Egg production in approx 3 yr old ducks?

[tndrhrt]

We have just adopted a pair of Rouens and a Cayuga. They haven't laid eggs for a while, at least 6 mos - the previous owner said. We know the Rouens are 3 years old, Cayuga was black when they adopted her, now she is very white... so, can you get the egg production going again? How?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Well ducks generally will stop laying into the Fall and winter seasons, as well as during feather molt. Could be factors in your case.

 

[Amiga]

I have found that stress reduces egg laying. Stress can be caused by moving, change in the flock makeup, new animals, heat, cold, diet, injury, and more.

My runners are good layers. They took about five months off after I introduced our first drake. Then they got back to laying.

They also are turning white. They were solid black or chocolate, and then slowly the snow started coming in. They are beautiful.

So, I would look closely at their diet, making sure it is nutrient rich with a good balance of protein and fresh vegetables and vitamins and minerals. Ducks can have greater needs for some nutrients. Each duck is different.

I would make sure their environment feels safe, and the air quality is good (ventilation, bedding management, etc.)

One forum member had a hose that leached chemicals that suppressed egg laying. That is about the most unusual situation I can recall.

 

[houseofknauss]

depending on the Cayuga genetics, the older they get the more white, however I had one that started getting more white after 1 year.

for the 1st time ever last winter, my ducks laid all winter--the only reason I can come up with is the change in the coop. we built an addition off the shed 8ft by 18ft because I took on chickens last year and they needed a warmer place. so the ducks have 1/3 of the coop to themselves all fenced off. due to the north wind we get here and the cold temperatures I had 2 heat lamps in the coop all winter to keep the temp near 30 to 35 degrees to help keep the water thawed. well, the ducks (most being 1st year) were fed the same feed as the chickens and being that they didn't have to expend as much energy keeping warm, gave eggs, 6 out of 7 days a week most weeks.

ducks I have now consist of good layers, pekin, khaki, runner, rouen. and one mallard mix. right now I get 2 to 3 eggs per day out of 5 females. they are getting ready for their winter coats.

 

[Amiga]

By the way, my ducks are just over three and a half years old.