The hatching of the rarest ducklings on earth.
Hi everyone we’re back with a wonderful story about three ducklings of a species that has almost gone extinct.
Ever since I was a little boy, ducklings have been my first love.
So I was thrilled when I got the chance to get some precious rare eggs to incubate and help to protect a once famous duck species from vanishing for good.
The Anas Curvirostra - The Hook Bill
It was capable of producing over 300 eggs a year and had a funny appearance with its curved beak.
Once there were millions of this ducks and now there are only about 80 good (well formed) egg laying female ducks of the Hook Bill left.
I got in contact with a man that is trying to keep the species alive.
We discussed that giving this duck some attention and telling its story could maybe help.
I have learned a lot from him and I was also happy to share my 30+ years of experience in incubating and raising ducklings.
The species could use your help. So in case you’re serious about keeping ducks and you’re interested in the Hook Bill, please send us a mail at SaveHookBill@gmail.com and we will take a look at the possibilities in your country.
Text in this video:
About one hundred years ago
Duck eggs were more important than chicken eggs
One kind of duck in particular was famous for its egg production
And its funny appearance…
The Hook Bill
Once, there were millions of them
Now, all those ducks are gone
Except for about 80 egg laying female ducks
To me that is sad
So I visited a man much like myself
And offered my help in trying to save…
The species from going extinct
I got four rare and precious eggs to put in my incubator
Duck eggs need special treatment
They need to breathe and cool down 10 minutes a day
In three of them…
Life started
Exactly as planned, after 28 days I could hear the first one…
That night
Now IF she is a she, she will be of real importance to her species
She will be one of the ast 80 (and now +1 :) survivors
I was very excited
For a duckling this rare I had never seen before
Under a mother duck…
The egg would be crushed a little, which helps the duckling to hatch
She was clearly exhausted
Yet her sound was strong and relaxed
Outside the incubator, I always keep them warm with my breath
Hello little friend
The next morning the second one hatched
Yeeee… a yellow one
Hmmmm, better keep her with me some more
An hour later it was almost dry
Whilst the first two were going as planned
I thought the third one would be fine as well…
When it was hatching, I thought everything was alright
And still I thought everything was fine
I even thought it was funny how much she matched my beard
…but then I noticed…
This I had seen before…
Her balance was not functioning
Oh no!
She would not be able to walk or eat
This means her chance of survival were close to zero
But I’ve been taking care of ducklings…for 30 years
If I can fixate her for one whole night
She has a small chance her balance recovers
The next morning…fingers crossed
I’m sorry I just can’t always fix it…
So far so good
Now….please, please be able to walk
Here we go little friends
Time for some fresh food
Three weeks later
Used images thanks to E A de Poel and Mr Jan Harteman
Cameras used:
Canon EOSD7
I-Phone 5s
I-Phone 8 plus
Sony HDR NX 30
Music through Epidemic Sound.
Songs:
Cause - Peter Sandberg
Sunhine Stroll 02 - Håkan Eriksson
The Silver Locket -August Welhelmsson
Our Journey - August Welhelmsson
Traditional - Ack Varmeland