Raising backyard ducks for fresh eggs is becoming an increasingly popular hobby. If you’re considering getting Pekin ducks, you probably want to know when they will start laying those delicious eggs.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Pekin ducks usually start laying eggs at around 5-7 months old. The exact timing depends on factors like nutrition, daylight hours, overall health, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about when Pekins start laying and how to care for them properly so they reach peak egg production.
Pekin Duck Breed Overview
Breed History and Characteristics
The Pekin duck breed originated from the Chinese province of Jiangsu near Peking. These ducks were brought to the United States and Europe in the mid-1800s. Over the years, Pekin ducks have been selectively bred into the preferred breed for meat production due to their rapid growth rate and excellent meat quality.
Some key characteristics of the Pekin duck breed include:
- Large, white-feathered ducks weighing 8-11 lbs at maturity.
- Broad breasts and full, plump bodies ideal for meat production.
- Calm temperaments – they are not easily startled.
- Hardy birds adapted to various weather conditions.
- Prolific egg production – capable of laying up to 200 white-shelled eggs per year.
In addition to meat and egg production, Pekin ducks are also kept as pets due to their calm and friendly personalities. Their striking white plumage makes them popular exhibition birds as well.
Ideal Habitat and Care
As domesticated ducks descended from wild mallards, Pekin ducks do well when provided habitatsimilar to what mallards enjoy in nature.
Some habitat requirements include:
- Access to a pond or clean water source for swimming and preening.
- Nest boxes for egg-laying – one box per 5 ducks is ideal.
- Shelter from extreme weather and predators.
- Sufficient space for exercise – a minimum of 10 square feet per duck outdoors.
Caring for Pekin ducks also involves providing them with the right nutrition. As with most waterfowl, their dietary needs include:
- High-protein feed for meat production – 19-20% protein level.
- Calcium-rich feed for egg production – 2.5-3.5% calcium.
- Access to grass, seeds, vegetables, fruits, and insects when possible.
- Clean, fresh water.
| Water Requirements | 2-4 liters per duck daily |
| Average Lifespan | 9-12 years |
Following these habitat and care guidelines allows Pekin duck owners to enjoy these friendly ducks while also collecting delicious eggs and producing quality meat.
What Impacts When Pekins Start Laying Eggs
Age and Sexual Maturity
Pekin ducks typically reach sexual maturity and begin laying eggs between 5-7 months of age. The exact timing can vary based on factors like nutrition and season. Male ducks (drakes) take a little longer than females (hens) to mature, reaching sexual maturity around 7 months of age.
Pekin duck hens often lay their first eggs between 22-26 weeks of age. However, some may start a few weeks earlier or later. The first eggs are often small or misshapen as the duck’s reproductive system fully matures. Over the next few weeks, egg size and quality improves.
Day Length and Seasonality
Like chickens, Pekin ducks are sensitive to changes in day length. Increasing day length in the spring triggers hormonal changes that stimulate egg production. Likewise, decreasing day length in the fall leads to a decline in laying.
Pekin ducks generally lay eggs from early spring through late fall. Egg production peaks in the spring and summer when daylight hours are long. It declines in the fall and winter as days get shorter. In warm climates with less seasonal variation in day length, laying may continue year-round but will still fluctuate throughout the seasons.
Diet and Overall Health
Providing Pekin ducks a balanced diet with adequate protein, calories, vitamins and minerals is essential for normal reproductive health and sustained egg production. Deficiencies or excesses in the diet can disrupt the reproductive cycle and reduce fertility and egg laying.
Additionally, diseases, parasites and other health issues can negatively impact egg production. Pekins that become overweight or suffer from issues like fatty liver disease tend to lay fewer eggs. Maintaining ducks in clean housing and providing preventative health care helps support normal laying patterns.
On average, a healthy, well-managed Pekin duck can lay around 200-300 eggs per year. With excellent care and genetics, some outstanding layers produce closer to 350. But diet, lighting, housing conditions and overall flock health make a big difference in total annual egg yields.
Signs Your Pekins Are Ready to Lay
Changes in Appearance and Behavior
There are a few key signs to look out for when your Pekin ducks are getting close to laying age:
- Their voices will change from peeping to loud, raspy quacking as they mature.
- Around 4-6 months old, you’ll notice their yellow downy feathers being replaced by white feathers. The white feathers indicate they are nearing sexual maturity.
- Their abdomens will swell and waddle more prominently. This is a sign their reproductive organs are developing.
