Duck incubation tips? First time with ducks.

[ashswag14]

Can I incubate call ducks, khaki campbells, indian runners, and pekins together? We've hatched chicks but we really want to try ducks to add to our mix. What is the difference in incubation? I have a still air little giant bator. Ideal temp? ideal humidity? is there still lockdown? how much longer than chicks? can we feed them the same thing as our chickens? Difference in brooders? and when do we let them try to swim for the first time? Sorry for the bombarding of questions lol I just want to do it right. I know I could just google all this but I'd rather get advice from real normal people with success and experiences. Thanks

 

[Amiga]

Hey, good you are here - questions are most of what the Duck Forum is about.

Did you see this?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/491013/goose-incubation-hatching-guide-completed

I am not a hatcher, but we have them here. Try the Thread Formerly Known as Hatch Day is Today, too.

From what I read, rule of thumb is 28 days for duck eggs except Muscovy. And it's really difficult to hatch out, from the duckling's point of view, so it takes a while and they are exhausted when they finally come out. Opening the incubator during the last days of the process can kill the ducklings by causing the membrane to "ziplock" and smother the little.