Ducks lay eggs at what age?

[Laskaland]

Do they get to be about 24 weeks, like chickens?
Thanks
Christina

 

[raindrop]

I think it can depend on breed, day length, and what they are fed. Mine started at about 17-18 weeks.

 

[willowcol]

My Rouen ducks were hatched the first week of April and she started laying the beginning of Sept. daily.

 

[greyfields]

There is a minimum age, but most ducks are seasonal layers meaning shortening day length and colder temperatures kick them into breeding and laying.

 

[Laskaland]

Thanks so much for the replies, friends!
I don;t even know what kind I have! They came in a barnyard mix of eggs and I hatched the crazies myself

Anyway, I'll post some photos today.
Hugs and thanks
Christina

 

[Hoover67]

Quote:
I am surprised that they lay and raise their young during the cold months!!! Hmmmm. Maybe I should look for some now instead of the spring!!!

Michele

 

[greyfields]

Some hatcheries use artifical light to keep their waterfowl laying year around.

You'll find under natural conditions, though, your waterfowl will make their nests in the winter. You won't find goslings/ducklings available from the good breeders after May.

 

[ChickenToes]

Well, my ducks will be 20 weeks old on Christmas Eve...maybe I'll get a present from them this year!

I've never eaten duck eggs before, and I'm a little impatient to try one!

 

[greyfields]

My ducks tend to hide the eggs very well; that or randomly drop them on the driveway. I have to be really sure they're fresh because I think if I popped open a rotten one I'd forever be scarred.

 

[jubylives]

Quote:
That would explain why my drakes are just now starting to get frisky. I had my snowy drake come dangerously to molesting my gery drake. Boy was the grey ticked off.


Jeremy