lazy ducks - not laying and question re: food

jennytg3

In the Brooder
9 Years
Feb 1, 2010
71
3
39
portland
I have 2 runner ducks that have been very good about laying for a year and then the last three months they haven't laid. I've looked high and low to see if they've hid their eggs but can't find anything. They went through a molt a month ago but now have filled out again.

They eat Albers all-purpose poultry and waterfowl food with 16% protein - through doing a search on this forum I noticed a recommendation to try 18% and up the amount of light at night, which I'm planning to do. However, they don't like cat food, not even the expensive kind, so how do I get them to 18%? How many crickets or worms at the pet store equal 2% more protein per duck?

Also, they lie around a lot more than they used to - they used to forage a lot but now they just sit in their pool or on the ground all day and don't move much. One of the ducks has always had a bit of problems with her feet, but she still tried to move around, and now neither of them do. They seem to be in good spirits, just kind of lazy.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated, thank you!
 
Since they've been laying for sometime, perhaps they are just taking a break? The days are getting shorter to that could have something to do with it. You might try adding a light. If they are the same as chickens they need 14 hours of light to keep laying.


Most of my chickens have stopped laying, a few of my ducks are still laying. Hope you figure out your problem.

~ Aspen
 
I would give them higher protein and put a light on them. Ducks need at least 14 hours of light a day to lay through the year.
good luck hope the start laying again soon
 

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