Duck eggs

[ThatGirlChick]

Hi all -

My opringtons started laying eggs this week, I've gotten around 2 dozen so far. We've been giving them to our dogs, as my husband read somewhere that the first few lays arent mature enough or something, not entirely sure as I never followed up on what he read to confirm it.
Today, when I cracked open the eggs, I noticed the dreaded white spot and some blood vessels, which is one of my worst fears (I know I know, why have ducks? ) is there anything I can do prevent the eggs from showing signs of fertilization? We pick them up every morning around 8am and immediately store in the fridge. I just know one day I'm gonna crack open a baby duck and probably faint right there, lol!

 

[DuckyDonna]

I'm pretty sure thats not what you saw! An egg would have to be set at very high temperatures for days for it to start to develop. I think what you saw are little burst vessels from your duck straining to get that big ole egg out!

 

[ThatGirlChick]

I'm pretty sure thats not what you saw! An egg would have to be set at very high temperatures for days for it to start to develop. I think what you saw are little burst vessels from your duck straining to get that big ole egg out!

INSIDE THE EGG?! Omg, lol. And surprisingly, the eggs are tiny, like the size of medium chicken eggs, I figured they would be much larger

 

[DuckyDonna]

INSIDE THE EGG?! Omg, lol. And surprisingly, the eggs are tiny, like the size of medium chicken eggs, I figured they would be much larger

That is correct. I was pretty freaked out when I first saw a blood spot in the egg too. You can see a small white spot on the yolk, if there is also a ring around it it's called and looks like a "bullseye" which indicates that the egg is fertile but just because it's fertile it doesn't mean the baby is growing, just means it can if the conditions are right. Being refrigerated is NOT the right condition so don't worry. Also, fertile eggs are fine to eat just like an unfertile one.

Your girls have just started to lay so they've got a lot of kinks to get out of their little egg factory. Don't worry, it will be ok.

 

[ThatGirlChick]

That is correct. I was pretty freaked out when I first saw a blood spot in the egg too. You can see a small white spot on the yolk, if there is also a ring around it it's called and looks like a "bullseye" which indicates that the egg is fertile but just because it's fertile it doesn't mean the baby is growing, just means it can if the conditions are right. Being refrigerated is NOT the right condition so don't worry. Also, fertile eggs are fine to eat just like an unfertile one.

Your girls have just started to lay so they've got a lot of kinks to get out of their little egg factory. Don't worry, it will be ok.

Is it pretty normal for only 3 of the 5 girls to lay? We have 7 in total and think 5 of them are girls, based on beak color and their quack.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Is it pretty normal for only 3 of the 5 girls to lay? We have 7 in total and think 5 of them are girls, based on beak color and their quack.

Yes, they will have some days where they will take a break and some days when they all lay. If they get scared, too hot, cold whatever it can affect egg production. I have 6 girls laying and I usually get 3-5 eggs a day, sometimes 6 but not often. Of course, I have no clue who is laying and who isn't unless I see one pop out of their butts which is kinda cool! Took me almost 2 years to see that happen and I was so excited!

 

[Texag87]

Don’t worry about the white spot. What I am worried about is when ours stop laying for the winter and we have to buy eggs. Store bought chicken eggs are so bland tasting compared to duck eggs.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Don’t worry about the white spot. What I am worried about is when ours stop laying for the winter and we have to buy eggs. Store bought chicken eggs are so bland tasting compared to duck eggs.

Hi, I froze 30 duck eggs recently. I basically only use them for baking but you might could try doing that if you've got room in the freezer. I just put them in small plastic cups or you could even use muffin tins. Once they are frozen just pop them out and put in a zip lock bag.