There are many moments in life when something appears wrong or unusual. Then there are two options – either ignore it, or do something. Often people choose the first path because the second seems difficult. But sometimes a small step creates a story that touches the heart. This story is also similar—it started with an egg and turned into a unique relationship.
Mysterious egg found on the roadside
One day Irish writer and social media personality Riyadh Khalaf was strolling in Devon, England. Then his eyes fell on a single egg lying in the soil. That egg was completely different—no nest, no other eggs nearby.
It seemed as if someone had abandoned him. Riyadh thought that if it was left here, it might not survive. So he picked it up and brought it with him carefully.
Bringing that egg home safely was no easy task. Car, hotel, train, bus – the egg reached London through many means.
Riyadh had some previous experience raising birds, so he knew that if given the right temperature and care, the egg could survive. They ordered a machine called an incubator—it keeps the eggs warm and safe, just like a mother bird incubates her eggs.
In the beginning he was just an egg, but gradually Riyadh started joining him. As movement started appearing in the egg, their attachment increased further.
Every day would bring a new hope – sometimes a light movement, sometimes a mark of an eye, sometimes a glimpse of a beak. Riyadh was happy to see every little thing and started learning more and more about that little soul.
28 days later…miracle
Finally after 28 days the egg cracked. That moment was very special. The egg was slowly bursting. This process is lengthy and the child has to come out on his own.
About 29 hours later, early in the morning, Riyadh heard a faint sound. When they looked, a small, wet and innocent duckling was looking at them. That was the moment—love at first sight.
Riyadh named the little boy Spike. Now he was not just a child, but had become Riyadh’s responsibility. They set up a special place for him, jokingly called “Duckingham Palace”—where Spike could get everything he needed.
Riyadh took the responsibility of not only keeping Spike alive, but also making him happy and healthy. They installed mirrors so that Spike wouldn’t feel alone looking at himself. Also kept a toy duck so he could learn how to eat food.
Ryadh also made special whistling and duck sounds so that Spike could get used to the birds like him. As Spike began to grow, he was taken outside. Was taken to the park, taught to swim in water and was also taught to find food on his own.
Riyadh also took care that he got proper food. They learned that bread was not a good food for ducks because it did not contain the necessary nutrition.
hardest decision
After about 89 days, the time came when Riyadh had to take the most difficult decision. He knew Spike couldn’t stay with him forever. He has to live among birds like himself, so that he can become a completely normal duck.
So Spike was sent to a rehabilitation center, where he lived with other ducks. Within a few weeks, Spike began to show his true colors. He mingled with his herd and even learned to fly. Seeing this was a moment of both happiness and pride for Riyadh.
But the story did not end here. In late 2024, due to a disease spreading among birds, it became necessary to keep all the ducks inside for their safety.
This required a large shelter, which was not easy to build. Then Riyadh asked her followers for help—and they responded wholeheartedly. Thousands of pounds were raised and a safe place was created for all the ducks.
Where is Spike today?
According to information received in 2025, Spike is now living in a safe haven, where he is being well taken care of.
He’s slowly forgetting Riyadh—which is a little emotional, but it’s a sign that he’s fully adjusted to his new life.