Ducks not laying

[Roosterinthecity]

Ducks were laying….
Then they stopped…

Back at the end of July 2022 they got broody. I didn’t want more ducklings, so I removed the eggs. They were so mad at me. One of the ducks waits for a chicken to lay then goes and sits on the egg(s).

Now, the weather is still the same here in AZ. I still feed them the same (maybe a bit better). They always have water. They are not stressed. No fighting. Plenty of space. Plenty of sunlight and shade. Plenty of air circulation in the coop. The run is kept.

Now, the only difference is that they turned from a light chocolate feather color to a dark brown. I know it’s coming up on the time of year to molt. So…. Could that be the reason? I mean the chickens are still going strong.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What breed or breeds are you talking about? My Muscovy are done for the year and starting their molt. My Runners and Buffs are laying very few too. Many of my chickens are molting so they have cut back on laying too. It's that time of year unless you have ducks less than 2 yrs old.

 

[Roosterinthecity]

Muscovy. They are 15 days shy of a year old. I somewhat figure it’s due to molting time.

 

[Canadian Wind]

My 'scovies laid and brooded their (infertile) eggs in the Spring, and didn't lay a single egg afterwards

 

[Roosterinthecity]

That’s a very long time

 

[Miss Lydia]

They are seasonal layers like Mallards so they lay spring through Sept [some do] and then molt and done till following spring. My girls spend so much time being broody they don't lay that many eggs.

 

[Canadian Wind]

That’s a very long time

I may have gotten another three or so eggs from them after, but that was it. I was disappointed too, I figured I'd at least be able to get some eggs for eating since they weren't fertile, but nope!

 

[RebinNH]

I'm just reading this string and am wondering if my 2 muscovy hens will ever lay eggs again. Every AM I need to go into the coop and take each of them out of their very perfect double nest because if I don't they'll spend most of the day in there and I don't think it's good for them to be so inactive. Also, they are eager to go in at night (more so than the drake) and would do so well before dark if I let them. They do seem nervous about coming out on their own and I wonder if perhaps they don't want the drake to hop on them, as he sometimes tries first thing.
They are not getting layer feed but I do provide plenty of crushed oyster shell and sometimes egg shells dried and crushed.
Any suggestions?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have 4 Muscovy ducks one did start laying at the end of March I am not sure if both girls were laying or just one since in this coop there is 1 Muscovy drake and 2 females but I got 12 eggs while they were lying now neither of them are laying. My other female Muscovy sleeps with her Runners and Buffs and goose so far only 2 eggs out of that coop of 9 females and one drake. None of my older chickens hens are laying just my youngest who will be 2 in June. My older hens are 5 down to age 2. Never have my ducks or chickens just not laid . Even at the age they are. It's so strange there is talk it's the feed but I don't know for sure. first, it was being blamed on Purina which I don't use I feed a NON-GMO layer and have used this brand for years. I am stumped.

 

[RebinNH]

I wonder if it can be something disturbing the natural vibrations of the ducks. Ie. electrical frequencies and staying in tune with that of the earth. With all of the towers going up and the satellites, (that I know effect me) perhaps it is doing so to our yard guests.
Certainly there is a decrease of flying bugs (including bees) and wild birds.