Magpie - age that start laying - what to look for in behavior

[newbyduckmom]

Just curious whether anyone has Magpies and what age yours started laying? We have one hen, and she is about 5 months old or little older. She was acting kind of broody (sitting in 'nest" off by herself), but now that has stopped. First time with ducks, so no clue what to expect. I know from other posts it depends on breed of duck, but curious as to what experience Magpie owners have had. Any behavior changes I should look for? Does mating affect when they will start laying (stupid newbie question of the day)? the drakes are now 'active' and had starting mating with the hen. They (drake) have since been separated into separate pen (three drakes and one hen).

 

[Oregon Blues]

Mating doesn't really have much to do with egg laying. Ducks will lay if there is no male around. If there is a male, they start laying when they are ready, regardless of what the male is doing.

You probably don't have much longer to wait, but the fact is that no one can tell you when. She'll lay eggs when she is ready to lay eggs.

 

[newbyduckmom]

One thing they don't say in duck books, new duck owners need PATIENCE!

Something most of us when anticipating that first long awaited egg, don't seem to have!

Patience is not my strong suit....particularly in wait for the first egg to show up!

 

[DuckyMom]

You can usually expect your first egg alittle after 6 months. My 2 new runner hens just hit 6 months last week. My other hens are molting and we seem to have hit an egg drought. We can't do much else except twiddle our thumbs while they take their sweet time picking the right time to lay their first egg.

Emily