Call ducks start laying eggs at the 6 to 8 months range, in the average of other duck breeds. In the beginning, these eggs are not very big, do not expect to get enough eggs from the first breeding.
However, after the first few batches, you should expect to have much bigger eggs.
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How Many Eggs Do Call Ducks Lay?
Call ducks lay around 150 eggs per year, this means around 3 per week. This is a very decent amount of eggs even if it’s not the most prolific breed.
They usually lay eggs all year round, even during very cold weather, even though the number will be greatly reduced due to the temperature and reduced sunlight, and ducks just like chickens need many hours of sun to lay eggs, but some breeds, like the call duck, for example, don’t need as many as other.
What Color Eggs Do Call Ducks Lay?
Call ducks lay usually medium sized white or, sometimes, light green eggs. Sometimes they can also lay eggs that are blueish.
When I say “medium sized”, I mean the same as any other duck egg, but usually these are a little smaller. This shouldn’t discourage you from raising call ducks as pets if you’re interested in eggs, because, as I said earlier, they lay a good amount of them.
How Many Years Do Call Ducks Lay Eggs?
Call ducks live around 9 to 10 years, so I would say on the average of other duck breeds, maybe a little more since many of them only live for 5 to 7 years.
Ducks have their peak fertility between 1 and 3 years old. After that, the production of eggs slows down gradually and so do their general health and well-being year after year for a significant percentage.
So you should consider 5/6 years of egg production from them, which will amount on average to 600 eggs, considering the drop off.
Facts About Call Ducks
-Call ducks are very docile and sweet. They can be kept in pairs that get along well, but they prefer to stick with their human friends rather than the other birds in the flock.
-Call ducks are very independent and curious, so you should feel honored if one of them chooses to stay close to you.
-They have a “laughing call” that comes from high up in their beaks like a whistle, so if your duck does that all of a sudden…chances are it’s talking to you!
-At old ages (4-6 years old), many call ducks develop light plumage on their chests/belly areas. If it gets more pronounced and extends all over the body, it could be a sign of aging problems.
-At young ages (10 weeks and under), the call duck’s eyes have yellowish rings around them. This is very normal and will go away after a few weeks, although you may notice your duck making odd faces at you at that time.
Are Call Ducks A Good Choice To Breed?
Call ducks are an excellent choice for first-time duck breeders and those who don’t have large ponds or a lot of experience raising waterfowl.
They are good for breeders because they are small and their offspring are hardy. They don’t require a lot of room to raise broods, and neither do the ducklings.
Unlike most of the other breeds, call ducks don’t have a problem with drake aggression. They are small and compact, so the drakes don’t feel threatened by them.
Most of all, they are an excellent choice for breeders because they are very healthy and resistant to diseases, parasites and other health issues waterfowl commonly face.
