How Often Do Ducks Lay Eggs?

Many people are surprised to learn that ducks can be excellent egg layers, sometimes rivalling chickens in productivity. However, duck egg laying follows different patterns and rhythms. How often ducks lay eggs depends on breed, age, season, housing, and overall care. Understanding what is normal for ducks will help you manage expectations and look after your birds properly.

How Often Do Ducks Lay Eggs on Average?

Most domestic ducks lay:

• 3–6 eggs per week during their laying season
• Around 150–300 eggs per year, depending on breed

Unlike chickens, many ducks lay their eggs early in the morning, often before being let out of their housing.

Duck egg laying is seasonal and cyclical. Even strong layers will not lay consistently all year round.

At What Age Do Ducks Start Laying Eggs?

Most ducks begin laying at:

• 20–28 weeks old (around 5–7 months)

This varies by breed and individual bird:

• Light, high-production breeds may start earlier
• Heavier or traditional breeds often start later

Before they begin laying, ducks may show signs such as:

• Louder or more frequent vocalising
• Increased interest in nesting spots
• Squatting behaviour in females

Early eggs may be smaller or irregular in shape, which is normal.

How Long Do Ducks Keep Laying Eggs?

Ducks generally lay well for longer than chickens.

Typical laying pattern:

• First year: strong, consistent laying
• Second and third years: slightly reduced but still steady
• Fourth year and beyond: gradual decline

Many ducks continue laying small numbers of eggs into old age, especially if they are healthy and well cared for.

Do Ducks Lay Eggs Every Day?

Some breeds can lay nearly every day during peak season, but daily laying is not guaranteed.

Reasons ducks may not lay daily include:

• Breed genetics
• Seasonal daylight changes
• Moulting
• Weather conditions
• Stress or health issues

It takes roughly 24 hours to form an egg, so consistent daily laying places high demands on the duck’s body.

Do Ducks Lay Eggs All Year Round?

Seasonal Egg Laying

In the UK, most ducks lay mainly from:

• Early spring through late summer

As daylight decreases in autumn, egg production usually slows or stops. This is a natural and healthy rest period.

Ducks require approximately 14 hours of daylight to maintain regular laying.

Winter Laying

Some ducks may lay occasionally in winter if:

• They are young
• They are from high-laying breeds
• They are housed in warm, well-lit conditions

Many keepers allow ducks to stop laying naturally over winter, which supports long-term health and longevity.

How Does Moulting Affect Duck Egg Laying?

Ducks moult at least once a year, often in late summer or autumn.

During a moult:

• Egg laying usually stops completely
• Energy is redirected to feather regrowth
• The process may last several weeks

Ducks may appear scruffy or less active during this time, which is normal.

Do Different Duck Breeds Lay Different Numbers of Eggs?

Yes, breed plays a major role in how often ducks lay.

High egg-laying breeds:

• Khaki Campbell (up to 300 eggs per year)
• Indian Runner (200–300 eggs per year)
• Welsh Harlequin (around 250 eggs per year)

Moderate layers:

• Pekin (around 150–200 eggs per year)
• Saxony
• Buff Orpington

Lower but steady layers:

• Cayuga
• Rouen
• Aylesbury

Ornamental or less productive layers:

• Call ducks
• Crested ducks

Some ornamental breeds are kept mainly for appearance rather than egg production.

Factors That Affect How Often Ducks Lay Eggs

Diet

A balanced diet is essential for egg production.

Ducks need:

• Quality waterfowl or duck pellets
• Adequate protein levels
• Calcium for strong shells

Poor nutrition is one of the most common causes of reduced laying.

Water Access

Ducks need water to eat properly and stay healthy.

Egg production may drop if ducks do not have:

• Constant access to clean drinking water
• Water deep enough to rinse their bills

Daylight

Light levels directly affect laying hormones.

Short days naturally reduce egg production. Artificial lighting can increase laying but should be used carefully to avoid long-term health issues.

Stress

Stress can significantly impact egg laying.

Common stressors include:

• Predator disturbances
• Poor housing or overcrowding
• Sudden changes to routine
• Bullying within the flock

Health

Illness, parasites, and nutritional deficiencies can all stop egg production.

Regular checks and prompt treatment help maintain healthy laying.

Do Ducks Lay Eggs Without a Drake?

Yes. Ducks lay eggs whether or not a drake is present.

• Eggs laid without a drake are unfertilised
• Fertilised eggs only develop if incubated

A drake is not required for egg production.

Can You Increase How Often Ducks Lay Eggs?

You can support healthy laying, but you should not force it.

Best practices include:

• Feeding a balanced, species-appropriate diet
• Providing clean water at all times
• Reducing stress
• Allowing natural seasonal rest

Over-managing light or feeding to push production can shorten a duck’s lifespan.

When Should You Be Concerned About Egg Production?

Investigate if egg laying suddenly stops outside of winter or moulting, especially if you notice:

• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Changes in droppings
• Soft-shelled or shell-less eggs
• Swollen abdomen or unusual posture

Seek advice from an avian or poultry vet if problems persist.

Summary: What Duck Owners Should Expect

• Most ducks lay 3–6 eggs per week in season
• Laying usually starts at 20–28 weeks old
• Egg production is seasonal and affected by daylight
• Ducks often lay well for several years
• Diet, water, health, and stress all matter

Conclusion

Ducks can be reliable and rewarding egg layers, but they follow different patterns to chickens. Seasonal laying, winter breaks, and moulting are all normal and healthy. By providing good nutrition, plenty of water, low-stress housing, and allowing natural rest periods, duck owners can enjoy regular egg production while keeping their birds healthy and content for many years.