emichels
In the Brooder
- Feb 14, 2016
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New to raising ducks. We pick up 3 hens and a drake last Friday and my question is how long before they will start laying?
Moscovies. Just brought home
- Thread starter emichels
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I've been told Muscovies lay around 7 months, if the person you got them from legit called them "3 ducks and a drake" Chances are they're over a year old and should lay when they feel comfortable in their new home.
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emichels
In the Brooder
- Feb 14, 2016
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It's seem that they are getting more comfortable, moving around more, eating more. Is there anything I should do to encourage laying?
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emichels
In the Brooder
- Feb 14, 2016
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Should I clip their wings and how do I go about this?
If you don't want them flying off I'd clip one wing that is what I do with my Scovy's . I'll get you the diagram.
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emichels
In the Brooder
- Feb 14, 2016
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Last edited:
Could you review what they are eating?
There are several factors in egg-laying. Daylight, temperature, food, water, stress levels, whether they are getting ready to molt, and with Muscovies, from what I read, they are seasonal layers. If you are in the northern hemisphere I would not expect them to start laying quite yet.
There are several factors in egg-laying. Daylight, temperature, food, water, stress levels, whether they are getting ready to molt, and with Muscovies, from what I read, they are seasonal layers. If you are in the northern hemisphere I would not expect them to start laying quite yet.
I have 16 young Muscovites, five are about 9 months old and the rest about 5-7 months old. I live in NYS, south of Albany. The older hens are laying the past week or so, but I have had them since they were ducklings, so they are very much "at home". I feed game bird pellets. The are a little picky about where they lay. One in particular shops carefully for a secluded place. Her drake watches over her as she lays. My birds chose their mates, and I have two small "family units" of one drake + two hens, and one drake with one hen. There is a little fooling around. I kept two drakes, as I was told that competition encourages mating. The boys don't fight. Do you see your birds mating? If you provide a kiddie pool, that will encourage mating, but I don't think it is essential. My guess is that your birds need time to settle in, unless they were mating at their previous home.
I have 6 female Muscovy's and so far only 1 has started to lay. They aren't like other domestics that lay year round or almost. They will lay when everything begins to change the light, temps and mating. Mine like plenty of shaving to make their nest and privacy. Thankfully all of mine lay inside their houses. You should see eggs soon. I've had them begin to lay as early as mid feb to as late as mid march.It has been 3 weeks that I brought my ducks home and they have yet to lay
any tips on getting them to lay?
Welcome to BYC! @jake and pippa
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