Day-length and Premature Laying

[nigella]

I'm getting ahead of myself with this question, but I've been wondering. I am set to receive Welsh Harlequin ducklings in the middle of March. According to Storey's guide, that should put them at laying age around August or September. I'm in western Montana where we have very long days in the summer and I'm concerned that could cause premature laying. I really want the ducks to be healthy and have a long production life. Any thoughts?

 

[GitaBooks]

It's good to think ahead. : )
I'm not a duck expert, but as far as chickens were concerned, they really started laying whenever they felt like it. Day length didn't seem to affect maturity. Some started laying when it was still cold and would even go broody during the winter.
If they do seem to be laying early, however, I would just make sure they have plenty of good nutrition and not keep lights on during the winter (let them have a natural resting period).

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[chickens really]

Hello. Maturity and hormones are what gets them laying. They won't lay till they are ready.
Best of luck with your Ducklings..

 

[Runnerducks1]

Most ducks lay at random times mine were 6 months old when they started laying, and they were healthy ducks, so I wouden't stress it too much.

 

[Timothy Menezes]

As long as your not artificially manipulating their hours of light to maximize production then it's a non issue in my experience.