08/16/2025
My Opinion on Pekin & Jumbo Pekin Ducks as Back Yard Pets.
I recently had someone get very upset and strongly disagree with me over sharing this information, so like I always do because I love to learn did a further deep dive in my research, and wrote this up to share with you all!
First off, I want to be very clear that this is my personal opinion based on my own experience with the breed and research from reputable poultry sources. You may have a different experience, and that’s fine. I’m not saying people can’t enjoy or successfully keep Pekins, only that they are not a breed I personally recommend as a first choice for most backyard keepers, especially beginners.
As a species, ducks are naturally very hardy compared to many other types of poultry, and Pekins are no exception. However, claiming that Pekins, particularly Jumbo Pekins, are among the healthiest and hardiest multi-purpose backyard breeds is misleading. Their breeding history and body type create a unique set of challenges that are worth considering before choosing them for a small-scale or pet setting.
Pekins, and especially Jumbo Pekins, have been selectively bred for decades with one primary goal in mind: rapid growth and large size for meat production. This emphasis on size has come at the cost of selecting for longevity, mobility, and long-term health. As a result, Jumbo Pekins grow at an exceptionally fast rate, which increases the likelihood of early-life health problems. They are more prone to niacin deficiency, which can cause leg weakness and deformities if not addressed early, and they face a higher risk of splay leg or other leg alignment issues because their joints and tendons are placed under strain before they are fully developed. Their rapid growth also comes with higher metabolic demands, meaning they often require a more carefully balanced diet than many backyard breeds.
As these ducks mature, their large body size continues to influence their health. They are at greater risk of obesity, making dietary management essential to their well-being. Their heavy frames place more pressure on their feet, leading to a higher rate of bumblefoot, and they are more prone to early-onset arthritis and joint degeneration compared to lighter breeds. Mobility issues often worsen with age, with some Jumbo Pekins struggling to walk long distances or navigate uneven terrain. Their reduced agility also makes them more vulnerable to predators, as they have slower escape responses and limited ability to maneuver quickly. The relatively small size of their wings compared to their body and poorer wing loading means they are less able to use them to break falls or navigate obstacles, which increases the risk of injury from even moderate drops or missteps.
While standard Pekins still carry some of these size-related risks, they are generally lighter, more mobile, and better suited to a backyard environment than the Jumbo variety. The extra weight of the Jumbo compounds mobility issues and joint strain, making them more high-maintenance in the long term.
Because Jumbo Pekins were developed for short-term meat production, keeping them as long-term backyard pets can also raise ethical considerations. They often require ongoing, hands-on management to maintain quality of life, and even with excellent care, their lifespan and mobility are typically shorter than those of lighter breeds. This definitely isn’t to say you are at fault if you are keeping this breed as a pet, you should always love the animal in you’re care all the same, its just good to be on heightened alert of possible health obstacles you might face and add preventative care to your routine as much as you can!
For beginners, Jumbo Pekins are not an ideal choice. They demand careful dietary control from hatch onward, and their environment must be designed with soft, supportive surfaces and gentle slopes to prevent injury. Their weight, joints, and foot health require close monitoring, and small mistakes such as overfeeding, providing slippery flooring, or having steep ramps can lead to significant and sometimes irreversible health problems.
In short, while Pekins are friendly, social, and can excel in certain meat or egg production settings, I personally do not consider Jumbo Pekins to be a good choice for a backyard pet, egg layer, or beginner duck breed. If you want the look and temperament of a Pekin, a standard Pekin is generally the healthier option. Even better, I am especially fond of Metzer Farms White Layer, which offers a similar aesthetic with fewer long-term health concerns. Lighter heritage breeds or mixed breeds will almost always give you fewer health issues over time, especially if you are keeping them as pets or starting your first flock!
And to end this whole thing enjoy an old photo of me and my old pekin Nugget, who is the reason I had researched so much into this breed in the first place. Nugget unfortunately isn’t living here anymore due to bullying issues from my other ducks, but he is very happily and healthily loving life over with my neighbor, and enjoying his 2 pekin girlfriends and their lovely pond!
