Pekin (Domestic) Duck

Description:

The Pekin duck is a domesticated duck used primarily for egg and meat production. It was bred from the Mallard in China, it was brought to the United States about 1873, where it is the most popular commercial duck breed. Due to its friendly nature, more and more people are enjoying this breed as pets. Their average lifespan (if not used for meat production) is about 9 to 12 years. Adult Pekin ducks weigh between 8 and 11 pounds (3.6 and 5 kilograms) in captivity. They are characterized by a yellow bill and creamy white plumage, with orange shanks and toes. The ducks have an upright carriage and a peculiarly upturned rump. Their plumage is mostly white sometimes with a yellowish tinge. This is more obvious with ducks that have been reared indoors and not exposed to sunlight. The ducks have a more upright stance than dabbling ducks, and possess an upturned rump. When young it is difficult to determine the gender of the duck; when older the male ducks acquire a curled tail feather. Ducklings have bright yellow plumage. Pekin Ducks have a nice temperament and, therefore, make excellent pets. Owners report that their friendly ducks follow them around like dogs would. They are great egg-layers, but not brooders. So many times eggs have to be artificially incubated if chicks are to result.

Habitat:

Pekin Ducks are happiest when they have free access to water in which to swim. They can live in any body of water excluding oceans, but are mostly found in ponds.

Notes:

It is widely believed that Donald Duck is modeled after a Pekin duck. The mascot of the insurance company Aflac is a Pekin duck.