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Peking Duck
“Jesse and Daisy” Domestic ducks are usually raised for restaurants. The birds are bred to not be able to fly. Their lifespan is approximately 10 to 12 years. Many chicks are sold around Eastertime for children. Unfortunately, many turn out like Jesse, who, from lack of proper nutrition, contract metabolic bone disease and grow deformed. Hundreds are euthanlzed each year. The few that are kept must live handicapped like Jesse the rest of their lives, dragging themselves by their necks and walking on deformed legs. Those that do grow up somewhat healthy like Daisy are usually, after a time, dropped off at lakes because the children have grown tired of them. Since these birds are unable to fly, they are forced to stay in one place and hope food is abundant. They are easy prey for predators. Injuries are common as the human population increases. Daisy was hit by a car crossing a street to find food. Even though the injury has healed, she will limp from arthritis the rest of her life.
"Jesse” These birds will require good food, proper nutrition and long-term care up to 12 years. The proper facility required is a large protected (fenced in) yard with a water source or kiddie pool and a small building or shed for safe keeping at night away from predators. Unless you are committed long-term and have the proper facilities, a duck will not make a good pet. |
