🐓 Backyard & Farm

Pekin Duck

Friendly, messy and fun to watch splash.

Pekin ducks are large, friendly white ducks that need water to bathe in and company. They are messier than chickens but hardy.

Lifespan8–12 years
SizeMedium · 8–11 lb
Care levelEasy
Typical cost$20–40 / month
Great for
FamiliesLarge yardsFriendlySocialVocal
Pekin Duck

Photo: MiNe (sfmine79) from Taipei, Taiwan · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

A secure, well-ventilated shelter and a fenced yard; keep a pair or more.

Waterfowl feed with niacin; greens and peas as treats.

Daily water for bathing and foraging.

Water deep enough to dunk their heads.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Niacin deficiency (leg weakness)
  • Bumblefoot
  • Egg binding
  • Angel wing
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Poultry or farm-animal vet.

Find a vet near me