New Duck Owner...Need some advice

[storywings]

Hi everyone,

First post I just need some advice on my ducks. I've done a lot of reading but personal experience always helps a lot more I find

So a bit of background:

I live in New Zealand. We had a pretty crap summer (barely got hot, rained a fair bit) I have had my ducks since Jan 8. At the time I got them they were 8 weeks old. Which makes them 24 weeks old now.

They are swedish blues. I have 1 boy and 3 girls.

They are still not laying (have looked everywhere on mine and neighbours property for nests) I have some fake eggs in their designated laying area, their duck house which they are aware of.

My ducks were not handled before I got them and although they will come when called for food they still don't really trust me. They won't let me get within about 5 feet of them which makes it really hard if I need to handle them to check them over and it stresses them when I do need to pick them up (which is not often at all, I think I've handled them 3 times in the 16 weeks I've had them)

My boy has also decided that he has a favourite....and the poor female who is the object of his "affections" is looking a bit haggard. It's hard to get her to eat at the moment. I tried penning her off from the others but keeping the other in view (they stress if they can't find one another) in an attempt to get her to eat...she wouldn't but she did have a nice drink of water and did some preening so I'm counting it as a bit of win.

I feed them maize mainly (because they won't eat growers pellets anymore and aren't interested in layers pellets) they are completely free range and are often found foraging for bugs throughout the property.

I recently bought a feeder for my chickens (like a grandpa feeder) can I train the ducks to use it? As the days grow shorter I am having to leave for work before the sun comes up and I don't return home until after it goes down.

So now that you have the story here's the advice I need:

When will they start laying?
Should I do anything about the girl who is being harrassed by the boy or should I just leave nature to take it's course?
Any tips for training a duck to use a feeder?
What can I do so they like me and want to come near me?

Thanks for reading

 

[Amiga]

Hi, and welcome.

I don't think they are getting the nutrients they need to support laying. It is possible they are hiding the eggs and something is eating them, too.

Maize is okay, in small amounts, as a boost in cold weather. Otherwise, a good all-flock food, a poultry maintenance food, or even (some will argue about this) a poultry layer food for all of them is what I would try.

I would separate the drake from the females for now. Domestic ducks depend on us. Their lives are in our hands. Your overmated duck needs your protection.

It is difficult to deal with ducks who are not socialized to people, but it can work. I have a group of three who are like that. Setting up a corral and chute system, similar to but smaller than that used for cattle, can work.

Ducks are pretty smart, really. We just need to work with their natural inclinations. I hope someone who uses that kind of feeder chimes in, here.

To woo the ducks, spending time near them, at their level, with food nearby helps alot. Singing, talking, just being friendly without grabbing at them helps, too.

 

[storywings]

Thank you for the response!

I have started giving them layers along with my chickens. We noticed today that although the boy is still chasing the girl he has turned his attentions to the other females who seem more receptive to his advances. My little haggard duck is starting to look herself again which is good.