Pekin duck vs Muscovy duck
Pekin duck or Muscovy duck? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Pekin duck | Muscovy duck | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meat and eggs | Meat, pest control |
| Origin | China, US-developed | Central and South America |
| Adult weight | Drakes 9 lb, ducks 8 lb | Drakes 10–15 lb, ducks 6–7 lb |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years | 8–12 years |
| Eggs | About 150–200 white eggs a year | About 60–120 eggs a year |
| Best fit | Backyard meat, families | Homesteads, quiet setups |
| Noise | ●●●●● Ducks quack loudly | ●●●●● Very quiet, hisses |
| Hardiness | ●●●●● Very hardy | ●●●●● Very hardy |
| Egg output | ●●●●● Good layer | ●●●●● Seasonal layer |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Easy starter duck | ●●●●● Good starter duck |
| Observed price | Not enough prices yet | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Noise: the Pekin duck rates higher than the Muscovy duck (3 of 5 vs 1).
- Hardiness: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Egg output: the Pekin duck rates higher than the Muscovy duck (4 of 5 vs 2).
- Beginner fit: the Pekin duck rates higher than the Muscovy duck (5 of 5 vs 4).
The Pekin duck
Pekin ducks came to the US from China in 1873 and are the standard white meat duck. They are large, calm and friendly, lay well and grow quickly, which makes them a popular choice for backyard meat and eggs.
Pekins are messy and need water deep enough to dunk their heads. Fast-growing lines can develop leg problems.
The Muscovy duck
Muscovies are a Central and South American duck, not related to mallards. They are quiet, can fly and are excellent mothers, and drakes are much larger than hens, which makes them a good meat duck.
Muscovies can fly and need clipped wings or a covered run. Federal and some state rules limit how they can be kept and sold.
Questions
Is a Pekin duck or a Muscovy duck better for a beginner?
The Pekin duck rates higher for beginners (5 of 5 vs 4). Pekin duck: Easy starter duck. Muscovy duck: Good starter duck.
What is the main difference between a Pekin duck and a Muscovy duck?
Pekins are messy and need water deep enough to dunk their heads. Fast-growing lines can develop leg problems. By contrast, muscovies can fly and need clipped wings or a covered run. Federal and some state rules limit how they can be kept and sold.