Lazy Layers?

[CarolinaQuackers]

Our ducks are right at 24 wks old, and have been on layer feed for several weeks now. We are in SC and it is mild weather right now, really cloudy and foggy/rainy. We keep thinking they will start laying any day, but still none. We have cayuga, harlequin, runners, and swedish ducks. I don't know if I should add a light to their house at night or what. They have solar rope lights that give a little light, but not much. I also don't want to keep giving them layer feed if they aren't going to lay until spring. I think that is not good for them right? They all have developed egg sacks hanging so we keep hoping any day! Is there anything else we can do? TIA

 

[DuckyDonna]

Our ducks are right at 24 wks old, and have been on layer feed for several weeks now. We are in SC and it is mild weather right now, really cloudy and foggy/rainy. We keep thinking they will start laying any day, but still none. We have cayuga, harlequin, runners, and swedish ducks. I don't know if I should add a light to their house at night or what. They have solar rope lights that give a little light, but not much. I also don't want to keep giving them layer feed if they aren't going to lay until spring. I think that is not good for them right? They all have developed egg sacks hanging so we keep hoping any day! Is there anything else we can do? TIA

My baby ducks are 28 weeks and are not laying. My first set of ducks didn't lay until January 29, 2018 and they were born May 15, 2017. I wouldn't worry! Oh, and I didn't put any special lighting in their pen either but they were given layer pellets as soon as they were old enough to be off the grower/finisher.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

My three are all free-loaders right now. The two Muscovy are at about 30 weeks. I figure that they are waiting until spring. My 3 yr. old Rouen is taking a much needed break this winter after a very rough autumn, laying wise. I have a hope that the extra time will allow my ‘Scovy girls to mature and strengthen and will let my Rouen heal. I, too, have been very indecisive about their diet. I mean, everyone is an appropriate age to lay. They just don’t. Mine currently get a combo of all-flock and grower with oyster shell available at all time in case they feel that they need it. Anyways, they are all currently proud members of the lazy layer club!

Oh, and I don’t provide artificial light as I honestly don’t mind waiting for the ‘Scovies to feel ready, and I really want Daphne (Rouen) to fully rest until spring.

 

[GoofyNewt]

My first duck didn't start laying till 10 months and the other female is still holding out

 

[CarolinaQuackers]

View attachment 1632168

My three are all free-loaders right now. The two Muscovy are at about 30 weeks. I figure that they are waiting until spring. My 3 yr. old Rouen is taking a much needed break this winter after a very rough autumn, laying wise. I have a hope that the extra time will allow my ‘Scovy girls to mature and strengthen and will let my Rouen heal. I, too, have been very indecisive about their diet. I mean, everyone is an appropriate age to lay. They just don’t. Mine currently get a combo of all-flock and grower with oyster shell available at all time in case they feel that they need it. Anyways, they are all currently proud members of the lazy layer club!

Oh, and I don’t provide artificial light as I honestly don’t mind waiting for the ‘Scovies to feel ready, and I really want Daphne (Rouen) to fully rest until spring.

THanks for the info. Beautiful ducks too!