- They will become more active and energetic. Nesting behavior like collecting grass, feathers and bedding materials signals they are preparing to lay.
Typically, Pekin ducks reach full egg production potential at 26-30 weeks old. However, the precise timing depends on factors like nutrition, light exposure, and overall flock health. With good care, your ducks can start laying as early as 18-24 weeks.
Observing their physical changes is the best way to predict the onset of laying.
Preparing the Nesting Area
You can encourage and accommodate your ducks’ first eggs by setting up proper nesting spaces ahead of time. Here are some tips for getting their nesting area ready:
- Provide a secluded, dry space with plenty of bedding material. Ducks prefer to nest in safe, quiet areas away from the rest of the flock.
- Good bedding options are straw, wood shavings, or even coarse grasses. Make sure the bedding is at least 4 inches deep and fluffy.
- Try to include one nest box for every 2-3 ducks in your flock. Boxes should be 12-14 inches wide and high with enclosed sides.
- You can also designate open floor spaces or corners filled with bedding as nesting areas. About 15 square feet per duck is sufficient.
Setting up the right environment goes a long way in making your Pekins feel secure and eager to start laying eggs. Easy access to nests and egg-laying locations is key. As maturing ducks scout nesting spots, they will likely choose spaces you have prepped over random outdoor areas.
A little preparation helps ensure their first eggs are laid safely in a place you can find them!
Caring for Laying Ducks
Providing Proper Nutrition
A balanced diet is crucial for egg-laying ducks. They need plenty of protein, calcium and other nutrients to stay healthy and produce eggs consistently. A commercial waterfowl feed or ration specially formulated for laying ducks contains everything they need.
Make sure feed is available at all times in a weatherproof container. Allow at least 6 inches of feeder space per duck so all birds can eat at once. Clean, fresh water is also vital. Change water daily or more often if it gets dirty.
Collecting and Storing Eggs
Check nest boxes two or three times a day to collect eggs promptly. Gathering eggs quickly helps avoid breakage and keeps the nest clean and appealing to ducks.
Brush off any dirt but don’t wash eggs until right before use, as their protective bloom helps keep out bacteria. Gently place clean eggs small-end down in cartons to store in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.
Keeping Them Healthy and Happy
Give ducks ample room to roam during the day. Access to a yard, pasture or pond allows them to forage naturally for insects, weeds and foliage. This helps them thrive and continue producing eggs.
Be alert for common duck illnesses like parasites, predators and foot infections. Watch for bullying or aggressive behavior and separate any victims. Try natural remedies first for minor issues but consult an avian vet if problems persist.
Happy, low-stress ducks are more likely to lay consistently. Talk or sing softly as you feed and care for them so they associate your presence with positive things.
Troubleshooting Common Laying Problems
Even with good care, Pekin ducks can sometimes run into issues with egg laying. Here are some of the most common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
Not Laying at All
If your ducks aren’t laying any eggs, there are a few potential causes to check:
- They are too young – Pekins typically start laying between 5-7 months old
- The daylight hours are too short – Make sure they get 14-16 hours of daylight stimulate laying
- They lack proper nutrition – Check that they have enough calcium, protein and calories in their feed
- They have health issues – Parasites, infections and stress can delay laying
Laying Soft or Thin-Shelled Eggs
There are two major causes of soft or thin shells:
- Calcium deficiency – Supplement their diet with oyster shell or grit
- Stress – Try to minimize loud noises, harassment from predators, or abrupt diet changes
Egg Binding
Egg binding is when a fully formed egg gets stuck and the duck can’t lay it. It’s a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated. Symptoms include straining, sitting in the nest for a prolonged time, loss of appetite, and lethargy. However, it can sometimes be resolved by:
- Giving a warm bath to relax the muscles
- Gently lubricating and massaging the vent area
- Providing calcium supplements
- Getting veterinary assistance if needed
By being attentive to your ducks and fine-tuning their care, most laying issues can be prevented or corrected so they continue producing at peak levels.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to expect with Pekins and egg laying, you can prepare to welcome some quackers to your backyard flock! Focus on providing the right care and environment during their first 6-7 months, and you’ll soon be rewarded with marvelous big white eggs.
With this guide, you have all the key details on what impacts laying, signs to watch for, and how to care for your ducks during this exciting time. Here’s to a delightful, productive flock that will keep your kitchen stocked with eggs for years to come!
