Critical Factors for Managing Ducks For Egg Production
Many people enjoy keeping a small flock of ducks on their farm or around their homes when space is available. In many cases, ducks are kept for their ability to be good egg producers. The following tips will help to improve egg production of one's flock.
Managing Ducks Tip#1 - Fertility and Hatchability
Maintaining the proper number of males and females
in the breeding flock is important to achieving high levels of fertility and hatchability. For best results, one male for each six females is recommended. A few extra males may be kept to replace mortality as it occurs. Levels of fertility and hatchability parallel egg production (i.e. fertility and hatchability increase as egg
production increases). Fertility should increase rapidly during the first few settings of eggs, but will taper off toward the end of the egg production cycle. It is debatable as to the value of keeping breeding stock once the level of egg production drops
below 50%. Some find it more economical to molt the birds for 8 to 10 weeks to provide them a rest period for an additional lay period once they drop below 50% egg production.
Managing Ducks Tip#2 - Handling the Eggs
Most duck eggs are laid before 7 a.m., thus one might want to confine breeders to the laying house at night. It is advisable to gather the eggs early in the morning if artificial incubation is going to be used. Removing the eggs as soon as possible lessens the problems of dirty and cracked eggs. Clean and dry breeder houses are important for the production of clean, intact hatching eggs.
Soiled eggs can be washed with care after collection using water warmer than the eggs. Temperatures of 110 - 115 degrees F. are adequate for washing the eggs. Cracked, misshapen or abnormally small eggs should not be incubated. Hatching eggs can be stored at a temperature of 55 degrees F. for up to two weeks without losing hatchability. Eggs should be stored small end down. For natural incubation, it is important to provide clean, dry nesting facilities. Ducks will make their own nest if straw or other litter material is provided. Wood shavings, peanut hulls and peat moss also make good litter materials. Nest boxes can also be provided. Nests
should be 12 inches wide, 18 inches long and 12 inches deep and can be placed in a row along the walls of the breeder house. Feed and water should be in close proximity so the female can obtain her daily nutrient requirements without having to leave the nest for long periods.
Raising ducks can be an enjoyable and profitable experience. Providing a protective breeding environment and attention to egg production and handling can increase one's success with raising ducks.
Managing Ducks Tip#1 - Fertility and Hatchability
Maintaining the proper number of males and females
in the breeding flock is important to achieving high levels of fertility and hatchability. For best results, one male for each six females is recommended. A few extra males may be kept to replace mortality as it occurs. Levels of fertility and hatchability parallel egg production (i.e. fertility and hatchability increase as egg
production increases). Fertility should increase rapidly during the first few settings of eggs, but will taper off toward the end of the egg production cycle. It is debatable as to the value of keeping breeding stock once the level of egg production drops
below 50%. Some find it more economical to molt the birds for 8 to 10 weeks to provide them a rest period for an additional lay period once they drop below 50% egg production.
Managing Ducks Tip#2 - Handling the Eggs
Most duck eggs are laid before 7 a.m., thus one might want to confine breeders to the laying house at night. It is advisable to gather the eggs early in the morning if artificial incubation is going to be used. Removing the eggs as soon as possible lessens the problems of dirty and cracked eggs. Clean and dry breeder houses are important for the production of clean, intact hatching eggs.
Soiled eggs can be washed with care after collection using water warmer than the eggs. Temperatures of 110 - 115 degrees F. are adequate for washing the eggs. Cracked, misshapen or abnormally small eggs should not be incubated. Hatching eggs can be stored at a temperature of 55 degrees F. for up to two weeks without losing hatchability. Eggs should be stored small end down. For natural incubation, it is important to provide clean, dry nesting facilities. Ducks will make their own nest if straw or other litter material is provided. Wood shavings, peanut hulls and peat moss also make good litter materials. Nest boxes can also be provided. Nests
should be 12 inches wide, 18 inches long and 12 inches deep and can be placed in a row along the walls of the breeder house. Feed and water should be in close proximity so the female can obtain her daily nutrient requirements without having to leave the nest for long periods.
Raising ducks can be an enjoyable and profitable experience. Providing a protective breeding environment and attention to egg production and handling can increase one's success with raising ducks.
Source...