The Duck Thread

[cws451]

makes sense thanks for the suggestions

 

[Miss Lydia]

makes sense thanks for the suggestions

Another thing that may cause non fertile eggs is mallards are seasonal layers and most drakes actually go through a time during the fall-winter months where they don't mate so I'd imagine this may play into fertilization also. Right now I have 4 drakes and 11 ducks and zero mating.

 

[kpsocalchicks89]

So I got a weeks worth of eggs 1 a day basically an then nothing she's fine no weird acting is this normal? She's a new layer first duck I've ever have

 

[Miss Lydia]

So I got a weeks worth of eggs 1 a day basically an then nothing she's fine no weird acting is this normal? She's a new layer first duck I've ever have

As long as she is acting normal probably just a break, I'm not knowledgeable on other breeds too much and their laying habits just what I read here. Mine are seasonal. Refresh memory again what breed?
Mallards?

 

[kpsocalchicks89]

She's is a Rouen mix she was all black as a baby but know she's all brown with pretty spotting

 

[Miss Lydia]

She's is a Rouen mix she was all black as a baby but know she's all brown with pretty spotting

She may not lay again till next year, once days begin to get longer. Then again she may surprise ya. You'll just have to be on the look out.

 

[itsbob]

OK, I have one male Pekin, and two females, as well as 4 female Muscovy.. I KNOW he's mating with one of the Pekins, but the other has been recently adopted (with the Muscovies) and I don't think he's showed any interest.

Would like to incubate Pekins next year to sell or give away the ducklings to others that may be interested in starting a small flock, but can you tell the difference between a Pekin, and Muscovy egg?

Also incubating Pekin and Khaki eggs from Metzers right now, due on 8 Jan. Orderd 12(8K 4P), they sent 15 (10k and 5P), I gave 3 away for somebody else that wanted their kids to hatch. I put 7 in a Brinsea Mini (that was/is a tight fit) and 5 in an LG.. all 7 in the mini look GREAT.. none of the 5 in the LG look like they are going to make it.

I had to get the Khaki eggs as we raised two from eggs, but they were taken by a fox while napping in the yard. My 7 year old son LOVED them, and was upset with the fox, but his way of dealing with it was saying.. "Next time we get Khaki Ducks we're going to get ten. A fox won't mess with TEN ducks!!"

So we started out with 6 chickens (adopted), got 2 more Pekin ducks and 6 chickens (adopted again)hatched 2 ducks and 8 more chickens, and bought a dozen + 2 (roosters) Ameraucana chicks and last weekend we adopted another female Pekin and 4 female muscovy.. We got the ducks for the eggs, we LOVE duck eggs, but no production that we can see yet, and an additional 12 ducks cooking in the incubator.. Foxes have tried to keep our numbers down, but so far we are staying ahead of him, but in the Spring I think I'll have to start letting some of my birds move on with other families.

 

[philipchickymad]

What age do aylesbury ducks start laying at does anyone know

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

@philipchickymad
About 20 wks, 5 mos. give or take, I believe.

 

[Amiga]

OK, I have one male Pekin, and two females, as well as 4 female Muscovy.. I KNOW he's mating with one of the Pekins, but the other has been recently adopted (with the Muscovies) and I don't think he's showed any interest.

Would like to incubate Pekins next year to sell or give away the ducklings to others that may be interested in starting a small flock, but can you tell the difference between a Pekin, and Muscovy egg?

Also incubating Pekin and Khaki eggs from Metzers right now, due on 8 Jan. Orderd 12(8K 4P), they sent 15 (10k and 5P), I gave 3 away for somebody else that wanted their kids to hatch. I put 7 in a Brinsea Mini (that was/is a tight fit) and 5 in an LG.. all 7 in the mini look GREAT.. none of the 5 in the LG look like they are going to make it.

I had to get the Khaki eggs as we raised two from eggs, but they were taken by a fox while napping in the yard. My 7 year old son LOVED them, and was upset with the fox, but his way of dealing with it was saying.. "Next time we get Khaki Ducks we're going to get ten. A fox won't mess with TEN ducks!!"

So we started out with 6 chickens (adopted), got 2 more Pekin ducks and 6 chickens (adopted again)hatched 2 ducks and 8 more chickens, and bought a dozen + 2 (roosters) Ameraucana chicks and last weekend we adopted another female Pekin and 4 female muscovy.. We got the ducks for the eggs, we LOVE duck eggs, but no production that we can see yet, and an additional 12 ducks cooking in the incubator.. Foxes have tried to keep our numbers down, but so far we are staying ahead of him, but in the Spring I think I'll have to start letting some of my birds move on with other families.

If it were me, I would not be quite so philosophical about the fox. I would make sure the ducks are safe. And you probably know that a fox will indeed mess with ten ducks. Predators return till they have killed the flock, if there is not sufficient protection.

I am not sure of the difference between Pekin and Muscovy eggs. A number of members here have both, so I hope they check in.