Black spot growing on duck egg in incubator hatching time

[Scornwell]

Humblehen207, I noticed that with my first hatch. I had only a 50% hatch. This time I put hay under them in the incubator and had a 78% hatch. I'm not sure if that was the key factor in my more successful hatch rate but the ducklings sure seemed a lot more comfortable after the hatch and didn't push the eggs everywhere. They sat with their heads on other eggs and talked to the ducks inside the eggs. Twice I caught them helping them peck out of their shells. Most amazing thing! Good luck with yours I have 14 little guys running around. Hoping I can give some away. Too many ducks for me as awesome as they are.

 

[Scornwell]

 

[Scornwell]

 

[Scornwell]

 

[Scornwell]

 

[Scornwell]

 

[Rachele anne]

I never thought of putting hay in there I'm gonna try that next time I incubate

 

[Scornwell]

I just thought well, mama would have them in a nest so what's the harm? They are still able to rock themselves into position but no egg bowling after the first hatchlings come out

 

[Rachele anne]

Ya that makes sense how did you do with the humidity and the hay?

 

[Scornwell]

No difference. Adding the water was a bit tricky, but my husband drilled holes in the sides and I kept them covered with duct tape until I needed to add water. I would stick in a straw an push water through with the Baster/syringe thing you can get in the supermarket. The humidity was steady though, no big dips or increases.