Next phase of development - looking for advice....

[CrystaBub]

Hi all! I need some advice from the BYC experts so I can prepare for Gabby's next phase of life. She's 13 weeks old and a very active mater with her fella Jabby. Here are my questions - and thanks in advance for all the help!

1. About how long after they start mating do they start laying? I thought that I read a month, but now I can't find it.
2. I bought a nesting box but don't know where to place it. She leaves the indoor coop around 6am to go into the outside pen. Do I put the nesting box in the indoor coop or outside pen? I don't know what time of day ducks lay - or if there is a normal...
3. I know that I'll need to make some feed changes. Everything I read says drakes shouldn't have the layer feed b/c it will lead to organ issues. Other than separating Gabby and Jabby and having a dedicated mealtime, which I really don't want to do, how do I ensure both of them get the nutrition they need in the same feed bowl?
4. I see a lot of posts about ducks getting broody. Do they still get broody if you take their eggs everyday? I really don't understand 'broody' - anything I need to prepare for?
5. Regarding mating, I want to add 2 more girls to the mix eventually, but until I do, as long as Gabby doesn't have outward marks (bald neck, etc) and she's acting normal, can I assume she's not being over-mated?

Ok that's it for my novel of questions

 

[Miss Lydia]

Mine usually start laying 3-4 weeks after mating begins. My Runners were mating at 4 months and laying at 4.5 months old

Nesting box should be inside their coop in a quiet corner. Or they won't use one depends on the duck.

Get an all flock feed so you can feed them the same food and just put oyster shells out for Gabby and any other females you get. Drakes may nibble once but they don't partake.

Runners can go broody so far I have had mine a little over 2 yrs and not a broody one yet. And even if you take eggs everyday they still may go broody ask any one who has Muscovies Like me yes the answer is yes. lol

She may miss some feathers on her head and neck from mating that is normal it's when it gets down to skin and begins to make sores that it's time for time out. Or she looks ragged other wise. So adding some more females is an excellent idea. As much as you observe your ducks you'll pick up on over breeding and just normal wear and tear.

 

[CrystaBub]

Mine usually start laying 3-4 weeks after mating begins. My Runners were mating at 4 months and laying at 4.5 months old

Nesting box should be inside their coop in a quiet corner. Or they won't use one depends on the duck.

Get an all flock feed so you can feed them the same food and just put oyster shells out for Gabby and any other females you get. Drakes may nibble once but they don't partake.

Runners can go broody so far I have had mine a little over 2 yrs and not a broody one yet. And even if you take eggs everyday they still may go broody ask any one who has Muscovies Like me yes the answer is yes. lol

She may miss some feathers on her head and neck from mating that is normal it's when it gets down to skin and begins to make sores that it's time for time out. Or she looks ragged other wise. So adding some more females is an excellent idea. As much as you observe your ducks you'll pick up on over breeding and just normal wear and tear.

Thank you! You’re the best!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well you aren't so bad yourself

 

[beccaWA]

Lydia covered most everything, but I would definitely add more ducks (females) or be prepared to give the female a break by separating them. I had a chicken hatch a clutch of ducklings a couple years ago, and one of those ducks (Khaki Campbell) grew up and went broody and hatched her own in the yard under a brush pile. All survived, as I put a dog crate over them and closed the door at night.