Is this a sign the female duck is laying eggs?

[DuckLover9138]

Hi. I have a female 18 week Mallard hen. Until last week, she would sleep in the cage. Now, she flies away with her mate after eating. They don't come back unless it is feeding time around 6 PM (The only time I see them). They have grown extremely adverse to entering their cage (was never an issue before) and prefers to sleep somewhere in the wild. The female also twist her neck down with her peak repeatedly as if she is building a nest. She does it even though there are no grass or bugs around. Does anyone have a similar experience before their ducks started laying eggs?

Thanks!!

 

[Alicia G]

Well it sounds to me that there being Mallards! They have the instinct to fly and to roost. If she is building a nest there is a good chance she will or already has started to lay.

 

[Struttn1]

They have probably discovered a nearby pond or lake that they prefer to hang out on over the pen.

 

[DuckLover9138]

We have a very large pond nearby. Should I leave them or force them to go back in the cage? I am afraid they are laying eggs and I would be leaving those eggs out cold. Is there a way to tell she is laying eggs?