Duck eggs moving...do we start lockdown early?

[WelliesNBrellas]

Our Cayuga duck eggs are at day 22 of their 28-day incubation. This is our first time hatching and so far, everything has gone swimmingly. We are very excited at our house but also full of questions.

This morning we have seen several eggs rocking in their incubator. ) Is this normal at 22 days for ducks? Lockdown isn't scheduled for another three days. Do we stick with the schedule or should we bump the humidity up and stop turning early in preparation for a hatch?

Is this the best place to ask or should I ask this on the duck forum?

Thanks so much,
WelliesNBrellas

 

[CayugaMommy]

Hmm, I wish I could help you, but unfortunately this is my first hatch too and I'm afraid I don't know much about movement. I didn't even expect them to move in their shell at day 10! I gasped when I read this post because I too am hatching Cayuga ducks! And they are also on day 22! Make sure you keep me posted on your little sweeties

 

[Farmer Viola]

Hi there! First off, I have never incubated duck eggs. I hope someone experienced in duck eggs comes along. there is also a Duck forum on BYC I think?

Moving/rocking just means the chick is moving around inside the egg usually it only becomes noticeable the last few days for chicken eggs (21 day incubation, might see it from day 19 on).

you could candle the eggs to look for an internal pip. The internal pip is when you need to start lockdown and increase humidity. this is when the chick pokes it's beak into the air cell and begins breathing for the first time. you will usually also hear peeping! but not always. Once I confirm an internal pip (usually day 19-20 for chicken eggs), then I enforce lockdown (no opening) and raise the humidity.

here is a picture of what an internal pip would look like:


I don't think you will have an internal pip yet, and I don't think you will need to enforce lockdown yet.. but only you can see your eggs

 

[WelliesNBrellas]

Thanks for your help, Farmer Viola. The picture of the internal pip is quite helpful as well. I think we'll candle tonight to see if we see any internal pipping. I don't expect to see any beaks...but it's good to know what we're looking for.

So far today, 5 of our 12 eggs have jiggled. It's quite exciting! I still don't hear any sounds (nor do our dogs...who I imagine will be alert to that once it does happen. They have superhero hearing, after all). Unless our candling tells us differently, I guess we'll just be patient and excited.

Thanks again,
WelliesNBrellas