One duck not laying and shells are thin

[newchickontheblock]

We have 2 Pekin gals and one Mallard Drake. They are a year old and the gals have been laying 1 egg a day consistantly for 7 months. Just in the past few weeks we are only getting 1 egg every morning. About 2 days a week we will get 2 eggs. I have noticed that the eggs we do get have thinner shells and are usually cracked by the time we pull them in the morning. I have addded additional bedding to their nest but that does not help. Their food has not changed. We have never had ducks before so I am stumped. I have heard molting will halt egg production but I do not see any signs of molting. Are there any signs I should be looking for? Is this normal? Thanks!!

 

[ozark hen]

I have read that you should give them some small grit, not oyster shell as that can cause too much calcium deposit and deform their bones?

 

[DuckLady]

If their shells are thin, they may need to have a bowl of oyster shell free choice. Also, hot weather will thin outthe shells and if they are at the end of a laying cycle, it will slow egglaying. It is perfectly normal for hot weather to affect egglaying. Plus they are taking a break.

 

[ozark hen]

that is good to know Terrie. I was afraid my ducks wouldn't ever stop laying. They have had four nests and you know how prolific muscovies are !