Duck Egg Laying Problems

[silkypea]

I bought a few ducks from a couple weeks ago and the family I bought them from said that the two of the ducks should lay about an egg a day and the other a bit less often. I brought them back to my house where I have a medium sized coop that I kept chickens in last year. They haven't laid an egg yet and they don't go into the coop. They only hang around outside in the dirt. I was wondering if anyone knew some solutions to get them to lay eggs?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
How old are your ducks? what kind of bedding are you using? My muscovies have their own nesting boxes but they prefer to go into the chicken side of the coop to lay their eggs. I use deep bedding of pine shavings, and also maybe they just don't feel at home yet. Are you feeding them layer feed and offering oyster shell too. Did they sleep out in the open where they came from? you might just have to see that they go into the coop at night and lock them up for their own safety. excuse my manners

 

[Amiga]

I think Miss Lydia has pointed out a number of possibilities. Change in location, change in diet, change in routine . . . all these can affect a duck's egg laying.

My approach is generally to bribe them with a few peas, a bowl of water with chopped lettuce or dandelion greens, really roll out the red carpet and help them feel wanted.

Ducks are susceptible to predators so if your outside area is safe, great, otherwise I'd bribe them into the shelter and make sure it's secure at night.

Also, I have heard of ducks roaming after they arrived at a new home - some suggest keeping them very close at hand for a couple of weeks.

Do you know what breed you have?