What did this? Broken eggs found around stone driveway.

[CaramelKittey]

Hi!

I have been baffled these past few days as there have been 3 eggs found on my stone driveway in the last week. Any ideas?

Ready for story time? Good.

Once upon a time (5-6 days ago).... we were driving home from school and there was a duck egg on my driveway with a hole in it. The yolk and whites were still inside. The egg was just sitting there with a hole in it, and no animal nearby.

Nothing happened until 39 minutes ago when we came home from school and two duck eggs with a hole in it. They were a good 10 yards apart. What is this? Any idea?
We have 4 Welsh Harlequin ducks and live in a woodsy area. My sister said that there were only 2 eggs rather than our normal 4 this morning.

Here is a picture of the egg. I can get more if needed.

Sorry for the long thread.
Thanks in advance!

 

[sourland]

I'm guessing that is the work of a crow.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I was thinking a bird, too. Some type of corvidae.

 

[CaramelKittey]

I'm guessing that is the work of a crow.

Thank you! The nest boxes are covered and are low to the ground. Do you think a crow or bird could get in their? Would they eat the yolks?
Thank you so much for your help!

 

[aart]

Do you ducks free range?
Maybe they laid them in the driveway?

 

[CaramelKittey]

Do you ducks free range?
Maybe they laid them in the driveway?

Our ducks and chickens share a 1/4 acre area in the day, and go to their coops at night. The ducks are to heavy to fly.


Thank you!

 

[CaramelKittey]

I was wondering if whatever took the egg could have used our stone driveway to crack the egg, like a seagull would do. Duck eggs are really hard to crack, even for a bird. Our stone driveway is sharp as we laid new stones down recently.
Any ideas?
Thank you!

 

[CaramelKittey]

Finally discovered what did it. Turns out, you were all right! I have been seeing many crows fly around our chicken yard and just this morning, saw one searching the yard for an egg to steal!
Thank you for all of your help!

 

[cmom]

I suspect a crow. If you have a game camera, put it up. Most likely whatever it is. will be back for more.

 

[CaramelKittey]

I suspect a crow. If you have a game camera, put it up. Most likely whatever it is. will be back for more.

Hi!
We have seen the crows fly around the chicken yard and search for the eggs. Unfortunately, I do not have a game camera however, I have been looking into getting one or two. Do you recommend any brands?
Thank you!