duck eggs overdue but still alive

[juliachick]

I have shipped cayuga duck eggs on day 31 but just candled again (before giving up on the hatch) and saw movement in 7. Not sure on 1. We use a little giant still air. Had an auto turner that we took out a few days before day 28. Temp has been right about 99.5. Let it go down a little for the hatch. The post office was rough with the box. Several of the eggs were broken when I got them. I don't know what to think now after seeing a little movement. I took out all of the ones that never developed. Could my therm. be off and maybe it ran lower and so they just aren't done yet? Or could the rough shipping make the hatch slower. I have d'uccle eggs coming on Tues that I want to start this week with some of our own silkie eggs. But can't start the until these ducks finish.

Anyone ever have ducks take this long and actually hatch?

 

[mommissan]

I can't answer that. I have 4 duck eggs in my bator now. First duck eggs for me. They were gifted to me by a friend.

I do know that I've left 2-3 thermometers in my incubator and had 2-3 different readings, as much as 3-4 degrees different. Hygrometer readings were even worse. I'm guessing that your reading might be a tad low, and that their development might be just a bit behind? If you still see movement, then I see no reason to give up.

I hope they make it. I'm anxious to hear how they do!

Maybe some other folks might have better insight?

 

[sumi]

I think you should pop in and ask on this thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/594278/thread-formerly-known-as-hatch-day-is-today

These guys have been hatching duck eggs for awhile and I'm positive they will be able to advice you. Good luck!!

 

[juliachick]

thx I will!!!

 

[juliachick]

I can't believe that no hatch yet but definite movement in at least a few eggs. They are on day 35. Should I try to help? I have 3 therm's in there and the temp is good. Would something with the rough shipping make this happen.

 

[chickenz101]

If they have broken into the air sac they won't last much longer, I made the mistake of not helping once when I saw one that had broke through the air sac but wasnt strong enough in the egg and died from lack of oxygen, I would try and crack them, especially if it's over by a week

 

[juliachick]

We had ONE hatch. She was adorable and thought I was her mother. I was doing an imprinting project for school and it was working perfectly.Her name was Pippin and it was devastating when she died. Somehow the heat lamp came undone and fell. It fell right on top of her. We were heartbroken. It makes me want to never again hatch ducks. R.I.P. My little Pippin.

 

[desiree210]

My Cayuga is laying an egg a day consistently there are now 17 eggs. She started laying about twenty days ago. I candled an egg but not sure what I'm looking at. It looked like there was a dark mass and within the mass a dark little notch. I don't think I saw veins...is it dead or will they be okay until she is done laying