Indian runner - two queries

[Mooner]

hi there! just wanted to check out - does anyone have any thoughts on why our indian runner has only recently started escaping into the surrounding field and hedgerow, (sometimes sitting in the hedgerow, but no eggs found there), and not laying eggs in the duck house either for the last few days, like she usually does. Had she laid eggs in the hedge, i might have thought she was broody, and laying and sitting on eggs there away from the other ducks and chickens. We've had her about 4 months, and sh's laid virtually an egga day since we got her. she does eventually come back to the sound of the food container being shaken, and we are doing all we are reinforcing the fencing, but just wondered why the change of behaviour? Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Tim]

She might be laying somewhere else or looking for somewhere to nest although I've never had a broody runner & I don't think they usually go broody - not enough time if you need to lay 200 or so eggs a year :lol: They do stop laying for a few days sometimes... check her diet - layers pellets are ideal when they are laying as they contain calcium for her egg shells. Wheat should also be given for drakes as there is too much calcium in layers pellets... this can be fed under water if the chickens take it all :roll:

My Runners used to have a field to explore and very occassionally they would go off further than I liked, well out of site a few fields away. They always returned but would suddenly decide to go and forage further away.

Maybe your duck has just found a good source of food in the hedge - they are great at foraging for insects, slugs and snails and naturally the hedge will be a rich source of food for them. She could be sitting having a rest or to cool down out of the sun. My ducks love the bushes for shade and safety.

That's about all I can think of anyway!

Tim

 

[Mooner]

Many thanks for your very reassuring reply Tim. She's still not laying eggs in the house like she was before, but is occasionally laying one in the middle of the area next to her house. After extra reinforcement, she's not now escaping through the fence, but we'll see if it lasts!! thanks again.