Duck Hatching Take 2- give me your tips

[Islandmom511]

After a terrible first hatch rate, I’m trying again on 12 white layer ducks. I learned a lot this time around:
*Less candling.
*Rotate the eggs throughout the incubator since it has a hot spot.
*Get a second thermometer & hydrometer (any suggestions on brands???) as I think mine might be off.
*Mist the eggs once a day.
*Let the eggs sit for a full 24 hours before setting.

Any other tips/suggestions to increase hatch rate??? I really want to be more successful! I’ve read the guide to hatching , but would love your suggestions as well! Thanks in advance!

 

[RubyNala97]

Are these shipped eggs? What incubator are you using?

 

[Islandmom511]

Are these shipped eggs? What incubator are you using?

Shipped eggs. Coming from the same state. Incubator is a still air little giant.

 

[RubyNala97]

Shipped eggs. Coming from the same state. Incubator is a still air little giant.

Ok, that info helps! The little giants are notorious for having temp fluctuations. So you are definitely on the right track with having a separate thermometer & hygrometer that are calibrated. Do you need any info on how to calibrate? I would be on the lookout for the temp fluctuations.

As for the eggs being shipped, the biggest thing is seeing how damaged they are once they arrive. Damage you can see happens to the air cells. Hopefully the trip won’t be to hard on them. Have you done research specifically on hatching shipped eggs?

 

[Islandmom511]

Do you have a hydrometer/thermometer brand you recommend? I would love info on calibration please!
I have read a little bit about shopped eggs and I’m afraid I was too anxious this last time to put them into the bator, rather than let them settle like I should have.

 

[RubyNala97]

This is the hygrometer I use:
https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Read-Temperature-Fahrenheit-Thermometer-Hygrometer/dp/B00MXEA3X0
And the thermometer:
https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...&ved=0ahUKEwjy_se2g8fcAhVihuAKHcS7CD4QgTYItAI