Abandoned Mallard Duck egg -

[transparant]

Our neighbors had some Mallard ducks lay some eggs in their back yard. After they opened their pool - the mother and father left. My daughter wants to know if she can hatch the eggs.

Does anyone know if this is possible?

 

[Missy Mouse]

Our neighbors had some Mallard ducks lay some eggs in their back yard. After they opened their pool - the mother and father left. My daughter wants to know if she can hatch the eggs.

Does anyone know if this is possible?

Ducks usually do not abandon their eggs unless the eggs are compromised. You can try, but unfortunately nature may have already taken its course.

 

[transparant]

Ducks usually do not abandon their eggs unless the eggs are compromised. You can try, but unfortunately nature may have already taken its course.

I think they only abandoned because when the neighbors opened thier pool - it pushed them out of their spot and they never came back.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Well, you can try, but even if the eggs are still good it would be difficult. Birds, especially baby birds, can be tricky. Also, there's the problem that if you do manage to hatch and rear the duckling it will become imprinted on humans (i.e. not really releaseable into the wild). I suppose for now you can put it in a safe place (maybe a shoebox filled with tissue) under a heat lamp (or a strong desk lamp). If it starts to smell, you know the gig is up. If it starts to crack...well, my suggestion would be to try and find a wildlife rehabilitation place nearby.

 

[solferino]

More than likely if it's been abandoned for more than a day it won't turn into anything.

You can candle the egg by taking it into the darkest room you can. Use a bright flashlight and hold it under the egg. Gently cup your hand around the egg and flashlight so no light escapes around the side.

When you look at the egg, well, it's hard for me to describe what to look for, but if it's an early incubation, you will be able to see vascular activity (SO COOL!) If it's an older incubation, the egg will be mostly dark with a small area where light passes through. Sometimes eggs will start to develop and get the veining, but don't go beyond that.

Eggs need really consistent temperatures and moisture levels to incubate in an unnatural environment (IOW-not mama duck). Duck eggs take 28 days to incubate, chickens 21. I've not done eggs here in a few years, but I think the temperature is something like 101 deg with a high humidity level. You could try using a heating pad, but it's not an ideal situation for long-term incubation.

I hope the parents come back and the little guys have a chance.

 

[GraysMom]

Are there any zoos or wildlife rehab places that you could call for advice? They may be able to check the eggs for you.