Duck egg?

[mypetsrchickens]

Is this a duck egg? We have a pekin. As far as I know she's not at laying age. We have several chickens but I know what all their eggs look like. The shell is harder than a chicken egg and the membrane is tougher than a chicken egg.

 

[rjohns39]

Is this a duck egg? We have a pekin. As far as I know she's not at laying age. We have several chickens but I know what all their eggs look like. The shell is harder than a chicken egg and the membrane is tougher than a chicken egg. View attachment 1118562View attachment 1118563

Yup you've got a duck egg there. They are very good at hiding them and dropping them wherever they happen to be standing. I have not been able to convince mine to use any kind of nest box. Best I've done is add clean dry straw to their shelter and keep them in their until about 9:00 in the am. Somewhere in the straw I will find a nest of eggs. There is also a downside... Remember I said they like to hide eggs? Well, which ever one likes to nest will go find the hidden eggs and return them to the nest. So you'll find a clutch of eggs that includes fresh eggs and eggs of unknown age (that have been hanging around in 100 degree temps for however long). After I first discovered this, I've now taken to cracking eggs into a bowl one at a time, before adding to other eggs. And I sniff the eggs first, trust me, if you find a bad one you will know it. That said, bakers love duck eggs... One of these days I'll do the experiment where I prepare two pound cakes one with duck eggs and the other with chicken eggs and see if I can tell the difference.

 

[mypetsrchickens]

Awesome!!! The shell on this one was just barely cracked so we couldn't eat it. I have found two so far. The first one I wasn't sure how long it had been there. It was in full sun and it's been hot here. So we didn't eat it either. I'm anxious to get a good one. Thank you!!!!!

 

[rjohns39]

Awesome!!! The shell on this one was just barely cracked so we couldn't eat it. I have found two so far. The first one I wasn't sure how long it had been there. It was in full sun and it's been hot here. So we didn't eat it either. I'm anxious to get a good one. Thank you!!!!!

If unsure, scramble it... You'll have no doubt in your mind if it is bad. After you scramble it if you still can't take the plunge, then give it back to the ducks. They always like extra protein--but never give them raw egg... if you do, you'll never get another egg.

 

[mypetsrchickens]

Good to know. We've had chickens for a while now. We got two ducks. We lucked up and got a male and female. It's a new experience for us. Thanks again!!

If unsure, scramble it... You'll have no doubt in your mind if it is bad. After you scramble it if you still can't take the plunge, then give it back to the ducks. They always like extra protein--but never give them raw egg... if you do, you'll never get another egg.