How to Breed Peking Ducks

Peking duck is a succulent Chinese delicacy. They are the most popular breed in the U.S. and U.K., where breeders have genetically improved the variety since their arrival from China in 1873. Peking ducks are a major source of meat, but do not supply eggs commercially, though they are better producers than Muscovy or Aylesbury breeds. Due to their nervousness, owners must treat these ducks carefully to avoid a lack of egg production and weight gain.

Things You'll Need

  • Identity tags
  • Trap nests
  • Incubator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the ducks you wish to breed based on their weight, conformation, rate of feathering, egg production, fertility, hatchability, productive value and feed consumption. Choose ducks that are young, demonstrated by its bright leg and bill colors, a supple breastbone and a soft windpipe.

    • 2

      Set up trap nests that allow the bird to enter its nest, but not to leave. This allows you to track which bird has laid the egg.

    • 3

      Keep accurate records of individual ducks on the number of eggs laid, number of ducklings hatched, number of ducklings sold and the age at which the duck reached marketing weight.

    • 4

      Minimize generation intervals by mating ducks of similar ages. Ideally, mate ducks of around one year with ducks that are no younger than six months.

    • 5

      Allow ducks to mate for two weeks before collecting eggs to ensure high fertility rates. Mating and housing fewer ducks together will produce more offspring.

    • 6

      Incubate Peking duck eggs artificially, as this breed is not particularly broody. Wait 28 days for the eggs to hatch.