Peking duck: breed description and characteristics, weight by months and growth time

Peking ducks have been bred for over 300 years in China. In the nineteenth century, they came to America, and then spread to Europe. Today this breed is very popular. Such ducks are grown in industrial conditions and small farms. In addition, they became the basis for many modern breeds. This species of birds requires special attention to the conditions of detention.

History of origin and distribution of the breed

Chinese breeders got this breed over three hundred years ago. It was bred in Beijing. Initially, such ducks gained great popularity in China, and then spread throughout the world. First they came to America, and then to Europe.

Today Peking ducks are often raised in Russia. They are bred in small private farms and large poultry farms. This is due to the rapid growth and unpretentious care. On the basis of Peking ducks, more and more breeds are being bred.

Description and characteristics of Peking duck

Beijing duck is considered a rather large duck, which has a powerful physique. It looks quite attractive and has the following features:

• medium head with prominent forehead;
• flat, deep orange beak;
• wide chest;
• elongated torso;
• short, widely spaced limbs;
• large wingspan;
• dense white feathers - some individuals are cream colored;
• bluish or white shade of eggs.

Peking ducks are characterized by high productivity parameters. Therefore, it is quite profitable to breed and grow this breed. The main type of product that can be obtained from birds is meat. It is characterized by a high degree of fat content and includes a large amount of proteins, including myosin. It also contains valuable trace elements.

Young ducks have more valuable meat compared to old ones. In China, these birds are bred for eggs. Duck feathers and down are of high value. They help retain heat reliably.

The main characteristics of the breed include the following:

• drakes weigh 3.5-4 kilograms, ducks - 3-3.5 kilograms;
• the live weight of two-month-old ducklings is 2.7-3 kilograms;
• annual egg-laying parameters reach 150 eggs;
• egg weight - 90 grams.

With intensive cultivation of ducklings, it is recommended to send for slaughter at 60-70 days - before the start of the molting period. At this time, weight gain is significantly reduced, while feed costs increase by 2.5 times. The output of products after slaughter reaches 80%. After cutting the duck, the number of edible parts reaches 70% of the slaughter weight. Eggs are allowed to be eaten. They do not have a specific taste or aroma.

Main advantages and disadvantages

Peking ducks have certain characteristics.

Pros and consresistance and endurance to adverse external factors;unpretentiousness in nutrition;precocity.lack of a pronounced maternal instinct;sensitivity to humidity parameters.

Requirements for keeping and caring for birds

Peking ducks are easy to breed. These birds are considered undemanding to care for. At the same time, they hardly tolerate any changes in maintenance or nutrition. Therefore, from the very first days, it is important for the birds to provide normal conditions and try to constantly maintain them.

Peking ducks easily adapt to new conditions. They easily withstand hot weather or cold. It is recommended to equip the poultry house taking into account the number of individuals. There should be 1.5-2 birds per 1 square meter. The floor is recommended to be raised 25 centimeters from the ground surface. This will help keep the ducks protected from the cold and rodents.

Indoors, you should definitely organize high-quality ventilation, maintain a sufficient level of illumination, make windows.

Nest building is important.Their dimensions should be 40-50 centimeters. One nest is enough for 1-3 ducks. They should be made from boxes, unnecessary baskets or plywood. Of great importance is the creation of a walking yard. Inside it is worth sowing herbs. In winter, it is important to clear the aviary of snow and cover it with straw. Thanks to this, ducks will be able to be released outside in warm weather. Peking ducks do not need water bodies. Even in their absence, the birds feel good. Sometimes it is permissible to place a large basin of water in the walking yard. Birds can swim in it.

Slaughter should be done before molting. It is recommended to do this a couple of months after birth. After molting, carcasses will not have a very attractive appearance. Cleaning should be done as the poultry house gets dirty.Bedding is recommended to be changed in a timely manner, as it is a source of infection.

Meeting plan

During the organization of the feeding process, it is important to take into account that ducks absorb food intensively. It takes them 4 hours to digest food. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure that food is constantly present in the bird feeders. Birds should not starve.

Feed Peking ducks in different ways - wet or dry. In the first case, it is recommended to steam or mix dry food with hot water. As a result, it is important to get the consistency of gruel. It is worth adding fresh herbs, duckweed, vegetables to the composition. When choosing a dry method, it is worth using compound feed. At the same time, it is permissible to buy ready-made mixtures or make them yourself. The basis of compound feed should be corn, oats, millet, wheat.

Subtleties of breeding

Peking ducks do not have a maternal instinct, so their breeding can hardly be called a simple process. To hatch ducklings, you will need an incubator. It is recommended to maintain the temperature at +30 degrees.

If possible, after obtaining ducklings by artificial means, it is worth planting a hen on them. If this is not possible, it is recommended to create suitable conditions for the chicks.

They should be kept warm. If this recommendation is violated, the probability of death of young animals is high. Day old ducklings require special nutrition. It is recommended to feed them with boiled eggs. On day 3, it is permissible to introduce boiled wheat porridge into the diet so that the birds actively gain weight. Peking ducks do not need much time to grow. Already at 2 months, their weight reaches 3 kilograms. It is during this period that birds are sent for slaughter.

Possible diseases and prevention

Peking ducks are susceptible to some diseases. They often suffer from the following pathologies:

• lack of vitamins - the reason is the wrong diet;
• goiter pathology - due to the use of poor-quality nutrition;
• coccidiosis - the pathology is infectious;
• aspergillosis - often occurs in young individuals;
• cholera is a very rare pathology.

To prevent infection and the negative consequences of pathology, birds are advised to create suitable conditions for keeping. It is important to observe the rules of hygiene, wash and clean the feeders. Preventive examinations by a veterinarian are also important.

Peking ducks are considered a common breed that has many advantages. In order for the breeding of this species of birds to be successful, it is important for them to create suitable conditions.

Recommended