Muscovies haven't started laying yet.

[Cairina moschata]

I have 5 muscovy hens, 4 are 10 months and 1 is 12 months. I haven't had an egg yet this year. When do the hens typically start laying, is this a seasonal thing or are they just too young?

Thanks.

 

[chickenma]

I think muscovys are seasonal.
mine lay last year and they just start laying again. They lay now for 2 weeks.
Good luck

 

[lovesduckies]

hmm.. i have a 5 month old muscovy hen with 17 eggs. no i vote no on the too young idea.

 

[suburbanduckmom]

My 7 month old just started laying today! I'm in california...maybe the amount of light they get makes a difference. Could they be hiding them?

 

[keeperofthehearth]

They may be hiding them. What are you feeding them at this time? They need plenty of protien to lay those eggs.

 

[Cairina moschata]

They are in a pen with netting covering it and are currently being fed coarse ground barley/malt with minerals and alfalfa hay. Maybe it has something to do with the cold winter we had because my chickens just started laying consistently 2 weeks ago. Thanks for the suggestions, I hope that they start laying soon, I was really looking forward to some ducklings this spring.

 

[PAheart]

Quote:
do u take them out nd play with them often?? I believe a happy duck lays a lot quicker!!

 

[Cairina moschata]

HAHA, wish that I could but the coyotes would also be really happy if I let them out. I've tried it in the past and I've lost ducks in the daytime as well as at night. Too many critters around looking for any easy meal.

 

[PAheart]

Quote:
I hate coyotes!! they are all over down here.. But the main preditor are Bobcats.. nasty creaters but beautiful.. lol.

hope all goes well

 

[Cairina moschata]

Ok, so I separated a drake and a duck from the main group. The following morning she is sitting on an egg- the first that I have seen this year. I didn't change the food or anything else. So I'm thinking that they are laying but something must be eating/taking my eggs and since there is no evidence of rats or any place for cat or raccoons to get in, it must be the muscovies eating there own eggs before I can collect them. I might have to separate all the ducks until I find out which one is the perpetrator. Anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks