Pekin ducklings should eat an unmedicated starter crumble with roughly 18 to 20 percent protein, with niacin added if the feed does not include enough. Keep clean water next to the feed, and switch to grower feed when they are a few weeks old.
Starter crumble
Pekins are one of the fastest-growing duck breeds, so good nutrition from day one matters. Feed unmedicated crumble in a shallow dish or feeder, available all day. If the label does not list added niacin, sprinkle brewer’s yeast into the feed as directed on its package; niacin helps prevent leg problems in fast-growing ducklings.
Water, always with feed
Ducklings need water to swallow dry feed. Use a waterer deep enough to dip their bills but with sides that stop small ducklings from climbing in, since they chill easily before they grow waterproof feathers.
Safe treats
After the first week or so, offer small amounts of:
- Chopped lettuce, kale or other greens
- Peas (thawed frozen peas are a favorite)
- Small pieces of cucumber or melon
- A little cooked scrambled egg
Treats should be a small extra on top of their main feed. Skip bread, chips, salty foods, chocolate, avocado and anything moldy.
Growing up
Move to a grower feed after about two to three weeks. Adult Pekins do well on a maintenance or layer feed, and laying females need free access to oyster shell for calcium. Because Pekins eat eagerly and can gain too much weight, avoid unlimited treats. For adult diets see what do Pekin ducks eat, and for general starter advice see what to feed newly hatched ducklings.
Bottom Line
Unmedicated starter, extra niacin, water with every meal and small portions of greens keep Pekin ducklings growing strong. Call an avian or farm vet if a duckling is weak, limping or not eating.
