Some love stories are so unique that they deserve to be shared. Among those is the extraordinary tale between a man and the delightful creature that hatched from a mysterious egg he found and nurtured.
The Beginning of a Unique Bond
The captivating journey of Riyadh and Spike kicks off much like a children’s story. “One day, a man was walking along and spotted a lone egg where an egg should not have been…” This charming tale unfolds with curiosity, care, and an emotional connection that has enchanted people around the globe.
Encountering the Egg
Iranian author and activist Riyadh Khalaf found an egg while strolling through Devon, England. He captured the moment in a video, noting, “We just found what we think is a duck egg,” observing how it was all alone, without a nest or any other eggs nearby.
Taking Action to Save a Life
Convinced the egg wouldn’t survive without intervention, Riyadh carefully placed it in a cushioned paper cup and took it home to London. His background in breeding chickens and pigeons gave him some confidence. He ordered an incubator from Amazon, a device designed to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity, mimicking the warmth a mother bird provides.
The Journey of Hatching
Once the egg was safely in the incubator, the wait began. Each passing day brought significant changes in the egg’s development, transforming Riyadh into an enthusiastic “duck dad.” As he learned more about caring for ducks, his anticipation grew, and after 28 days, cracks appeared on the eggshell, marking the beginning of hatching.
Meeting Spike
At 4:51 AM, after waiting for hours, Riyadh woke up to the sound of tiny tweets. “There was just this little wet alien staring back at me. It was love at first sight,” he exclaimed, naming his new friend Spike. As Spike grew, he was introduced to “Duckingham Palace,” a carefully crafted environment designed for his mental and physical well-being.
Preparing Spike for the Wild
Understanding the importance of acclimating Spike to his natural instincts, Riyadh facilitated a learning process. He ensured Spike learned to forage and swim, while also providing a nutritious diet tailored to his needs. Notably, Riyadh discovered that bread is unsuitable for ducks and worked hard to give Spike a healthy upbringing.
A New Chapter at the Rehabilitation Center
Eventually, after 89 days, the time arrived for Spike to move to a rehabilitation center where he could be with other ducks. In a short time, he adapted well, displaying his mallard colors and even taking his first flight. However, as challenges arose, such as a bird flu outbreak that required the flock to be kept indoors, Riyadh rallied his community for support, successfully raising over £11,000 to build a safe indoor facility for the ducks.
Spike’s New Home and Future
As of June 2025, Spike resides with Leanne Clarke at “The Quack Shack,” a rescue shelter made possible largely due to Riyadh’s efforts. As Spike starts to forget about his past, it’s bittersweet; however, it signifies his successful transition into a safe, thriving life. This story stands as a testament to the impact of care and compassion, a beautiful reminder of what can happen when we choose to make a difference.
