Need Help! I Think she's holding-in her eggs!!

[cjdmashley]

We recieved five ducks from a friend who (very last minute) was moving out of state, three went to a neighbor and the male and female stayed with us. I have not seen her lay an egg (or found any on the ground of the coop) but noticed yesterday she seems to be very "rear-end" heavy and wondering if she could be holding them in? If anyone knows if this is possible or there's' something I can do, any help would be great. They have been in the coop with our chickens sense we got them (didn't know we would be asked to take them and still in the middle of winter here ) not sure what to do.....HELP!!

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

I swear my muscovies held their eggs because everyone else had them laying and setting on clutches of eggs and I was not getting anything from mine...finally I let them out onto the pond and they stay out all the time now and I see where one of the hens have made a nest and is laying.

 

[HamandLily]

Is she getting enough calcium (grit, oyster shell, crushed egg shells)?The lack of calcium can cause her to be egg bound. Has she ever laid before? She could be doing her first one. Gently feel and pres around her back end see if you can feel anything egg like.

If you do, run a warm-hot bath and pop her in that for up to half an hour as this relaxes her vent muscles which will help her lay.

She may not be laying because of the stress of moving house and being with the chickens. Keep a close eye on her, but definaly do the warm bath theing to make sure.

Good luck!

 

[cjdmashley]

thank you very much I will give them some bath time tonight!

 

[HamandLily]

Okay cool - let us know how it goes!

 

[Amiga]

For what it's worth, ditto HamandLily's advice - long term, layer feed or free choice oyster shell (the latter is better if there are drakes), warm, comfy, clean, secure environment with abundant fresh water and feed, and for short term, opportunity to float and paddle in warmish water. Did you take a look at her vent? Anything look problematic at that end?