Ancona Ducks not laying

[chickitychickity]

Last year I got 5 female Ancona ducklings in April. I sold 2 of them and kept the other 3. They began to lay at the end of September and then quit at the end of November. They had straw in their coop throughout this time, but once I ran out of straw, I switched to shavings. I prefer shavings and I have always used them except for the months that I used straw. When I switched to shavings they stopped laying the same day. I kept them closed in their run and coop to make sure they weren’t laying elsewhere. I added straw to the place that they were laying, keeping shavings in the rest of the coop. They still weren’t laying. I figured it was winter so they’re taking a break. Then in January, one of my ladies got taken by an unknown predator while they were out. They’ve been nervous since. I was wondering if since it’s only February, they are still taking their winter break? Or, if they’re still mad about loosing their friend. Or, if they want straw in the coop. I have no idea, but I’d like any advice or help!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Most likely they are still on winter break. I am still waiting on some of mine to start back too. Longer day light usually gets thing rolling. But I will say they may prefer one type of bedding to another but I doubt that has anything to do with them not laying. My ducks love the shavings they can dig down into it for their nests and boy can they bury those eggs. Just make sure to give them plenty so they can noddle it around to their liking. And stress can also play a role in not laying so most likely they are very wary when outside but their house should be their sanctuary an shouldn't keep them from laying again. Very sorry for your loss.