I recently found the same thing in two eggs from one of my ducks. I had no idea what it could be. Thanks for the explanation. If it keeps happening, is it cause for concern? Would that indicate a health problem?
I was concerned about the comment in the article I mentioned, so I contacted NCSU Extension and asked. Here is the full reply:
"I, like you, was confused about the parenthetical information included in the extension article. I contacted the original author to see if he could find a citation for...
In another thread, someone posted a link to an apparently reputable source that says Japanese beetle larvae are toxic to chickens. I can't find any other source that supports the claim, but it's worrisome.
I go out every morning with a container of water and knock beetles into it, then dump it in the ducks' water bucket. There is a frenzy of bobbing for beetles, and in ten seconds they're all gone. But I've started wondering whether I should limit the number of beetles I give at a time. Could it...
Full perimeter fencing isn't an option here because the property line is the center of a large creek, and the creek is one reason I chose to have ducks. I have learned through painful experience what dangers to watch for, but minks are still a problem.
I choose not to keep them confined in a pen all day. I try to keep a watch on them but sometimes fail. They have a very secure house at night. They go in the pen if I have to be gone or if I see a predator.
They get layer feed plus oyster shell, and they forage 8 to 10 hours most days.
I can't find a duck vet within reasonable driving distance. I'm also not certain which duck it is. I've got it narrowed down to two.
Every spring my 7 (sometimes 8) ducks all lay normal eggs for about a month, then one of them starts laying soft eggs every day and continues for weeks. All the others lay good hard-shelled eggs, except for a second soft one once in awhile. They all act healthy. This has happened for three years...
I've been keeping a few ducks for three years, for eggs only. I currently have seven. Unfortunately, flock numbers and composition have changed a couple of times because of hawks and minks. I now have five Runners and two Campbells. They forage most of the day and swim in the creek.