Physical Description
The Pekin is a major breed of domesticated duck. These birds display snow-white plumage complemented by bright orange feet and beaks.
Size and Weight
Adult Pekin Ducks typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds.
Biological Adaptations
Like all waterfowl, Pekins possess specialized air sacs within their bodies that provide natural buoyancy, enabling them to float effortlessly. Their plumage forms a protective layer that traps air for additional flotation, while a natural waterproof coating ensures insulation and dryness.
Webbed feet offer superior mobility in aquatic environments. While their heavy physique prevents sustained flight, Pekins retain the characteristic hollow bones and robust wing structure of waterfowl. Their toothless bills feature serrated edges that filter nourishment from water, with digestion assisted by a gizzard—a muscular stomach compartment containing ingested gravel for grinding food.
Dietary Habits
At Cosley Zoo, these ducks receive nutritionally balanced commercial waterfowl feed.
Reproductive Behavior
Pekin Ducks rarely demonstrate broodiness or successful natural incubation. Fertilized eggs require artificial incubation for approximately 28 days before hatching. Commercial duck eggs for consumption are typically unfertilized.
Housing Requirements
Domesticated ducks need weather protection, consistent access to fresh water and feed, and secure enclosures. Pekins' limited flying capability makes low barriers sufficient for containment. The Cosley Zoo population inhabits a pond environment with adjacent vegetative cover.
Lifespan
In captive conditions with proper care, Pekin Ducks generally live 8-12 years.
Human Utilization
While producing edible eggs, this breed is primarily cultivated for meat production due to rapid growth rates—reaching 6-8 pounds within nine weeks.
Notable Trivia
The iconic cartoon character Donald Duck was designed after this distinctive breed
Pekins represent America's foremost domesticated duck variety
Initial imports arrived in the United States from Chinese territories during the nineteenth century
