-white-pekin-duck/ Ducks for Eggs: How to Keep Your Ducks Laying Well https://www.cacklehatchery.com/ducks-for-eggs-how-to-keep-your-ducks-laying-well/ Keeping Ducks Together with Chickens https://www.cacklehatchery.com/keeping-ducks-together-with-chickens/ White Pekin Duck FAQs What are White Pekin ducks used for? They are primarily used for meat production but also lay a good number of eggs. How many eggs do White Pekin ducks lay? They typically lay 140–180 eggs per year. Are White Pekin ducks good for backyard flocks? Yes. They are docile, calm, and easy to manage. Do White Pekin ducks need roosts? No. Ducks stay on the ground and do not roost like chickens.
