Yes, platypuses are one of the few mammals that lay eggs. They are monotremes, a unique group of egg-laying mammals that also includes echidnas. Platypuses lay eggs as part of their reproductive process.
Female platypuses construct a nesting burrow, typically located in a riverbank, where they lay one to three eggs. The eggs are relatively small and have a leathery shell. After laying the eggs, the female incubates them by curling around them, providing warmth and protection. The incubation period lasts for about 10 days to two weeks.
Once the eggs hatch, the baby platypuses, called puggles, are small and helpless. They have underdeveloped bodies and are not yet equipped for life outside the burrow. The mother continues to care for and nurse the puggles until they grow larger and more independent.
The egg-laying characteristic is one of the fascinating aspects of platypus biology, setting them apart from the majority of other mammalian species.