"Fish" the Duck

Fish

By: Hope Scotting

                The anatomy class this year were given the chance to raise duck eggs. Kelly Deters gave the class two eggs on March 25^th of this year. The gestation period for a duck egg is around twenty eight days. Before the egg was hatched it was kept in an incubator; the temperature was set to 38˚ C, 99˚ F.  There was also a pan of water placed in the incubator. The water created the correct level of humidity for the egg. During the gestation period, the egg was rotated about every four days. The main goal when taking care of an egg in an incubator is to simulate the conditions the mother would place the egg in.

                After the twenty eight day gestation the age hatched on April, 21^st. The duck was named Fish by Abbie, Dani, and Leah. Fish immediately became attached to humans; Fish was very impressionable as a baby and has grown to love human attention. During the day Fish stays at the school; during the night and during non-school time Fish stays between Mr. Haynes, Kelly Deter, Emily, Abbie, Dani, Leah, and Eric. It has not been determined if Fish is a boy or girl yet. Fish has already began to form a crop; a crop is a formation of duck feed around the neck that is held to be ate later. This summer Fish will stay will Leah; after Fish is the proper size Fish will go to live on Kendra’s farm.