duck eggs stopped hatching

[jamesk53]

I recently started raising duck eggs and have been getting worse and worse results. First batch had 100% hatch, then I had 90% but after several more batches I have now had two that had a zero hatch rate. I've been noticing that most of the eggs that don't have have darker areas on/in the shell. I'm wondering if the chicks are dying to bacterial problems? Has anyone else experienced darkened eggs during a hatch?

 

[sourland]

Do you disinfect the incubator between hatches?

 

[jamesk53]

Yes, but I'm wondering if I didn't do it thoroughly. There were also some times the temp got up to 102 degrees, but I wasn't sure for how long. I'm wondering if the darkened eggs are more likely from temp or bacteria...

 

[sourland]

Have you done a calibration check on your thermometer? Perhaps there is a temperature problem also.

 

[jamesk53]

I did, but the temp did rise to 102 for an unknown length of time, which I believe is high enough to kill developing birds, right?