WHY do ducks quit laying??

[headred]

I'm sure this has been asked and answered before, but why do ducks and I suppose chickens also, quit laying after being SO regular. I have read a few different reasons. I am hoping the main reason might be molting, which a couple of mine are doing right now. Feed has stayed the same so I don't think that is why. Post if you know! Thanks!

 

[Webfoot]

In its natural form, laying is a seasonal thing. A bird lays only a clutch of eggs, incubates them, and raises the young. There's no reason to keep laying.

Most domesticated breeds have been selectively bred to continue laying long past when they would have stopped in the wild. Laying takes a toll on a bird's body, and they have to stop and recover once in a while, usually during a molt, as you've noticed.

A young bird may lay through most of her first year, but during each successive year she'll lay fewer eggs, and lay for a shorter amount of time.

Webfoot

 

[streemers]

mine stop laying when molting and then pick up where they left off. they also stop when it gets very cold for a few weeks

 

[FenDruadin]

Another reason, sometimes, is stress. Mine get stressed out about little things like a different type of bedding in their pen, or a new pet in the family. They'll stop laying for a week or more and then pick back up again. So don't worry--it's probably a minor blip, and they'll be back to laying before you know it.