Can Ducks Lay Two Eggs in a Day? (You’ll be surprised)

can ducks lay two eggs in a day

Ducks can lay two eggs in a day, yes. The phenomenon is pretty normal among young ducks since their hormones are trying to balance out. Some duck parents have even gotten three eggs in a day.

But these extra eggs usually do not last for long. The duck hormones will balance out with time and start laying one egg in a day. Some rare duck species will continue to lay two eggs in a day.

There is no need to raise concern if your wonder duck lays two eggs per day. Enjoy the extra eggs as much as possible. Be sure to provide the recommended conditions for the well-being of the duck.

How Many Eggs Can a Duck Lay Per Day?

We all know that ducks lay one egg in a day. But there are instances where a duck can lay two or three eggs in a day. It is normal and rare.

The extra eggs in a day are due to hormones trying to balance out. The young duck will take a week to two for the hormones to get balanced.

The second egg usually has a soft shell since the mama duck lacks adequate calcium and other minerals to foster hard-shell eggs formation.

Keep in mind that the soft shell egg is safe to eat. Be on a watch out since most female ducks end up eating the laid soft shell eggs.

There is no need to worry if your duck is laying multiple eggs in a day. Laying two or three eggs won’t hurt your duck unless you notice bloodstains on the eggs.

Below are the reasons that will make your duck lay more than one egg in a day:

Artificial Lighting

Ducks need about 15-16 hours of light exposure during winter. But exposing the egg layer to artificial light 24/7, the bird gets stressed out and starts to lay more frequently than usual.

Duck Breed

Ducks come in several species. Some duck breeds continue to lay multiple eggs a day throughout their lifetime. Enjoy the extra eggs as much as she gives you.

Duck Age

Age plays a vital role in determining the number of eggs lay in a day. Your ducks are prone to laying two to three eggs in a day since their hormones are still in a whack. The egg number and frequency are tapered once the hormones get balanced.

Food and Water Access

Food and water have a great impact on egg production among ducks. Well-fed ducks can lay multiple eggs in a day. Malnourished ducks may produce a low quantity of eggs.

How Many Eggs Can a Duck Lay in a Year?

It depends on the duck breed. Top layer ducks can lay up to 180 eggs per year and poor layers up to 60 eggs per year. But some duck breeds can produce about 300 eggs per year.

Ducks under artificial conditions can produce fewer eggs than free-range ducks. The condition does not create an ideal breeding environment throughout the year.

Khaki Campbell, Welsh Harlequin, and Buff Duck are examples of backyard ducks that lay up to 300 eggs in a year. The natural condition stimulates these ducks to lay more eggs in a year.

Most of these duck breeds usually breed once per day. It is another reason why they can lay more eggs than those ducks under artificial conditions.

The duck owner needs to ensure there is adequate water and food supply to the layers. Malnourished ducks produce fewer eggs due to their poor health.

How Often Do Ducks Lay Eggs?

Many ducks lay each egg in the day. But the number of eggs laid in a single day depends on the duck breed and many other factors. Some duck breeds may lay two or three eggs in a day.

Top layer duck breeds can outlay chickens. These ducks can lay eggs up to 100-300 times in a year. The duck laying season is about 30-45 weeks in a year.

Below are factors that determine how often ducks lay eggs:

Duck Species

Some varieties like white layer duck can produce 300 eggs in a year. Other duck breeds can lay up to 180-210 eggs throughout the year. Going for the best egg-laying species would be the best option.

Duck Size

Size and breed are crucial factors that help to know how often ducks lay eggs. Adult ducks limit egg production to enhance better sitting and incubation.

Food and Water Supply

Ducks need plenty of water and food supply near their nest. When these conditions are available, they will lay eggs more frequently. Underfed ducks produce fewer eggs compared to good health counterparts.

Nervousness and Large Groups

Ducks love flock gatherings. But these birds become nervous when bred in large groups. You will notice a reduction in egg-laying frequency.

Final Thoughts

Ducks can lay two or three eggs in a day. But this usually depends on the duck breed, age, water, and food supply. There is no need to be alarmed if your notice your duck is laying multiple eggs.

Ducks can continue to lay eggs at a high rate for about 3-5 years. Besides that, they take a long break in winter, which contributes to their long egg-laying period.

Most duck breeds lay an average of 100-300 eggs in a year. Brooding and raising new ducklings happen once a year.