If the buffs don't lay the hubby says, "Go"

[Buttercup Chillin]

I like the ducks.

Why doesn't your hubby like them?

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Quote:
I thought the egg laying breeds were non-seasonal, and would lay year round? I don't know if buffs are seasonal or not, so that doesn't help. Also, aren't chickens seasonal layers as well? Mine stop laying for a couple months mid-winter.

If the buffs are a seasonal layer, I agree you won't get eggs until next spring. They may or may not start to lay this fall, but will likely not lay well until the spring. At least, that's how my chickens work... this is my first year with an egg laying breed of duck (welsh Harlequins). My muscovies are seasonal so I expect eggs the spring after they hatch.

By "seasonal" I meant that they lay in the late winter-early summer range, but not year round. Even with a light, they most likely will not lay right now or during the winter. However, if you provide chickens with extra light, they will. I've raised just about every breed of duck and they may lay well at the beginning of the laying season, but don't count on them for regular eggs. That's why we sold ours and concentrated on the chickens. But, you can't beat the comical nature of a silly duck.

 

[FenDruadin]

If they hatched mid-April, it's a bit early to be worrying over the eggs. My young ducks hatched in early April and only two of four have started laying, and they are heavy-laying breeds (Runners & magpies) from an outstanding line (Holderread).

My friend, who has ducks out of the same line as my mature ducks (McMurray), gets eggs all winter by supplementing their lighting. I get eggs all spring, summer, and fall, and then let them rest in the winter. Ducks will lay well into a fourth, fifth, or even sixth year--long after chickens stop.

But if you have the wrong breed OR if you got them from someone who is not breeding carefully for egg ability, you may not get a lot of eggs after all. Don't know much about buffs... But I wouldn't start worrying yet. Give them time!

Good luck!