When Do Ducks Stop Laying Eggs? Either Season Or Age To Blame!
Ducks’ egg-laying habit says they usually lay eggs in batches of 20. But it’s upsetting when waterfowl stop laying eggs or decrease the amount.
But when do ducks stop laying eggs? Usually, ducks stop laying eggs when they become aged or under challenging conditions. But based on various breeds, they stop right after five years since the capability decline in egg production. However, you may see the Khaki Campbell laying plenty of eggs, but mallards give only a few and stop.
Ducks stop giving eggs depending on various factors. And you’ll find the reasons in the further section. I have 15 reasons behind it! Besides, I’ll suggest the best duck breed, which is notably known for egg production.
Table of Contents
Duck Egg-laying Behavior: When Do Ducks Stop Laying Eggs?
To get a clear insight, understanding ducks’ pre-laying activities is what you must know. According to NCBI, either you see farmed ducks floor-laying or the nest-laying behavior before producing eggs.
But it looks problematic for the poultry owner when ducks don’t lay eggs, which is actually a common thing during mid-autumn.
In general, ducks gonna stop laying eggs after five years and entirely stop when they become nine years of age. But sometimes, it may vary. Some lay earlier and some not.
They become late when they lack the nutrition, a proper environment, or health conditions. Or you may even see them laying eggs daily like chickens. But it’s only when they have enough nutrients!
However, the reader’s questions about duck egg laying will be more apparent if they see the video below.
Do Ducks Lay Eggs All Year Around?
There are some specific times when ducks lay eggs the most. But they can lay eggs every day and all year around. Everything depends on the breed and environment. And seasons have a significant impact on it!
What Time Of Day Do Ducks Lay Eggs? Early Morning Or Night!
Ducks usually prefer early morning and nighttime to lay eggs. Based on the NSW Government, most eggs are laid between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Poultry extensions say ducks lay eggs more than 95% in the morning.
Do Ducks Stop Laying Eggs In Summer? Nope!
Ducks typically enjoy daylight during summer and spring. Besides, they like the warm environment. So, they lay more eggs than in any other season.
But if you discover ducks are not laying only in summer, it’s because of their lack of protein. Or the stress or molting can be the reason to blame! But overall, the summer is their peak period for producing eggs.
Do Ducks Stop Laying Eggs In The Winter? Yeap, Possibly!
Ducks usually prefer the summer and spring for laying eggs and eventually reduce it during winter. The problem is too low temperatures and short daylight hours in cold weather that stop them from laying eggs.
During winter, the avian’s body requires more energy to keep the body warm. So, when in the proper environment, some ducks, such as Indian Runner, lay eggs around 300 in that chilly weather!
Related Reads:
Why Do Ducks Stop Laying Eggs? 14 Reasons to Explore!
In the entire life of ducks, geese, and chickens, they lay plenty of eggs. So, a sudden slow progress or egg production is not something easy for poultry owners. Therefore, you have to identify what’re the reasons behind such decreases!
1. Male Ducks Or Drakes
First of all, identify the gender of the ducks. If the duck is drake or male, how can you expect eggs from them? It’s like daydreaming!
But to identify, check if they have curly tail feathers. If you find it, expect eggs from the actual female duck. You can even maintain the ratio of male and female ducks.
For example, around one male with four to five females.
2. Ducks Age
The age of the duck is another big point that makes them stop laying eggs. While starting to lay eggs from 4 to 6 months of age, they gradually lose their capacity to lay eggs when they mature. It can start from the second year of laying, but some breeds can even produce eggs during the tenth year.
Well, it happens as ducks lack the energy because of slow metabolism, and you may see deterioration in the egg quality. However, let me give you the proper duck egg production flow. Where poultry Extension
- First Year – 250 eggs
- Second Year – 300 to 350 eggs
- Third Year – 300 to 350 eggs
- Fourth Year – 300 to 350 eggs
- Fifth Year – 100 to 150 eggs
- Sixth to The Old Age – More decrease.
3. Ducks Breed
Your ducks’ egg production depends on the breed. The general point is they lay eggs every 24 to 26 hours. But some may delay, and it’s normal.
Breeds with high egg-laying capability include the Indian Runner, Welsh Harlequin, and Khaki Campbell. When talking about English breeds within five months, they keep the production above 50%.
In the case of Pekin ducks, they lay eggs within 26 to 28 weeks of age and keep profitably for around 40 weeks of production. You may find approximately 160 eggs at that moment.
4. Length of Day
During the time of egg production, ducks require 13 to 17 hours of sunlight. Besides, artificial lighting won’t cover their needs, so summertime suits them.
In autumn, the day duration drops by around 15 minutes each week until the middle of June. And the time increases by 15 minutes each week until the middle of December.
5. Seasons Have Impact
You may think the seasonal change makes the ducks stop laying eggs, which is actually untrue! However, I found Pekin ducks have different hatchability based on the season.
In general, ducks lay eggs in summer and in winter. But the winter production is a little low. Some of them are seasonal layers, so it’s okay when they don’t give eggs regularly.
For example, mallards usually lay 2 or 3 clutches yearly throughout springtime. Also, Cayugas and Swedish give 100 to 150 eggs per year. And you may find them stopping between June and November.
6. Insufficient Lighting
Another point to be noted! Ducks require enough artificial lighting to produce eggs. Using electric lights increases ducks’ egg production, and the molt periods get shortened. It happens when you keep the lighting for two weeks.
