Dongping Lake Waxy Ducks

Dongping Lake Waxy Ducks

　　Dongping Lake Waxy Ducks are a locally superior breed, named for their brownish feathers dotted with black speckles. These ducks are known for their strong adaptability and disease resistance, fast growth, high egg production, and tender meat.

　　　 Dongping Lake Waxy Ducks are primarily distributed around Dongping Lake, Daotun Marsh, and along the Daqing River. The ducks mainly consume fish, shrimp, and aquatic vegetation. These regions are crisscrossed with waterways, featuring vast expanses of water, marshy lowlands, and dense reeds, providing abundant aquatic resources such as fish, crabs, and shrimp—ideal natural conditions for duck farming. Dongping Lake Waxy Ducks are small in size, compact and lightweight, with agile movements. Their hindquarters are full, with broad hips and plump bellies. Their feathers lie close to the body, and their tails curl slightly upward, giving them an overall boat-like shape. Adult drakes weigh about 2.5 kilograms, while females are slightly smaller. They begin laying eggs after 180 days of breeding and produce approximately 200 eggs per year, each weighing between 72–90 grams. The ducks have rich muscle and less fat, making them delicious and not greasy when cooked. Their eggs are large and firm, with relatively little egg white and mostly red-hued yolks. Salted eggs made from these yolks are uniquely flavorful, ranking among the best in poultry eggs.

　　　 By the end of 2000, the county had 500,000 ducks in total, with five duck-farming townships, over 50 specialized duck-raising villages, and more than 1,000 professional duck-raising households.