4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[TheChookKeeper]

This is probably a REALLY simple question... but I can't seem to find a definitive answer to it...

 

Alice, our 18 month old Silver Appleyard (more or less!) stopped laying a few days ago... since she started laying in early spring, she has stopped for a rest for ONE day... we have been VERY impressed.

 

Is it likely she has stopped for the winter now, due to poor light levels? If so, does anyone have any experience/opinions in putting a light in their house, to keep her going?

 

I would have assumed the above, except for the fact that for the last couple of weeks she has taken to laying her eggs outside in the garden - she has a favourite bush, and every day she still goes down there, sits there for a while, then comes back out - but no egg is to be found.

 

I've never left any of her eggs out overnight, so I don't think she's gone broody (if ducks even do that!) - I am a bit concerned she may have a blockage or something?

 

Apart from no eggs, she is in fine health otherwise as far as I can see - still eating, drinking and swimming quite happily.

 

 

Any ideas?

[Guest]

Hi

 

Yes ovulation is stimulated by light and she will slow it down during the winter (or now). But I sitll got eggs during the winter just not every day. 2/3 a week per duck

 

Probably her natural cycle..she will lay for a few more years yet...not sure re light in housing as may upset her system??up to you. I just cut the hedging around my chicken run to let more light in now th darker evenings have come along to keep them going a bit longer

 

good luck indie

[Lesley]

Yes, ducks lay more eggs through the winter than hens but they do slow down around now.

 

I wouldn't think she has a problem if she is eating, drinking and walking well. Just keep an eye on her to make sure she isn't poorly.

[TheChookKeeper]

OK - thanks!

 

I'll be nice to her... she's done sterling work up until now! One of the new chooks has just started laying... so hopefully she'll make up the deficit!!!

 

Thanks!

[miller30]

My indian runners stop laying for the winter and start again in the spring i dont put a light in their house as i think they deserve a rest.