Female duck not layings

[JinxieKat]

I bought a female runner duck one month ago. I'm not sure how old she is; only that she is full grown. I figured with being transported a 4 1/2 hour car drive and getting use to our yard it might take a bit for her to relax. Plus it didn't help that a week later we lost our only other female adult duck to an opossum attack.

However she is still not laying eggs. She is eating & drinking normal. Overall she seems pretty healthy and happy. She talks a lot and stays with my 4 14-week old drakes.

We are feeding her Nutrena "Country Feeds Gamebird". I have been putting extra oyster shell for her separately.

Is there something wrong? Should I be concerned? Should I take her to see the vet?

 

[Bridger Davis]

Don't be too concerned. Start feeding her layer feed and be patient. How old do you think she is?

 

[JinxieKat]

I have no clue. Is there a way to guess?

She is the white one in the pictures. I can try and take a better one. Every time I get close to her by herself she makes the feathers on top of her head stand up.

She does not like to be touched, held, and will not eat out of my hand like the others. I get it; I didn't raise her.

 

[Bridger Davis]

Hmm... I'm not a pro so I can't say excactly how old she is. Are you able to call the seller and ask when she was born? The thing about her feathers standing up means she is curious, alarmed, or angry. Long before you approach her, start talking in a mild voice or whistling. This will make her more comfortable to be around you and she will be less frightened when you appear. Also, be patient with her getting used to you. You'll grow on her, im sure!

 

[JinxieKat]

No way to call the seller. I didn't keep the number and the add as been removed from Craigslist.

She's been doing it less and less. She only does it if she feels cornered. So I really try not too, but she does seem to always run to the corner of the pen when I'm trying to clean the coop or pool.

The boys also box her in when I come into the fenced in area if they are in there. Is this normal?

 

[Bridger Davis]

OK so, try to make sure that she is not in the area when you are cleaning the coop and even maybe let them out into your yard while you clean if that is an option. Also, the drakes may be protecting her. I'm really not sure.

 

[Bridger Davis]

I'm still not sure about the age of her though. Give it 1-2 months. Also, may I ask, what is she getting fed? Is it a layer diet?

 

[JinxieKat]

It's Nutrena "Country Feeds Gamebird". It's for all fowl. It's not the starter but the one for adults.

 

[Bridger Davis]

OK that sounds right.