Understand how age and molting affect egg production

Expect natural production changes based on age and annual molting. Most duck breeds begin laying at 5–7 months old. First-year production is the highest — Khaki Campbells may lay 300+ eggs in year one. Production typically declines 10–15% per year after that. All ducks undergo an annual molt (usually late summer through fall) during which they stop laying for 6–10 weeks while regrowing feathers.

Why It Works

Feather regrowth during molting is protein-intensive, requiring the same amino acids needed for egg production. The duck's body redirects resources from egg-making to feather-making — this is a non-negotiable biological process that cannot be overridden with light or nutrition. Age-related production decline occurs because ducks are born with all the ova (egg yolks) they will ever have, and the supply gradually depletes over their lifespan.

Tips

• Increase protein during molt (switch to 18–20% grower feed) to support feather regrowth and speed return to laying
• A duck's peak production years are typically years 1–3; by year 5–6, production may be 50% of peak
• Molting usually takes 6–10 weeks — do not add supplemental light during this period, as the rest is beneficial
• Some ducks may have a second partial molt in spring, causing a brief dip in production