Do duck eggs in the winter loose viability?

[Pollopato]

I am just finishing a run of 48 duck eggs. Three dozen kahki campell and one dozen welsh harlequin. 4 of the harlequin may hatch and the rest show no signs of growth when candled. Im using a new to me cheaper incubator and i was going to replace it unless it could be the eggs at this time of year. Im up near Vancouver BC. Thanks for advice. I have calibrated the temp and humidity.

 

[sourland]

It can happen. Some drakes are less sexually active during short day length periods. Also eggs can become excessively chilled unless collected frequently. If it is possible to add swimming water (I know difficult this time of year) , it can sometimes boost mating and fertility.

 

[Pyxis]

Seconding Sourland - sometimes the drakes just don't do a lot of mating this time of year, and if the eggs are getting cold before you're collecting them, that could ruin viability as well.

 

[Pollopato]

Ok. Thank you. I guess ill give this incubator another try closer to spring.