New Pekin Duck Not Laying Eggs

[TwoRoosters123]

Hello,

Seven weeks ago I adopted a 6-7 month old female Pekin duck that was not being kept in good conditions. She was underweight and only given drinking water, no swimming water. She had wet feather and pressure sores on both feet. She has since recovered in my care and gained enough weight so that she’s the same size as my currently laying Pekin. My question is: why hasn’t she laid any eggs yet? I expected her not to lay for a few weeks but now I’m wondering if she’s infertile. She did have a little bit of a stressful integration into my flock, but she’s now being accepted by them. How long should it be before she begins laying any eggs? She is a pet so her ability to lay won’t affect the care she receives. Any thoughts would be great! Thanks!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi,

That's so awesome you have this poor duck and giving it a much better life!

There is no hard and fast estimate of how long it takes poultry to recover from bad conditions, stress, a frightening event, or even a molt to start laying eggs again. It would be very rare if she were infertile unless she was old and past her laying years, which yours isn't. It doesn't mean it's not a possibility given her poor conditions prior to you getting her under your care though.

You've probably already been supplementing with vitamin support, and if not, I'd try that. Poultry Cell is one that's good for in their water every couple of days for a week or two.

Otherwise, I'd try just wait it out as she should start laying when her body is ready to.

I really hope she starts soon though!

 

[TwoRoosters123]

Hi,

That's so awesome you have this poor duck and giving it a much better life!

There is no hard and fast estimate of how long it takes poultry to recover from bad conditions, stress, a frightening event, or even a molt to start laying eggs again. It would be very rare if she were infertile unless she was old and past her laying years, which yours isn't. It doesn't mean it's not a possibility given her poor conditions prior to you getting her under your care though.

You've probably already been supplementing with vitamin support, and if not, I'd try that. Poultry Cell is one that's good for in their water every couple of days for a week or two.

Otherwise, I'd try just wait it out as she should start laying when her body is ready to.

I really hope she starts soon though!

Hi there,

You were right, she started laying a couple days ago! Thank you so much for your response!