any tips on hatching call duck eggs?

[JacinLarkwell]

@Overo Mare

 

[Painted Calls]

@shawluvsbirds and @WVduckchick are also pros at hatching Calls.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

i also have a question about humidity, some people say 55% for the first 23 days and some people say 35%, anyone know which one is right?

Well. I will start by saying everything you read is just a general guide. Especially when it comes to humidity it's going to largely depend on your incubator and the humidity where you live. I generally start out in the 30 to 35% range and just watch my air cells and adjust accordingly. I'll be back with some reading material for you.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/incubation-humidity.73386/

 

[shawluvsbirds]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Assistance is not always necessary. But it is good to be prepared and know what to do.
Usually the closer to show standard you get the shorter the necks and bills are making it harder for them to hatch. I also feel like air cell size plays a role at hatch time. If the air cell is too big they may have trouble reaching it to externally pip. Too small and they may be stuck and unable to move. So for me watching the air cell size has brought more success than worrying about keeping the exact percentage of humidity.

 

[thecallducks]

thank you for giving me some information on call duck hatching!

 

[WVduckchick]

Assisting Call Duck Hatches

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

These are both good guides. The first is more focused around assisting, once you know it will be necessary to assist. The second gives more details into the factors that determine whether to assist or not. So please be sure to read them both.

Also if you do order from eBay (after vetting the seller, as was already mentioned) know whether they are more show quality or more pet quality. Calls can be a big challenge, and it’s not uncommon for them to die shortly before hatching. Please don’t shy away from the pet quality breeders, as they are easier to hatch, especially for a beginner. Much less stress, trust me. And you will love them just as much!

And beware… call ducks are addictive!
Good luck!