What symptoms do White Pekin ducks show when they are about to lay their first egg?

[maddieekennedy]

I have two younger white pekin ducks, each about 4-4 1/2 months old. I am pretty sure they are both females, based on their quacks and feathers. One of the ducks the other day started dripping a clear-ish liquid from her bottom. Today she got in her kiddy pool and kept lifting her bottom up. You could tell she was clenching her vent on and off. Is this a sign that she might be about to lay her first egg or is there something else going on?

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC.

How is she doing?

Tail bobbing, labored breathing, swollen abdomen, penguin-like stance, lethargy, and frequent visits to a nesting area are all some signs that she's having a hard time passing an egg. If she appears to be doing fine besides the vent pulsing, you should be able to just leave her be, but-

Since this is so common with new layers, you can pick up some Calcium Gluconate(TSC carries it), and give her 1ml of it either Orally, SQ, or IM.