First time Incubating

[Oceanseve]

Is it really as complicated as Storey makes it out to be?

All the info on the web is so confusing. Turn them every 8 hours, turn them every hour, don't turn them? Start temp at 99.5 or 100.5? Lower temp a half or full degree a few days before hatch? Up humidity to 85 or 75 percent a couple days before hatch? How long can I expect swedish eggs to incubate? Should I spray them or not? Should I cool them as Storey suggests? Ah! I'm so confused!

 

[ChickenPrnces]

It sounds like we are talking duck eggs here. I recently hatched some runner duck eggs. I incubated at 99.5 in a forced air incubator the whole 28 days. I had chicken eggs in too so humidity was more complicated. I had to keep my humidity at 40% the first 18 days and then shot it up to 70% for hatch. I had 3 out of 5 hatch great! I was told by a great duck hatcher that misting them with warm water during incubation and lockdown will help the hatch because ducks have very hard shells and the water helps soften them up! They do need to be turned 3 - 4 timesa day. Pretty much all duck eggs incubate for 28 days except for Muscovy.

 

[NYRIR]

Quote:Originally Posted by Oceanseve

Is it really as complicated as Storey makes it out to be?

All the info on the web is so confusing. Turn them every 8 hours, turn them every hour, don't turn them?

I would turn 3-5 times a day.
Start temp at 99.5 or 100.5 ?

With a fan-100.5 Without a fan 102.0


Lower temp a half or full degree a few days before hatch?

Increase ventilation,lower temp 1/2 to 1 degree.



Up humidity to 85 or 75 percent a couple days before hatch?


Yes...but I would do 75-80 %

How long can I expect swedish eggs to incubate?

25-28 days

Should I cool them as Storey suggests?


I have never done it but I am going to this time.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/491013/goose-incubation-hatching-guide-completed


Happy hatching!

 

[Oceanseve]

Thanks for the responses! You guys are making me feel better It just seems like there is a huge range of info which leaves a beginner at a loss. That link is awesome! Thanks!

 

[NYRIR]

Thanks for the responses! You guys are making me feel better It just seems like there is a huge range of info which leaves a beginner at a loss. That link is awesome! Thanks!

Welcome!