I have fertilized duck eggs. I have silver appleyard ducks. They are great layers and very nice ducks. I also live in Westport, MA.. not far from RI or CT.
I use these... I put them on 4x4s on a peice of cement board so the goats don't tip them over in the free range area. In the chicken runs I zip tie the handle to the hardware cloth.
Great chicks at great price in Massachusetts:
Isbar $10
Chocolate Cuckoo Orpingtons $20
Lavender Cuckoo Orpingtons $20
Svart Hona $30
Straight run (females and males not separated).
NPIP tested by State- Pullorum, Thypoid, and Avian Flu Negative!
All vaccinated for Merek's...
I call Peter Brown (first state vet supply) for a consult. He thinks mine have coccidiosis. This is highly likely since I did have an outbreak when they were chicks.
The antibiotic is great for respiratory issues. I would worry if my chickens afterwards would be carriers for what ever they have.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/m/#publication?id=PS044
Excellent article... I hope this helps. I have some chicken the same age that are ill. Lost a few and don't know why. Lost one the other day... My mom said he was skinny and breathing hard and then died a few minutes later. I keep checking...