Humidity for hatching duck eggs?

[duckman4450]

I know the ideal temperature is 99.5 fahrenheit, but can range from 98-101, no higher. I also know that the last 5 days or so the humidity should be at roughly 90%, but as for the whole other part of the incubation, what is an ideal constant humidity to keep the eggs at? They are mallard eggs if that changes anything.

 

[cherylr21]

Here they are LOL

 

[Marty1876]

Yes, pretty much. Ideally they will be 99 to 99.5, but if you go up or down briefly its no problem. The more eggs or water filled objects to take up space in the incubator, the better it will hold temp without wandering up and down all the time. Remember, don't freak if it moves a bit, but try to keep it at 99. Its the temp INSIDE the eggs thats important. I actually bought a toy called a water weasil (google it) and if you keep it in with your eggs, you can stick a medical thermometer in it, and always know what the temp inside your eggs are based on the temp inside the water weasil. Very useful tool to keep one from stressing too much. If you keep the water weasil temps at 99-99.5, you always know your eggs are ok even if the air temp varies. It takes a little while for air temp changes to change the inside the egg temps.

Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you need add'l help as you get closer to hatch. I'm always glad to help.

 

[Marty1876]

Hi Duckman!

I love hatching ducks. I keep my humidity between 35-and 45% as much as possible the first 25 days. Then, up humidity to 75%. 90% is a bit high.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/491013/goose-incubation-hatching-guide-completed I think you will find this link very helpfull. I use this to the dot for goose eggs, and its pretty much what I do for ducks allready. However, I only cool the duck eggs for 15 minutes, not 30, and I spritz mine directly 2-3x a day, just like a mama duck getting up for a quick snack and swim, then back to the eggs.

Happy Hatching!

 

[TaraRoberts]

Please share the results with everyone Lori.  Its good education. 



Awww congrats on the little one, and we'll pray the others make it too. 

 

[WVduckchick]

I agree, a couple weeks old is about maximum, but set whatever you have room for. The oldest ones may not start developing, but if you have room in your incubator, it's worth a shot.

This is what you should see when candling, this one is about day 7 or so.

Good luck!

 

[duckman4450]

Yes, pretty much. Ideally they will be 99 to 99.5, but if you go up or down briefly its no problem. The more eggs or water filled objects to take up space in the incubator, the better it will hold temp without wandering up and down all the time. Remember, don't freak if it moves a bit, but try to keep it at 99. Its the temp INSIDE the eggs thats important. I actually bought a toy called a water weasil (google it) and if you keep it in with your eggs, you can stick a medical thermometer in it, and always know what the temp inside your eggs are based on the temp inside the water weasil. Very useful tool to keep one from stressing too much. If you keep the water weasil temps at 99-99.5, you always know your eggs are ok even if the air temp varies. It takes a little while for air temp changes to change the inside the egg temps.

Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you need add'l help as you get closer to hatch. I'm always glad to help.

Yes this helped a lot, I think I might buy a Water Weasel! Although I did purchase a nice little digital thermometer and humidity gauge in-one which I think will help a lot! I'll keep this stuff in mind, and I'll let you know if I need anything else. I'll try to remember to let you know when they hatch, but it will be a while

thanks again for your help!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

be sure you calibrate the thermometer or it could be way off and you would never know it. An off thermometer can cause bad hatches.

 

[HugHess]

My question is how can hens successfully brood duck eggs if higher humidity is needed?
Do duck eggs absorb more moisture, as needed, from the hen's body?
This kinda 'train' of thought keeps me up at night and (if it ain't chicken related) inattentive for the rest of the day!

 

[WVduckchick]

the first 2 pix are at 14 days the last 2 were about 5 or so

What kind of eggs? From your lines, looks like humidity could be lowered just a bit, but looks like they are doing fine.

For several years I've hatched chicken eggs and next spring I intend to hatch both chicken and duck eggs at the same time. I've talked to several people and read the literature and "how to" book that came along with the incubator. It looks like the temperature is the same and humidity is similar. Since duck eggs take a week longer, they will go in a week sooner. After a week I will add the chicken eggs and 18 days later I should be able to do lockdown and proceed as I usually do. Hopefully I will get both peeps and ducklings.

Technically, it does work, as long as the ducks are regular mallard derived ducks. (Call ducks hatch around day 26, Muscovy's around day 35). So assuming they are pekins or the like, it should be ok. And depending on what kind of chicks, some need different humidity, depending on size and shells. So while in theory it works ok, care should be taken on the types of eggs done together. One other consideration is brooding, depending on breeds, you may or may not want to put them together once they hatch. Good luck! Keep us posted.