1st egg

[duckymomo]

I got up this morning to take my hen outside (she is an indoor pet.) when I opened her cage I noticed a grey/green something in the corner, an egg. I was very surprised since its two days before Christmas, we don't have any other ducks but we have 8 chickens 3 of which are roosters. My dad claims she laid it because she is content with her life and that's her appreciation. But my question is; is it possible being around the youngest rooster (same age as her) may have her thinking of settling down with babies. I've never owned or even petted a duck before her so I'm at a lose right now.

 

[crissycriss]

Her been inside has given her the extra light she needed to lay this winter.If she was outside she probaly wouldnt have laid till spring. I dont think she is really thinking of going broody right now. Plus without a drake (male duck) the eggs are not going to be fertile. Some people love duck eggs.Enjoy!!!! And congrats!!!
Welcome to BYC from Alabama this is a great place to learn everything you need to know about chickens,ducks,etc.

 

[Sinister]

I had one of my outdoor ducks start laying two days ago. No extra lights in the pen. Two others started on Dec. 4th.

I was assuming I had to wait until spring as well, but well, there they were.

 

[duckymomo]

Okay thanks, I should have looked into this a while back but I just assumed without a male around she wouldn't lay untill atleast mid spring if at all this year. Her diet is mostly corn, bread, and occasionally dog food or whatever I drop in the kitchen. Are there any changes I should make diet wise to make sure her and the eggs don't have any future problems?

 

[crissycriss]

I had one of my outdoor ducks start laying two days ago. No extra lights in the pen. Two others started on Dec. 4th.

I was assuming I had to wait until spring as well, but well, there they were.

Well thats great! everything ive ever read was about them waiting to spring to lay if they didnt lay by early fall. I guess it just depends on the duck then.

 

[crissycriss]

Okay thanks, I should have looked into this a while back but I just assumed without a male around she wouldn't lay untill atleast mid spring if at all this year. Her diet is mostly corn, bread, and occasionally dog food or whatever I drop in the kitchen. Are there any changes I should make diet wise to make sure her and the eggs don't have any future problems?

I would offer her some laying feed. some exrra calcium too in a side dish.