First day in the incubator!

[NewDucklings17]

Hello! I have a few questions, i made a homemade incubator, styrofoam cooler, 23 watt light bulb, temperature and humidity gauge and a little holder for the eggs to rest on.so far it is working great! Holding temperature between 99° and 100°. However i am really confused on the humidity. I have read that it should be in the 80's, 50's and 30's. But which one is it? Currently it is at 52%. The duck eggs are fertile, i candled them to make sure, a couple are a little more progressed than the others but not by much. How often a day do they need turned? Ive read between once a day to at least 3 or 4 times a day. Also, what day do you stop turning the eggs before hatching and should the temp and humidity be raised during the hatching period? If so raised to what? Sorry for all the questions but there is so much information that isnt the same! Thank you all!

 

[eggbert420]

Turn eggs a odd number of times per day, so that they won't be left on the same side two night's in a row. I'm not sure on humidity for ducks. Chickens I like to keep it around 30% for the first 17 days, then 70% 18-21.

 

[NewDucklings17]

Turn eggs a odd number of times per day, so that they won't be left on the same side two night's in a row. I'm not sure on humidity for ducks. Chickens I like to keep it around 30% for the first 17 days, then 70% 18-21.

That helps with the turning and makes sense. Thank you! Ive turned them 3 times today so ill leave them be until tomorrow morning.

 

[eggbert420]

No problem.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. I'd suggest asking on the duck forum - https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks

You'll find lots of info in the Learning Centre - https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center and if you have a specific topic in mind, just type it in the search box - there's a wealth of information on past and present threads.

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224

All the best
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under NewDucklings17

Welcome!

As you have already received some good advice and links to some great starting points, I will just wish you all the best.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and

! Pleased you joined our community! Looks like CTKen gave you some great links regarding your ducks so I will just say best wishes and happy hatching!

 

[N F C]

Best wishes for a good hatch!