Autumn brings a gradual drop in temperature, with larger differences between day and night and shorter daylight hours. Ducks that were hatched the previous year, after six months of egg-laying, are now exhausted. If not properly managed, they may fail to molt correctly, which can significantly affect their productivity.
Ducks hatched in early spring typically begin laying eggs from late September to mid-October. However, as the weather cools down and the temperature fluctuations become more extreme, especially for free-range ducks, food becomes scarce in late autumn. This lack of nutrition can lead to a decline in egg production, resulting in what is known as "falling eggs." That’s why farmers often say, “Spring fears four, autumn fears eight, and once August passes, the ducklings are born.†In other words, the eighth lunar month is a critical period when ducks need extra care. With proper management, ducks can continue laying eggs until the end of the lunar month, maintaining an egg production rate above 80%.
To ensure consistent egg production, it's essential to maintain a stable environment. One key factor is lighting. As natural daylight decreases, artificial lighting should be used to keep the daily light duration at least 16 hours. A 40-watt bulb is usually sufficient for a 20-square-meter duck house, placed with a shade and hung about two meters high. The lights should be turned on in the morning before sunrise and turned off at sunset, ensuring continuous illumination.
Nutrition is another crucial aspect. During autumn, ducks naturally tend to store energy for winter. For young ducks, it's important to control weight, keeping it below 2 kg. This means balancing energy intake and encouraging some exercise. At the same time, increasing protein levels in the diet helps support egg production. Captive ducks should have a diet with over 18% crude protein, while free-range ducks should be given additional protein supplements. Mineral feed bowls containing a mix of bone meal and shell powder should also be available so ducks can eat freely.
Temperature control is vital too. Sudden drops in temperature can cause a sharp decline in egg production. Keeping the duck house at a stable temperature between 13°C and 20°C helps prevent cold stress. Ensuring dry conditions inside the house is equally important, as dampness can lead to health issues.
Autumn is also a rainy season, making it easy for water to accumulate in outdoor areas and for litter in the house to become moist and moldy. Measures must be taken to reduce humidity and keep the environment clean.
Another important step is culling low-producing ducks. Older ducks that show signs of poor performance—such as uneven size, thin necks, or weak bodies—should be removed. These ducks may not lay enough eggs and could lower overall productivity. If ducks start molting prematurely, forced molting techniques can be used, such as removing some feathers and feeding them a special diet. After about 20 days, they will regain their feathers and resume egg-laying.
Maintaining a regular routine is also key. Ducks have a natural rhythm: they eat, bathe, rest, and move around during the day, and remain still at night. Disrupting this pattern can stress the ducks and reduce their egg production. Therefore, it's important to keep their environment and feeding schedule consistent.
Finally, deworming should be done in the fall. After a summer of grazing, ducks may have accumulated parasites that compete for nutrients and weaken their immune systems. A deworming treatment in autumn helps improve their health and resistance to disease.
Goggles Glasses,Protective Goggles,Chemical Goggles,Clear Safety Glasses
Xuzhou Xinbaisheng Protective Equipnent Co., Ltd. , https://www.xinparkson.com