Why do I have eggs so early ?

[Billyconnolly]

Hello all,

I would appreciate some advice from some of you experienced poultry keepers please. I have 2 runner ducks (we'll cross breed runners) and was not expecting eggs until next year. They are now 22 weeks old according to the age and date when collected from the breeder!

The lady I got them from told me they will not lay until next year, however we have had a nice blue egg every day for the past week but not quite sure which duck is laying it. Was I sold ducks that were older than informed or did the breeder just give me poor information??

My second question please is, am I right to assume they are good to eat, I cracked one of the eggs and my only observation was that the egg white was very thick in comparison to a chicken egg. Is this the case with duck eggs

 

[cypressdrake]

Most ducks will start to lay at 20-24 weeks of age. This is a duck hatchery with lots of great info on their breeds.
http://www.metzerfarms.com/FAQ.cfm?CustID=7099220#StartLay

 

[Billyconnolly]

The web site is brill thank you.

 

[drumstick diva]

Be grateful, every one else complains because they have to wait for eggs.

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flocK! We are glad you joined us!

I don't really know much about ducks, but be sure to check out the duck forum if you have not already done so.

 

[chickmomma03]

My neighbor's female duck started laying at 5mos old. I'm actually trying to incubate eggs from her duck for a second time (first was not successful d/t beginner error with humidity too high and the one duckling couldn't pip out ).

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!