Manadarin Laying?

[bandbaustin]

How old does a Mandarin hen have to be lay eggs? I have two pairs of Mandarins that I purchased earlier in the year. One is paired with an older male. I think they will be a year old sometime in the summer. I built them some nesting boxes anjd put them in their pen today. I am hoping to get some babies this year. the hens are pinioned I believe or wings clipped as they cannot fly just jump up (not my doing) They are in a pen with a pair of amherst pheasants.

 

[Matapatos]

They can lay their first year and most do... Give them some time. Many have birds that are already laying, but mine is just getting there. No eggs yet, but has been going in and out of the nest box and getting it prepped. Maybe they will, maybe they won't, but they def can. Hang in there and good luck!

 

[bandbaustin]

Thank you, I hope my boxes are up to their specifications and they use them. I can't wait to see some little ones!!!

 

[Matapatos]

I've seen lots of different boxes built differently. They don't have to be perfect... Someone on here had wood ducks lay on the ground a while back! If they want to reproduce, they will find a way! Good luck... Still no eggs here