Help...Something laid an egg in my mulch! UPDATE: It's a Duck!

[lyzziesmom]

It's true that the mother won't come back after an egg is touched... IF it's a bird. Snakes do not nurture their eggs and/or young. So if it is a snake egg, no worries about Mama Snake coming after you. However, I don't think snakes lay just one egg, and they are usually sort of oblong and not very big. I'm going to go with the goose/duck theory.

Here's another theory: Since it is just one egg, and is laying in your mulch, perhaps it wasn't laid there. Maybe a predator took the egg from a nest elsewhere (at the nearby pond?) and dropped it in your mulch accidentally.

 

[tiggger1]

chances are its a duck or a goose because of the size and because it was only one.. if mommy isnt back when you get home it probably is not going to hatch..

 

[Turtle]

you sure? According to your ticker it's getting close


nevermind, I see it's your nephew....duhhhh

 

[RachelEllen]

Can you call your local extension service? They are usually really good with questions like this. (Just google your city or area + extension service to find a number)

 

[DwarfMaster]

Here's another theory: Since it is just one egg, and is laying in your mulch, perhaps it wasn't laid there. Maybe a predator took the egg from a nest elsewhere (at the nearby pond?) and dropped it in your mulch accidentally.

Whatever it was definately wanted it to be here...it was no accident. There's a big hole dug in the mulch...like something was sitting (or coiled up) and laid the egg there.




So what's the verdict..should I touch it to see if its hard or not???

 

[DwarfMaster]

Can you call your local extension service? They are usually really good with questions like this. (Just google your city or area + extension service to find a number)

I have no idea what an extension service is?

 

[Chicago526]

My guess is a goose. Becareful, nesting geese are very mean!

 

[zulaya]

If you don't have an Extension Service (usually a state office), call the DNR and see if someone can come out and identify it.

 

[zulaya]

Another thought on it being a predator...if it's a predator of that egg laying species...perhaps it took the egg and tried to bury it for later eating? I don't know that most predators would store an egg, though, for later...

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

You can touch it. You won't scare away any parents just because you touched it.

 

[meloneyb21]

You should hold it up to a light to try and see what's in it .

 

[Cantw8]

don't touch it what if something pops out and gets you

 

[Laz]

I have had Ducks and Geese do that in my mulch. Many times they are very young mothers who do not know how to nest yet.

 

[Ranatra]

since I'm also in Western PA, I'm anxious to hear what it is! I have no clue what it could be.

 

[princesspiglet]

This is making me sick and nervous at the same time! When I went out to water our flowers this morning, I saw a bunch of holes in our mulch and never gate it a second though. Now reading this, I am afraid I may have snakes!

I am deathly afraid of snakes, I think I will pass out if I actually see one!

OP, I hope for your sake it is a cute little duckling!

 

[DwarfMaster]

OK - My mom just stopped by to drop a package off on my porch....seems I forgot to tell her about my new "friend". She's pretty sure it's a goose egg. (Not that she's an expert either)

It makes me feel a little better that everyone's leaning towards duck or goose instead of snake.

I think I'm gonna have to call the experts tonight - I can't have an angry mother goose wandering around...I have little kids.

 

[Plantlady]

well, I'm curious!

I dont' think all states have extension offices. the state has to have a land grant university to get the extension office, I beleive. I might be wrong though.

 

[mmcguire]

Don't be askeerd -- it was just the hoof marks from the unicorn.

 

[Albertan mom]

ooooh, how exciting. I am subscribing just to see what it is!

 

[Green Tea]

You could cook it up for breakfast tomorrow!