Found an egret egg and incubating

[can't get enough chicken]

Hi all,

I found an egret egg in my backyard with no nest around and have been incubating it but I think it is a dud. Would love any advice about the pictures that anyone has!

Day 3 after finding it:

Day 5 after finding it:

 

[R2elk]

Hi all,

I found an egret egg in my backyard with no nest around and have been incubating it but I think it is a dud. Would love any advice about the pictures that anyone has!

Day 3 after finding it:

View attachment 2073852


Day 5 after finding it:
View attachment 2073857

Egrets are protected by Federal law. It is illegal to collect or possess their eggs, feathers or any parts of them which also means it is illegal to try to incubate an Egret's egg.

 

[R2elk]

It kinda looks like it's developing. I could imagine an egret would be tricky to raise if it hatched.

You could always give it to a specialist carer if it hatches if you've got too much heart to murder the little thing if it's developing now!

The OP is in illegal possession of the egg. Trying to hatch the egg is illegal. Encouraging the OP to continue this illegal activity could be construed as aiding and abetting in the commission of a crime.

 

[can't get enough chicken]

I reached out to my local wildlife center to see if they can take it!

 

[FluffyFeathers97]

Egrets are protected by Federal law. It is illegal to collect or possess their eggs, feathers or any parts of them which also means it is illegal to try to incubate an Egret's egg.

Second this. If you're found in possession of the egg or a chick (if it hatches) you can get a hefty fine or jail time. As a wildlife rehabber I recommend you put it back where you found it. Not to mention Egrets have an extremely varied diet and feeding it the correct one would be near impossible.

 

[Kvanwaus]

Leave it for a few more days if youre not sure and at a proper temperature. If its viable itll be very obvious. I thought one of my duck eggs was a dud but the "blood ring" I thought I saw was actually the developing duck! If theres nothing after a week Id toss it.

 

[FluffyFeathers97]

It kinda looks like it's developing. I could imagine an egret would be tricky to raise if it hatched.

You could always give it to a specialist carer if it hatches if you've got too much heart to murder the little thing if it's developing now!

If they hatch it, and turn it over it is still a federal crime and the wildlife rehabber can report them. It's best to put it back and let nature take its course.

 

[FluffyFeathers97]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migratory_Bird_Treaty_Act_of_1918 A link to the law that protects these birds.

 

[can't get enough chicken]

What did they say? I doubt they would incubate it. You might have to ask a bird park or something that mostly deals with birds

My local one deals with a lot of birds it looks like so I think they will be able to but it is late here so no response yet!

 

[Chickinie]

My local one deals with a lot of birds it looks like so I think they will be able to but it is late here so no response yet!

Aww I hope they do!