Ducks not laying well...

[bubbleberry]

I have 3 Khaki Campbells, 1 Indian runner and 3 Muscovy ducks and all came into lay for the first time this spring. For a while we were getting 4-7 eggs each day but recently we only get 3 at the most (sometimes none). I know it's mainly the Muscovies and the occasional Khaki who are laying poorly as I separated them at night to see who the eggs were coming from.

They are fed on layer pellets, mixed corn and have access to oyster shells and clean water. They are free range and I watch them to make sure they're not sneaking off to lay somewhere (they ussually lay before I let them out anyway).

I don't think they're molting.

They get at least 13 hours of daylight at the moment plus there is a window in their house (they are shut in at night)

All seem happy and stress free.

I was wondering whether to add extra protein to their diet?

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm not sure, but I think as the year progresses they lay less eggs, as its natural instinct for birds to stop laying as autumn approaches.


Hope they start laying soon. Best of luck!

 

[Amiga]

Muscovies are seasonal layers - so I am not surprised they may be shutting down for the season.

 

[bubbleberry]

We still have 3 months of summer left here in the uk... my older muscovies laid until September/October :/

 

[Miss Lydia]

We still have 3 months of summer left here in the uk... my older muscovies laid until September/October

My Muscovy's lay for 2-3 weeks then take a break of a week or so. And they finish up laying in latter part of Sept. Mine don't lay like the known for laying ducks out there but plenty for our needs. Then you have to take into consideration their broodiness too. You could try offering some good quality dog kibble or cat kibble to up the protein. I don't think it would hurt them.