How to Identify Duck Eggs

Duck eggs can be difficult to identify when compared with chicken eggs. If you find a nest of mysterious eggs in the wild and wonder whether they are duck eggs, there are some tips that will help you identify them.

Things You'll Need

  • Flashlight
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Instructions

  1. Key Characteristics

    • 1

      Look at the size of the egg. Duck eggs are slightly larger than chicken eggs.

    • 2

      Feel the shell. Duck eggs have a waxy coating on the shell. The shells are thicker than those of chicken eggs and a little rubbery.

    • 3

      Note the shell's color. Depending on the breed of duck, the eggs may vary in color from dull green to off-white, but most have an off-white shell.

    • 4

      Count how many eggs are in the nest. If you find eggs grouped together in a nest, keep in mind that ducks typically lay between eight and 15 eggs at a time. The nest is normally on the ground.

    • 5

      Candle the egg by touching a small bright flashlight to the top of the egg. Depending on how old the eggs are, you may see formation of a duck.