[Prod]

I have two pairs of miniature Silver Appleyards, both perfectly healthy & happy. I separated them into two pens about a month ago but neither duck has started laying yet, despite the drakes being quite 'amorous'. Are they late or is there still time to produce some ducklings?  I have seen appleyard & call ducklings for sale already.

[Kate and her Ducks]

They are not late particularly. Most of my ducks start the middle to the end of Feb onwards and not all of mine are producing yet.
Miniature SA are not particularly high egg producers and quoted at about 50-125 eggs a year so wouldn't expect them to start particularly early in the year.

Be patient

[Prod]

Thanks.........

[Springlands]

My ducks only started to lay last week - I think they were later this year because of the cold February weather.

[Prod]

We are 1500ft up in the Brecon Hills and it has been freezing cold so maybe that is what it is then. The local farmers reckon we are a month behind the valleys when it comes to spring!!

[Kate and her Ducks]

Duck's laying is controlled by daylight hours rather than the temperature but still don't think it is particularly late for them. Sure they will start soon.

[Sassy]

How are you hoping to incubate the eggs?

[Prod]

I will just let them hatch naturally as they did last year,why?

[Sassy]

I will just let them hatch naturally as they did last year,why?

I just wondered as ducks generally do not make reliable Mums. You obviously have good ones. I'm sure they' lobe laying before you know it