Hi, new to byc and to ducks. Our 3 lovely ladies (khakis) came to us Apr. 1 at 2 days old. They have a nice run with a pool and a shared 4x4' coop. On Aug 12 we found our first egg. On Sep 1 we found 2 for the first time. They used to be in 3 separate corners. I should also mention that while they all get panicked if not with each other, 2 are really close and one is excluded/wanders more. She has the worst spot in the coop - directly in front of the door.
I've often wondered if I'm stressing them by taking their eggs. They range all day and never go back into the coop to check on them after I let them out at 6 am.
So yesterday I ran an experiment an didn't collect their eggs. We have mice around, so I was nervous to attract them. In the morning, 7 eggs! How 3 birds laid 7 eggs in 2 days when I had been getting 2?!
And they were all in the same nest where I think the leader sleeps. Is she taking them? Are they sharing a nest? Do they need private nesting boxes? Should I get ceramic eggs? Am I stressing my babies?
Thanks for any insights! I need a ducky psychologist!
I've often wondered if I'm stressing them by taking their eggs. They range all day and never go back into the coop to check on them after I let them out at 6 am.
So yesterday I ran an experiment an didn't collect their eggs. We have mice around, so I was nervous to attract them. In the morning, 7 eggs! How 3 birds laid 7 eggs in 2 days when I had been getting 2?!
And they were all in the same nest where I think the leader sleeps. Is she taking them? Are they sharing a nest? Do they need private nesting boxes? Should I get ceramic eggs? Am I stressing my babies?
Thanks for any insights! I need a ducky psychologist!
