Author Topic: ducks eggs (Read 2180 times)

poppy · « **on:** January 28, 2010, 08:44:42 am »

This might be a really stupid question but can you reduce the number of eggs ducks lay? ie if the amount of layers pellets was reduced and made up with other pellets? My Khaki campbell ducks are still thin but seem happy so I just thought to take the strain off them trying to produce an egg everyday maybe I change their feed slightly so they wouldn't lay quite so many.

jameslindsay · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2010, 08:50:11 am »

I wouldn't think you could do anything to stop them laying without causing the birds harm. Your lucky that your ducks are laying, I have 14 ladies and have not had 1 egg for months now. If my advice is wrong I am sure someone will let you know.

gavo · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2010, 08:54:50 am »

If they are very thin and still producing eggs you could try giving them a higher protien etc food type for a while such as grower ration.

poppy · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2010, 09:15:11 am »

Thank you both. Perhaps if I mix starter crumbs in with the layers pellets?

northfifeduckling · « **Reply #4 on:** January 28, 2010, 09:37:05 pm »

As my ducks came to me as a bit of a surprise I didn't know about layers pellets then. I got about one egg a day from 6 birds wtih only grain, when I introduced the pellets had 4 eggs a day, so they do make a difference.
Mine are still off lay as well. One of the new hens has started laying, so at least I can do something with eggs !

jimbob12345 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2010, 05:35:34 am »

When I bought my Campbells, the breeder which I used had switched his ducks and geese to a wheat only diet as he didnt want anymore (as many) eggs

So may be worth that as an option

HTH

James