Call Ducks Finally Hatched

[AmandaVirginia]

Wow! I wonder how it got that high! I wouldn't call it denial, just hope. Praying that they pull through. And, just look at it this way, if two hatch (one male and one female) and you keep the female, while you'd have to rehome the male as a single duckling - Wobbles has been a single duckling thus far and he is perfectly happy and healthy. All will be well, I believe

 

[Amykins]

Wow! I wonder how it got that high! I wouldn't call it denial, just hope. Praying that they pull through. And, just look at it this way, if two hatch (one male and one female) and you keep the female, while you'd have to rehome the male as a single duckling - Wobbles has been a single duckling thus far and he is perfectly happy and healthy. All will be well I believe.

True, but he's also imprinted and bonded to me, so it was easier on him I think. I doubt whomever would take in the other duckling would be willing or able to make such a huge commitment.

 

[Kaessa]

What is a good incubator to buy if I don't want to spend a fortune?

I think I may have hubby convinced to try incubating some next year.

 

[AmandaVirginia]

Say it! I am with you! I definently think on the front page on the front page of BYC the first thing it should say is DONT BUY A CHEAP STILL AIR BATOR!!!! I think if anyone want to hatch call they HAVE to do it in a forced air either homemade or expensive bator. No cheap stryafoam or still air! Well at least you still have three. I was going to say you could just send the duckling back to me if its a male..... but you arent npip.

Hey, I have a still air styrofoam bator and it got me a 92% hatch rate with my Mallards in the Fall. I understand Calls are more difficult but I still have hope I can hatch mine out with it. It hasn't let me down yet. I try to always be hopeful.

 

[Amykins]

What is a good incubator to buy if I don't want to spend a fortune?

I think I may have hubby convinced to try incubating some next year.

Unfortunately, this is one of those things you simply can't afford to skimp on. I bought a cheap bator for my first duck hatch and it was an utter disaster. I lost all my eggs. The still-air one I got for my backup was $40, which is still cheap by comparison. You're gonna have to drop at least $100 or more for a decent quality, dependable incubator. Otherwise you're gambling with their lives. Just look at my mistakes, I'm living proof. My rcom mini is one of the best on the market, and even though it only holds three eggs it still cost about $120 on Amazon.

However, since I got it I've had 66% hatch rate for my shipped call eggs (they all made it to hatch but one died in the process) and 100% hatch rate for chicken eggs.

 

[18angovem]

Hey, I have a still air styrofoam bator and it got me a 92% hatch rate with my Mallards in the Fall. I understand Calls are more difficult but I still have hope I can hatch mine out with it. It hasn't let me down yet. I am always hopeful.

Yeah but mallards practically hatch themselves! lol.

 

[Kaessa]

Unfortunately, this is one of those things you simply can't afford to skimp on. I bought a cheap bator for my first duck hatch and it was an utter disaster. I lost all my eggs. The still-air one I got for my backup was $40, which is still cheap by comparison. You're gonna have to drop at least $100 or more for a decent quality, dependable incubator. Otherwise you're gambling with their lives. Just look at my mistakes, I'm living proof. My rcom mini is one of the best on the market, and even though it only holds three eggs it still cost about $120 on Amazon.

I don't have a problem spending $100 or more on a good incubator, I know you get what you pay for. I just don't want to get the most expensive thing out there when something less expensive will do just as well.

I'll take a look a the rcom mini, I think three eggs would be a good amount to start.

(This one? http://www.amazon.com/R-Com-Plastic-Digital-Auto-Turning-Incubator/dp/B00OK5S0QW )

 

[AmandaVirginia]

Yeah but mallards practically hatch themselves! lol.

I had to assist with one, actually. We'll see. I don't agree with your comment though.

 

[buff goose guy]

X2 all of my mallards that have internally pipped all hatch , they don't need mom that much unless they get miss positioned while hatching

 

[AmandaVirginia]

I'd say eleven out of twelve is wonderful.
They were all shipped Mallard eggs as well.