Duck Laying Behavior?

[OldGuy43]

When it was just Sunsinger laying she seemed to lay just anywhere. Now some of the other ducks have started laying, and they seem to have picked one spot as a common nest.

1. Is this unusual or just what they do?
2. The spot is one that is sort of sheltered on three sides and on the ground. Again is this unusual?
3. Should I try and improve the spot for them (litter, a box, whatever...) or just leave it alone?
4. It's going to be rather small when all ten start laying, any suggestions?

As always thanks for your time and help.

 

[sourland]

1) Communal nesting on the part of ducks is generally not uncommon.
2) The three sides provide 'protection', and ground laying is routine.
3) Litter/bedding would make for cleaner eggs.
4) With one nest site and ten layers you will have to install a 'ticket' machine so they can register their appointments.

Make more nest sites/laying boxes.


What are you going to do with all of those eggs once everyone starts laying?

 

[OldGuy43]

Here's the nesting spot they've picked:

 

[mystery]

I would like to ask if I may, how old were your ducks when they started to lay? I have three and plan to get more. I know for sure I have one Mallard, one Peking, and one little tufted headed brown and cream colored female, she is very pretty. I know I need more females but I can only get them in the spring around here, so it will be next spring before I can get them, then I have to get straight run. I have a hard time killing them if I get to many males. Is there any way to tell what sex they are as ducklings? Thank you for any response OldGuy43.

 

[OldGuy43]

I would like to ask if I may, how old were your ducks when they started to lay? I have three and plan to get more. I know for sure I have one Mallard, one Peking, and one little tufted headed brown and cream colored female, she is very pretty. I know I need more females but I can only get them in the spring around here, so it will be next spring before I can get them, then I have to get straight run. I have a hard time killing them if I get to many males. Is there any way to tell what sex they are as ducklings? Thank you for any response OldGuy43.

We picked up our Khaki Campbells from Ideal Poultry on March 7th, so they started laying at about 5 months. Ideal guarantees a 90% sexing accuracy.

http://www.ideal-poultry.com/

 

[Rosebud 18]

Mine started laying at 5 months. That was last year around the first of sept. and haven't stopped yet. I get around a dozen or more every day. I sell some and throw some back for them to eat. I'm so sick of duck eggs. I can't even give them away.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Mine started laying at 5 months. That was last year around the first of sept. and haven't stopped yet. I get around a dozen or more every day. I sell some and throw some back for them to eat. I'm so sick of duck eggs. I can't even give them away.

I steam my duck eggs in the shell and feed them to our dogs they love them.