Khaki Campbell duck not laying

[sherrybintally]

I had 3 Khaki Campbell ducks. About 6 months ago, their egg production significantly dropped off. They had been laying for about 9 months at the time. Instead of 3 eggs a day, they dropped to 1 or 2 every day. One of them continued laying just about every day. I thought I knew which one.... and now I know for sure because I lost one to a hawk about 3 weeks ago and guess what, no daily egg now. She and another duck used the same nest box consistently and the other duck used one to herself. Well, the one who used the nest box to herself has continued with her egg laying about every other day. The one who had previously shared the box NEVER lays. What's up with her? She never acts egg bound and they have limited free ranging so I'm 100% sure she's not laying it somewhere else. They eat layer pellets and have oyster shell.

 

[ChicagoDucks]

How old are your Campbells? When was their last molt?

 

[sherrybintally]

They are 18 months old and have been laying for a year this past Memorial Day. I haven't ever force molted them. When they stopped laying a few months ago, they were a little shaggy so I thought they were going into a natural molt. But I can't say that I think they really molted. Their feathers are pretty worn. What are your thoughts about force molting? I am a little fearful they might die. I have read this is possible.

 

[DuckLady]

They could be taking a natural break. Or, as has happened to me, I found that mine were hiding their eggs. They are good at that.

 

[Amiga]

I would give them all a vitamin/electrolyte/probiotic two or three times a week for the next three weeks.

Some of my runners were looking pretty shaggy and had either stopped laying or were laying soft shelled eggs. I gave them extra vitamins, including calcium gluconate, but it was after a couple of months rest they bounced back.

In your case, I would go with the vitamin supplements. Also, is something or someone a source of stress for the duck? Does she get picked on? The hawk attack may have stressed her, prolonging her eggless time. Another worst-case scenario may be that she has a systemic infection. Can you get her to a vet? Ducks can get egg yolk peritonitis, which can be fatal, and it can go on for a long time before it is obvious they are sick, which is often too late. I lost Neun to that.