Description and characteristics of Peking ducks, weight by month and what it looks like
Peking ducks have been bred in China for over 300 years. 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 on small farms. In addition, they have become 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. She 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 reared in Russia. They are bred in small private farms and large poultry farms. This is due to the rapid growth and unpretentious care. More and more breeds are being developed on the basis of Peking ducks.
Description and characteristics of the Peking duck
Peking is considered to be a fairly large duck that has a powerful physique. She looks quite attractive and has the following features:
- middle head with prominent forehead;
- flat beak rich orange;
- wide chest;
- elongated torso;
- short, widely spaced limbs;
- large wingspan;
- dense white feathers - some individuals have a cream color;
- bluish or white tinge of eggs.
Peking ducks are characterized by high productivity parameters. Therefore, it is quite profitable to breed and grow this breed. The main product that can be obtained from birds is meat. It is distinguished by a high degree of fat content and contains a large amount of proteins, including myosin. It also contains valuable trace elements.
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 production parameters reach 150 eggs;
- egg weight - 90 grams.
With intensive rearing of ducklings, it is recommended to send them to the slaughter in 60-70 days - before the beginning of the molting period.At this time, weight gain is significantly reduced, while feed costs increase 2.5 times. The output after slaughter reaches 80%. After cutting the duck, the amount of edible parts reaches 70% of the slaughter weight. Eggs are permissible for food. They have no specific taste or aroma.
Main advantages and disadvantages
Peking ducks have certain characteristics.
Requirements for keeping and caring for birds
Breeding Peking ducks is easy. These birds are considered undemanding to care for. However, they can hardly tolerate any changes in content or nutrition. Therefore, from the very first days, it is important for birds to provide normal conditions and try to constantly maintain them.
Peking ducks easily adapt to new conditions. They can 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. It is recommended to raise the floor by 25 centimeters from the ground surface. This will help protect the ducks from the cold and rodents.
In the room, it is definitely worth organizing high-quality ventilation, maintaining a sufficient level of illumination, and making windows.
The creation of nests is also 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. The creation of a walking yard is of great importance. It is worth sowing herbs inside. In winter, it is important to clear the aviary from snow and cover it with straw. Thanks to this, the ducks can be released outside in warm weather. Peking ducks do not need bodies of water. Even in their absence, the birds feel good. Sometimes it is permissible to place a large basin of water in a walking yard. Birds can swim in it.
Slaughter should be carried out before molting. This is recommended a couple of months after birth. After molting, the carcasses will not look very attractive. Clean up as soon as the house becomes dirty. It is recommended to change the litter in a timely manner, since it is a source of infection.
Drawing up a diet
When organizing the feeding process, it is important to take into account that ducks are intensively assimilating food. It takes them 4 hours to digest food. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure that food is constantly present in the bird feeders. Birds shouldn't starve.
It is permissible to feed Peking ducks in different ways - wet or dry. In the first case, it is recommended to steam or mix dry types of food with hot water. As a result, it is important to obtain a gruel consistency. 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 the compound feed should be corn, oats, millet, wheat.
Breeding subtleties
Peking ducks do not have a maternal instinct, therefore breeding them can hardly be called a simple process. To breed ducklings, you need an incubator. It is recommended to maintain the temperature in it at +30 degrees.
If possible, after receiving the 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. Daily ducklings need 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 take much time to grow. Already at 2 months, their weight reaches 3 kilograms. It is during this period that the birds are sent for slaughter.
Possible diseases and prevention
Peking ducks are susceptible to certain diseases. They often suffer from the following pathologies:
- lack of vitamins - the reason is the wrong diet;
- goiter pathologies - due to the use of poor-quality nutrition;
- coccidiosis - the pathology is infectious;
- aspergillosis - often appears in young individuals;
- cholera is a very rare pathology.
To prevent infection and the negative consequences of pathology, it is recommended that birds create suitable conditions for keeping. It is important to follow the rules of hygiene, wash and clean the feeders. Prophylactic 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.
