Shouldn't they be laying?

[froggie71]

We have Indian Runners, Swedish and Khaki Campbells. All were born in August of 2008 and the khakis started to lay first in January 2009 with the others soon following. I believe the Swedish were last as they mature slower. It depends on the breed, and their maturity. All the breeds we have are known to be excellent layers and not seasonal. Though the will stop laying if broody or molting.

 

[duckface]

Which breeds are seasonal?

 

[Katy]

My call ducks are seasonal layers.

 

[Wifezilla]

Rouens and mallards?

 

[duckface]

Really, rouens and mallards? So I probably shouldn't expect eggs from them this year?

 

[LittleSquidgenHome]

I think any duck that lays less than 200 eggs annually is considered a seasonal layer. Cayuga, Calls, Pekins(technically), Rouens, Aylebury, Saxony. I think most "meat" and "ornamental" breeds are considered seasonal layers, but you could always have one or two that surprise you. I have 16 week old Anconas and I dont really expect them to lay till spring, but I might light them in November...

 

[Duck Keeper]

My largebreed Silver Appleyards have sworn off laying because they're in their fall molt.

Bad for egg sales.

 

[Dances with Ducks]

Quote:
That's really interesting information. I wonder if providing the calcium in either the layer feed or oyster shell promotes laying earlier than they otherwise would? When I suggested starting the layer rations at eighteen weeks I was going according to the recomendations from Holdereads bulletin about "top egg production". But I respect the advice of someone who has kept his WH laying for nine years! It's probably a matter of different goals. If they do start laying earlier than that I would still want to give the calcium so they don't get deficient.

 

[cici_p]

Wow, thanks for all the info.
My ducks are 1 runner, 1 pekin, and 1 crested swedish.
I guess I will just have to be patient.
Last time I had Golden 300 and they were laying at just a little past 2 months!

 

[Duck Keeper]

Quote:
That's really interesting information. I wonder if providing the calcium in either the layer feed or oyster shell promotes laying earlier than they otherwise would? When I suggested starting the layer rations at eighteen weeks I was going according to the recomendations from Holdereads bulletin about "top egg production". But I respect the advice of someone who has kept his WH laying for nine years! It's probably a matter of different goals. If they do start laying earlier than that I would still want to give the calcium so they don't get deficient.

My ducks were on layer pellets for at least six MONTHS before ONE EGG was laid.

I don't think it has ANY effect on production!

But I do think the day length has a big role.