Anyone ever hatch a Kill Deer egg?

[cindyschicks]

So, my daughter and I were at the horse barn feeding yesterday and I came upon a Kill Deer egg laying in the middle of the gravel walkway into the barn, literally 5 feet from the door and certain squish from horses coming and going, not to mention people and hay, etc.

I picked it up and have it at home. I am wondering if anyone has ever hatched one. The Kill Deer chicks are precocial like chickens and incubate for 21 - 28 days. Debating putting the egg in the incubator and hatching the little one with the goofy parents...

 

[Cindiloohoo]

I'd be curious to see how it would do, but probably wouldn't hatch it just because it is a wild animal. That's just me though.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Be careful. Whether it was going to be squished or not, the law can fine you bigtime for having an egg of a bird protected under the migratory bird protection act. I do hope it hatched and all, but I wouldn't post anymore about it on this board.

 

[cindyschicks]

Thanks for the information. I have not set it in the incubator and probably will not now. I was just curious, I hadn't thought about them being migratory though. Which brings up a new question, Canada Geese, why can we incubate them?

I know all about the migratory bird protection act, and have been wondering about the whole Canadian Goose question for awhile.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

You can with Canada geese but your post to have a permit.

 

[cindyschicks]

Oh okay that explains it.

Thanks!

 

[Funky Feathers]

I hatched 2 a long time ago, but didn't know how to care for them/what to feed them, so as soon as they were drt & spry I put them out by their old nest and hoped their mom would find them. They ran around peeping for her, I hope they found her.