When will they lay?

[HidingInTheHenHouse]

I have 5 ducks, 3 are female (2 Ancona, 1 Saxony). They were hatched the first week in May, so their right about 25 weeks. I thought they would be laying by now. They certainly mate plenty. Will they not lay until spring since it's so late in the season? Also, their pen is currently being used by the last batch of meat birds, so they are in with the chickens, but they won't go in the hen house. They stay out in the enclosed run at night and just sleep on the ground. What should I give them as far as a nesting area? After November, they will have their own area with a ground level shelter they can sleep in if they want, but it is still right on the ground. Will that be okay as long as they have enough bedding material?

Thanks.

 

[bufforp89]

Im not sure when yours will lay, I have khakis and they started laying at 5 months, I would guess anytime for you. As for nesting I made a really nice nesting box that is now totally ignored by all the ducks. They make their own shallow nests in the wood shavings in their house in the corners. I just let them do that and am grateful that they dont hide them outside.