Holy crap, eggs!

[Tomhusker]

The wife and I were out in the yard this morning picking up branches from the recent wind storm. I Looked down and found an egg in the grass where the ducks had spent the night. Just a few feet away was another one just like it.

I knew they would lay eventually but had figured that it would be in the spring since the days have started getting shorter lately. I think they are about 21 weeks, so that is about right. I'm pretty sure they aren't chicken eggs, as all of our chickens are brown eh layers.

I Didn'teven want ducks, but the granddaughters did, and they get what they want at grandpa's house.

Should I build a nest box for them? If so, what should it look like?I plan on locking them in the run for a while to get them into a routine. Also, my pullets are starting to turn red so I want to make sure they are laying in the coop.

 

[JadeComputerGal]

The wife and I were out in the yard this morning picking up branches from the recent wind storm. I Looked down and found an egg in the grass where the ducks had spent the night. Just a few feet away was another one just like it.

I knew they would lay eventually but had figured that it would be in the spring since the days have started getting shorter lately. I think they are about 21 weeks, so that is about right. I'm pretty sure they aren't chicken eggs, as all of our chickens are brown eh layers.

I Didn'teven want ducks, but the granddaughters did, and they get what they want at grandpa's house.

Should I build a nest box for them? If so, what should it look like?I plan on locking them in the run for a while to get them into a routine. Also, my pullets are starting to turn red so I want to make sure they are laying in the coop.

I'd keep them in a coop with nest boxes during nighttime hours even if they aren't laying, even if only for protection from predators. You can also use duck eggs for things other than hatching. Some people eat them the way they eat chicken eggs, and they're better for baking than chicken eggs are even if you don't want to eat them otherwise. Some people also sell them, though I'm not sure that's legal without a permit depending where you are.