My 2 1/2 yr old female only lays in spring and early summer. She had five babies. I get about 60 eggs a season from 1 female. They start mating in spring. Awesome birds.
My Rouen's Male and Female do not like the chickens in with them. I keep mine separate. The chicken's keep laying in her clutch. The male chasing the chickens out of the way. He hates them.
I have to adults 2yrs old. it is kinda just a learning process after there first year I got mine in June 2011 they had eggs the next spring. I knew nothing and just kinda learned next year around a different story. Must be able to study there nesting habits. You can tell if she is ready to nest...
They lay there first spring. At least mine did and every spring after I get about 45 eggs or so a season. I got my male and female in june of 2011 and she had her first eggs the next spring.
I kinda have a two story condo going chickens on top and ducks on bottom. They need at least 3 square feet per duck need a pool of water approximately 8 inchs deep. you can use a baby pool. Yes they love water and like there water changed often the except in winter you do need a heater for there...