When do they start laying? Will splitting flock cause delay in laying

[newbyduckmom]

We have two Khaki drakes, one magpie drake, and one magpie hen. They are about 17 weeks old. We have added two more Khaki hens (I think) that are about 6 weeks. The Magpie drake has started mating with the Magpie hen. (But no interest on the part of the Khaki drakes). The hen has not started laying eggs yet. We began separating the hens and on drake in a separate pen from the two other drakes due to the mating behavior as of yesterday. This caused a great deal of upset with the original four ducks. Wondering if the added stress of separating the initial four could cause the magpie hen not to lay eggs. And are there any telltale changes in behavior that a hen will make when she is beginning to lay. She has started flipping her wings repeatedly.

Now for the real newbie question...if she does start laying and the eggs are fertile, are they edible???

 

[Oregon Blues]

Yes, eggs are very edible.

Moving her before she starts to lay should not cause her to delay laying. You haven't made too big a change in her life.

 

[newbyduckmom]

Thanks!