Duck Story

Iain Ferguson During lockdown, Emma Lauder was thinking about stories of her family and came across a memory of an uncle raising ducks by putting their eggs in with his hens, who then hatched them. She didn’t have hens herself but one of her friends did, so Emma decided to have a go at repeating history.

Fertile duck eggs of many species can be found online and after research into various suppliers, Emma chose a farm which she felt was of a high standard and really cared for their birds. She also put a lot of time into looking at what was suitable, their development and traits before deciding on an Indian Runner Duck.

Unlike the ducks we are used to seeing around ponds and waterways, this duck walks upright, rather like a penguin, and doesn’t waddle. They are quite tall and are either grey or blue grey in colour.

A dozen eggs were ordered

and arrived but due to further restrictions on meeting, Emma also bought an incubator, rather than having the hens do the brooding. She watched the eggs carefully every day, keeping the temperature and conditions just right, but only one of the 12 hatched.

Four weeks on, Harry the duck - or Harriet, as the only way to tell is if an egg is laid - is an established and amusing member of the household alongside dog Alfie who is very welcoming of his feathery friend and is happy to play and share a walk.

Emma said: ‘It was really interesting caring for the eggs, keeping them at the right temperature and watching for any sign of hatching. I was very excited when I heard the first taps from inside the egg when Harry started to hatch.

‘I had to go in and out to work, but kept checking on his progress as he gradually broke through the shell. All together it took 24 hours and I was worried he might not make it but resisted the temptation to help as that wouldn’t be the right think to do.’

When Harry emerged he was unable to walk and Emma carefully put him in a soft, cosy blanket before heading out to work, fully expecting to return to a lifeless body. However, when she returned she was delighted to be greeted by an active, bouncy ball of fluff who headed straight for her. Harry was so small though he could swim in his bowl of drinking water.

As his strength grew, he would run up Emma’s arm and snuggle into her neck, taking comfort from being surrounded by her long hair. Ducks are social creatures and Emma is concerned Harry should not be alone - which is why she originally chose a dozen eggs to hatch - so very soon after Christmas he will be relocating to her friend’s farm where he can join in with other feathered activities, although as one of Emma’s family she will still be dropping in regularly to follow his progress.