Here is a chart to clarify it more! It’s about the time they lay eggs.
| Month | Day | Morning light | Evening light | Morning and evening light | |||||
| ON (am) | OFF (am) | ON (pm) | OFF (pm) | ON (am) | OFF (am) | ON (pm) | OFF (pm) | ||
| March | 3 | 3.30 | 6.00 | 6.30 | 8.45 | 4.30 | 5.45 | 6.30 | 7.30 |
| 17 | 3.15 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 9.00 | 4.30 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 7.30 | |
| 31 | 2.45 | 6.15 | 5.45 | 9.00 | 4.30 | 6.15 | 5.45 | 7.30 | |
| April | 14 | 2.30 | 6.30 | 5.30 | 9.15 | 4.30 | 6.30 | 5.30 | 7.30 |
| 28 | 2.15 | 6.30 | 5.15 | 9.30 | 4.30 | 6.30 | 5.15 | 7.30 | |
| May | 12 | 2.00 | 6.45 | 5.00 | 9.45 | 4.30 | 6.45 | 5.00 | 7.30 |
| 26 | 1.45 | 7.00 | 4.45 | 9.45 | 4.30 | 7.00 | 4.45 | 7.30 | |
| June | 9 | 1.45 | 7.00 | 4.45 | 10.00 | 4.30 | 7.00 | 4.45 | 7.30 |
| 23 | 1.45 | 7.00 | 4.45 | 10.00 | 4.30 | 7.00 | 4.45 | 7.30 | |
| July | 7 | 2.00 | 7.00 | 4.45 | 10.00 | 4.30 | 7.00 | 4.45 | 7.30 |
| 21 | 2.00 | 7.00 | 5.00 | 10.00 | 4.30 | 7.00 | 5.00 | 7.30 | |
7. Condition of Weather
Extreme weather can hamper the duck’s egg-laying time. It’s because they cannot take excessive freezing or overheating.
Yes, they require sunlight but cannot tolerate scorching temperatures. So, ensure you properly care for the duck when it’s in an equatorial region.
You can also discover the ducks laying fewer eggs during changes in weather. You’ll see their slothful behavior during the egg-laying time, whether it’s raining or cloudy.
I suggest keeping some cold water, or if the weather is too cold, ensure you make the ducks coop in warm conditions. If you have muscovy, do extra care!
Recommended Reading: 14 Common Diseases In Ducks
8. Condition Of Health
Ducks must be healthy and strong enough to lay eggs. Also, you’ll find them getting fat too fast, creating problems during egg production. I suggest providing adequate nutrition.
And particularly for the adenovirus infection, ducks egg production drops down. And you can take them to the vet if they stop laying eggs.
9. Lack of Nutrition
When a duck’s body lacks the essential nutrients, it affects the egg-laying abilities. Or you’ll find them laying less eggs.
Therefore, ensure you provide enough protein, calcium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. According to eOrganic, the American Soybean Association found laying ducks require at least 17% to 19% crude protein. And as a diet, you can add high-quality duck feed.
10. Dehydration Has a Great Impact
Lack of water has a significant impact on egg production. Dehydrated ducks cannot produce enough fluids, so you get fewer eggs. It can also cause lethargic problems. So, it’s essential to give enough freshwater to maintain egg production.
11. Stressed Ducks
Stress makes everything troublesome, so ducks need help laying eggs properly. Why? Because they cannot concentrate, they’ll have body pain, weight loss, lethargy, nausea, headaches, insomnia problems, or possibly upset stomachs.
The inadequate housing and predators are something more to blame! And another fact is they often are mated aggressively or get chased by dogs or children.
Altogether, it makes them stressed and depressed. So, they stop laying eggs temporarily. For this, give them nutritious treats, healthy food, or ample space.
12. Ducks Molting
A problem ducks face almost every year or every six months! It’s a natural break when ducks lose their feathers and new feathers come in.
Such problems arise when they lack nutrition, like protein deficiency. If they don’t stop laying eggs, they’ll at least give fewer eggs for sure.
Recommended article: Everything About Duck Molting
13. Broodiness Of Waterfowl
Some ducks continue to sit on their eggs until they hatch. In those circumstances, your duty is to interfere with their natural broodiness. It encourages them to move on.
But if you don’t, they remain in the nest for around a 28-day incubation period. And keeping it in the same manner will make them stop laying eggs.
Although we use an incubator for ducks, your interference is more important.
Recommended Readings:
14. Egg Predators
Ducks always prefer a safe place to lay eggs. An enclosed or secured area safe from predators is what they need. And ensure it’s draft-free and warm dry.
Types Of Ducks And Their Egg-laying Behavior
In North America, various species of ducks are available. Some lay plenty of eggs, and some may not. So, I’ve picked the top 5 ducks and their egg production limit.
| Ducks Species | Egg Production (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Indian Runner | 300 to 350 eggs |
| Khaki Campbell | 320 to 340 eggs |
| Pekin Ducks | 200 to 300 white eggs |
| Rouen Duck | 140 to 180 eggs |
| Mallard Ducks | 140 to 150 eggs |
| Muscovy Ducks | 60 to 120 eggs |
Final Words
In short, I think we should prioritize understanding their proper needs during the egg-laying time. Forget about the question: When do ducks stop laying eggs? Because maintenance plays a vital role in making them produce more eggs, the 14 facts I noted are the reasons behind the decrease in egg production.
Most importantly, the age, environment, nutrition, and season. So, if they stop producing eggs, don’t worry. It’s temporary, and they will hatch and lay eggs! If not, take the duck to the vet or avian expert.
Sources And References:
- https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/poultry-and-birds/species/duck-raising/egg-production
- https://eorganic.org/node/7894
