Age and Laying Information

[ecochick4]

Hello! I have a trio of snowy calls that I purchased in early May. When I got them they were not ducklings but not completely fully grown yet. Right now the females look to be about done and my drake is just about finished molting to his male pattern colors and is just starting to get drake feathers. I was wondering if anyone could help me on how old they seem to be from your experience. Also, should they be laying eggs soon or will it not be until next year since they are just finishing growing? Just starting out with ducks and I want to learn as much as possible, thanks

 

[Kevin565]

Calls are seasonal layers. I think it may be until next year before you get eggs

 

[ecochick4]

That's what I have heard and was thinking. How old do they seem from my info? I have been trying to research when calls first get their drake feathers and/or look fully grown to try and pinpoint it closer. I am thinking about 6 months or so but not entirely sure.

 

[Kevin565]

If he's just now getting the Drake curl they are defiantly under 6 months

 

[ecochick4]

Oops, I meant to type 4 months not 6! But thank you for your help! Have you ever had experience with calls specifically, and if so do you remember what age yours got drake feathers?

 

[Kevin565]

Sorry I only have one call hen so don't know about the boys. I think CountryGirl should be able to give you some in depth about calls because she raises alot of them. She's our Call Duck Guru

 

[ecochick4]

Also, my drake was undergoing an eclipse period where he looked like my females when i bought him. They do not have drake feathers during this time period, correct? Could that mean he is really a little older than a couple months and was just now getting his coloring back?

 

[ecochick4]

Okay thank you!

 

[Kevin565]

Also, my drake was undergoing an eclipse period where he looked like my females when i bought him. They do not have drake feathers during this time period, correct? Could that mean he is really a little older than a couple months and was just now getting his coloring back?

For his age it's normal for him to look like a female at first. It's just like how my mallards are the first few months then the Drakes get their adult plumage. However, eventually they loose those feathers and go back to eclipse plumage