The color of duck eggs can varies because the genetics of the duck breed determine the color of duck eggs. Duck eggs differ from chicken eggs; chicken eggs are limited to tan and brown colors. Duck eggs can be white, cream, blue, green or black in color.
The color of duck eggs can change during a laying season due to the buildup of protoporphyrin pigment within the shell gland of the duck. Ducks can produce black eggs in the spring, gray eggs in the summer and white eggs in the fall. The reason for the color changes in duck eggs are due to the slowdown in the buildup of protoporphyrin pigment.
Duck Eggs: Color, Care and Hatching
The selection of duck breed to raise have much to do with the purpose of the duck breed. Breeds known to produce a high volume of eggs tend to produce pale blue or green eggs. Dual-purpose breeds will produce more fewer eggs but the eggs will be larger with thick shells.
The thicker shell allow the eggs to be shipped more easily and will retain its freshness in the refrigerator for longer period of time. Duck breeds that will reduce feed costs for farmers is breeds that are energetic foragers as they eat bug and greens found in the pasture. However, if the foraging ducks is spooked at the sight of movement, the energetic foragers will scatter.
Therefore, farmers must take into consideration the temperament of the duck breed prior to purchase the ducks. Duck eggs has different nutritional properties than chicken eggs. Duck eggs contain more fat and protein than chicken eggs.
The fat and protein content of duck eggs allow them to be more successful in the preparation of custard and cakes. Additionally, duck eggs have higher levels of omega fatty acid and vitamin that is good for the brain and bones of humans that consume the egg. Due to the thick shells of duck eggs, they are more durable than chicken eggs.
Therefore, farmers dont have to wash their duck eggs every day. Unwashed duck eggs can be left on the counter for up to two weeks before they spoils. If farmers choose to wash the duck eggs they must use warm water as using cold water will push bacteria into the duck eggs through the shell.
In order to hatch duck eggs, farmers have to take into consideration the difference in the incubation of duck eggs as compared to chicken eggs. Farmers have to be patient in allowing time for the duck eggs to incubate as it takes one week longer for duck eggs to incubate than chicken eggs. The humidity in the incubation area has to be managed correct as incorrect humidity level will cause ducklings to get stuck in the shells.
If the incubation process maintains the correct humidity levels, the hatch rate of the duck eggs will increase. A comparison chart exist for each breed of duck that can show farmers information on the egg count, the season in which the breed lays the most number of egg and the shell toughness of the duck eggs.