First incubation of duck eggs

[Kiki]

If your incubator floor is slick move them now if the brooder is warm.

 

[JS69135]

I’ve move all but two hatched and one yet to be hatched to the brooder. Two hatched just before I went I bed, and one is trying to hatch still, but I don’t think it is going to make it. I see a lot of blood, like it broke one of its own blood vessels - I’m hopeful it will make it, but I’ve been reading that this could be a bad sign. The poor thing just doesn’t seem to have the vigor as the rest.

I’d say this has been a successful first time duckling hatch for us! Thank you all for your advice and support.

 

[Miss Lydia]

View attachment 1879872

I’m using old soft towels. Is that too slick? I have about a hundred of them and I can wash the bedding twice a day. I figured it would be more sanitary. I used wood shavings for my chickens, and it was messy. And I understand that my little duck nuggets are even messier.

great set up but they are going to grow out of it fast. lol

 

[Miss Lydia]

Congrats! did the little one make it out?

 

[starri33]

I agree.

5 have hatched. The first one is flailing around like there is rubber in her neck, how do I help her? And after I move them to their brooder, when do I have to worry about splay legs?all of them came out with it.

The flopping around like she's got rubber in her neck I think is kinda normal, my chicks do that for the first 24 hours or so, made me a nervous wreck with my first hatch. I use a piece of shelf liner (that rubber stuff) for the bottom of the incubator, keeps them from slipping and sliding, I'd be worried with the towels as they could get their toes hooked in it. But I'm sure others have used it with no problem. I've had a few failed to hatch and failed to thrive, breaks my heart every time it happens. How are their legs doing this morning?

 

[JS69135]

Congrats! did the little one make it out?

Yes, the little one did. A lot of blood when the little one popped out, protruding navel, but breathing strong, and alert. I think it’s a he, he’s resting well in the incubator. Steady breath.

 

[JS69135]

The flopping around like she's got rubber in her neck I think is kinda normal, my chicks do that for the first 24 hours or so, made me a nervous wreck with my first hatch. I use a piece of shelf liner (that rubber stuff) for the bottom of the incubator, keeps them from slipping and sliding, I'd be worried with the towels as they could get their toes hooked in it. But I'm sure others have used it with no problem. I've had a few failed to hatch and failed to thrive, breaks my heart every time it happens. How are their legs doing this morning?

Some are a bit more more splayed than others, but they are seeming to correct it. We’ll see. They are active, drinking and eating already. So cute. So messy.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That’s awesome to hear! Belly looking better too?

 

[JS69135]

great set up but they are going to grow out of it fast. lol

They will, and I’m preparing for that, and their permanent home. I’m having a landscape company build a pond for them too.

 

[JS69135]

That’s awesome to hear! Belly looking better too?

Yes, much better. Thanks!