khaki campbell's laying?

[mtsadie]

I have 3month old Khaki Campbells and Cayugas. I was wondering when ducks start to lay eggs (on average)? We're transitioning them onto laying feed now, but my husband threatens if they don't start laying soon, they're going to be meat birds instead. EEK!

Are there any special considerations for laying ducks? They have a night house and run, but are free range during the day. They get let out around 8 or 9 most mornings; it's light at 5am right now. The floor of the house is wood. Currently, I don't have any type of bedding in the house; if they're close to laying, then I was thinking wheat or barley straw?

I read somewhere along the way that not supposed to wash the eggs until ready to use?

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hiya

they may not lay until 7 or 8 months or even next season.

Get some bedding in their house asap. straw or shavings is fine for ducks, they appreciate a quiet corner or nest box with straw to lay in. They usually lay very early in the morning.
zo
x

 

[mtsadie]

I had no idea that they would take that long to lay! Any way to encourage them to lay sooner?
Should I be giving them laying feed, then? I do have 2 drakes with the ladies.

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Ha ha, they will lay when they are ready. Making them lay prolifically may cause oviduct disease which can kill them. A natural laying cycle with breaks in the winter is most healthy x