FIRST EVER DUCK EGG!

[Miss Lydia]

Dilys laid for the first 2 days but nothing since.??? 2 days on 2 days off? ??

getting the system worked out. congrats on the eggs.

 

[blondiebee181]

Yeah, it's natural to not be consistent especially at the beginning. And some breeds will never be as consistent as others even right down to the individual hen compared to other people's hens. Some swear their Khaki's are the best layers while others swear by Runners....etc. MY Americauna chicken for example is not as consistent laying each and every day as my Leghorn, who I think hasn't missed more than a day since her first egg at just 16 weeks.

 

[ems appleyards]

Thankyou guys, decided we're gonna try incubating when she gets going properly and let her sit if she gets broody-mini silver appleyard ducklings anyone? :-D

 

[Daisy9696]

My snowy call duck Lucy laid her first egg this morning! I came home this afternoon to find it smashed. So either her mate Linus smashed it or her. Any ideas as to why? Also when can I expect the next egg?

 

[Amiga]

Feel the shell. Is it very thick? She may need more calcium, D3 or more vitamins in general.

 

[Daisy9696]

The shell is really thin. I thought it might just be because its her first egg but wasn't sure.

 

[Amiga]

Yes, I think she needs more calcium. Some ducks have trouble making sturdy shells, but usually if they get enough vitamins and minerals they are okay. Do you give her free choice oyster shell or other supplement for egg shell making?

Congratulations, by the way

 

[Daisy9696]

I don't give her any supplements besides a show conditioner, and standard ducks feed.

 

[Amiga]

I would start putting a bowl of crushed oyster shell out for her. It can take weeks for them to build up their calcium reserves, so be patient. Generally, drakes will avoid the oyster shell, but ducks will eat it.

You can also get calcium gluconate liquid (1 teaspoon per 4 ounces of water) for a boost for her. But I would go with the oyster shell first. I need to give Romy extra calcium and the Ca gluconate is one way I do that. Of course, all the other girls get it, too. Bean, the drake, generally drinks out of a different water pot, which is great since I don't want him to o.d. on calcium.

 

[Daisy9696]

When can I expect her next egg?