What age do Ducks start to lay?

[GlacierNan]

Hi,
I am wondering if they are earlier than Chicks since they grow so much faster?

Thanks

 

[dragonshiner]

Well I'm not sure if it's the same all the way across the board but according to "Storey's Guide to raising Ducks" ducks will start laying eggs at about 14-17 weeks of age. I've got it marked on my calendar to have some nesting boxes built with a few fake eggs ready to entice my girls.

 

[lilshadow]

Do you know if they need a nesting box. I have a duck that is almost that age, and she just free ranges.

 

[dragonshiner]

From what I read in Storey's ducks don't NEED a nesting box, but can be trained to use one. The free range ones will still lay eggs but you never know where until you happen across the eggs. I was also told by a breeder at a swap meet today that her ducks have tendencies to lay their eggs before 8 am each day. I don't know if that's a trait for all ducks or not. I'm still learning myself.

 

[GlacierNan]

Thanks Dragonshiner!
I have got to get that book!
If they do lay early in the morning I should be able to keep them in the coop till after they lay and then open the door. Do you think?

 

[professor-yellow]

The White goldens and Rouns started to lay at 17 weeks, and by 25 weeks all were laying an egg a day.

For the 9 hens i put in 3 nest boxes to see their preference. The best was a wooden grape box with the side removed. They like a ddop nest. During the winter I had them in the greenhouse and they preffered corners where they made depressions about 6 inches deep . They would kind of cover them up.

Once i moved them into the duckhouse they used the boxes all the time. Most of your eggs will be layed before 6 am, but a few would get around to it at 8 or 9.

To train them, I kept them inside till 8 or so even theough they were fed and eggs collected by 6. Dont have time to go on egg hunts.

 

[DuckyBoys]

Follow up question:

They will lay - but they will not breed? Do I need to worry about ducklings in the fall???

 

[MissPrissy]

Of course a male will breed/mate a female. Don't let the hens set eggs. Collect them daily and there will be no ducklings.

 

[DuckyBoys]

LOL..ok. So those little studs just go at it no matter what season it is?

I will definately be collecting eggs. The thought of going out to that barn in the dead of winter to babysit ducklings is not an attractive one.

I'm already stressed about heating everyone's water bucket.

 

[MissPrissy]

If by some chance she did hatch out ducklings in winter she would take care of them. There is no babysitting.