Do your ducks use the nest boxes?

[flockman]

My ducks are 18 weeks old and know that I could have eggs in as little as a month. I am wondering if you have good luck with ducks using nest boxes. The chickens were easy to train them to use the nest boxes. The duck nest boxes are on the floor. Are they a waste of time or some use them and some don't?

 

[Going Quackers]

You'll find this varies.. mine .. well, honestly if they just have access to the barn they are happy campers and find a nice quiet spot and fluff the bedding up.

 

[Kevin565]

I've never had any luck with them. My ducks always just lay where they feel like.

 

[Ilovemyduckies]

My ducks usually dig a hole and then lay in that. They usually don't lay in any nest boxes

 

[Tivona]

I have 3 nests boxes and they always use them. It might be in part to still having them locked up in the early morning when they lay. I did have a few lay outside but they quit and everyone now lays in the boxes.

The other thing that might be helping me is that the 3 nest boxes I have are all different. One is low, deep and dark. One is white walled and square with an opaque front so it is very bright and open feeling. The last is tall and square with moderate lighting. Everyone has a preference and seems to enjoy one of the boxes.

 

[lilflockochicks]

Mine are locked up until about 6:50 and sunrise is still before that, so I've only found 1 egg not in the coop. But, out of 5-7 eggs a day, usually only 1 is in a nest box, the rest are scattered around the corner they sleep in (and therefore dirty). But mine have only been laying for a few weeks, so maybe more will learn?