Hatching batches in the same incubator

[Jinglebells0518]

if I hatch 2 batches of duck eggs in the same incubator a week apart, what do I do during lockdown?

I'm going to raise the humidity but what about turning the younger eggs. My automatic turner is either the whole incubator or not at all and I've been hand turning thus far. A second incubator is not really an option. Is it okay to open 3 times a day to turn the younger eggs? If I do, should I spray the lockdown egg with warm water so it doesn't let too much humidity escape? Should I not turn the younger eggs? Will they be okay? What's the best way to go about this with one incubator being my only option.

 

[Redhead Rae]

I have a cheapo incubator for hatching and a more expensive Brinsea Ovation for starting eggs in my stagger hatching. I currently have 3 batches of eggs in the incubators. One batch is hatching today, one is 9 days and another is 2 days. You can read about my staggered hatches below.

 

[Redhead Rae]

The cheapo incubator temp doesn't stay consistent enough for starting the eggs, but for the last 3 days, it works great!

 

[Jinglebells0518]

The cheapo incubator temp doesn't stay consistent enough for starting the eggs, but for the last 3 days, it works great!

What kind os the cheap one? The cheapest I've found to hold the number of eggs I have is around $60.. I likely won't ever be doing this again so I really don't want to have to buy a second incubator. I know people have had success using just one. I would like to know what you change and which eggs take priority at that point in time

 

[Ladybird CA]

I wouldn't worry too much about turning the eggs when they are in their last week. Eggs need to be turned so the yolk doesn't kill the chick but at that stage they outgrow the yolk. Also the ducklings will run around and turn the eggs. But if you are really worried you can probably try tilting the incubator a little so they roll but not enough to get cracked.

 

[Redhead Rae]

What kind os the cheap one? The cheapest I've found to hold the number of eggs I have is around $60.. I likely won't ever be doing this again so I really don't want to have to buy a second incubator. I know people have had success using just one. I would like to know what you change and which eggs take priority at that point in time

Ah, if this is a one time shot, it should be doable. If you want to turn the newer eggs a couple times a day, just make sure to keep the humidity up. I check on my eggs during lockdown all the time.

 

[Redhead Rae]

@WVduckchick can you advise?

 

[Jinglebells0518]

Ah, if this is a one time shot, it should be doable. If you want to turn the newer eggs a couple times a day, just make sure to keep the humidity up. I check on my eggs during lockdown all the time.

Oh that makes me feel better. I asked this question before but the only answer I really got was buy another incubator. I know people do it other ways so I'm trying to get like down to the minute instructions. I lost both my ducks last time so I want to do everything possible to insure survival!

So if you've seen me post before it's because I'm a curious/paranoid parent! This forum has been so helpful so I appreciate everyone reading through all my posts and answering all my questions that have been asked before but don't have the exact right situation to pertain to me! Thank you all!

 

[mzhof]

The cheapo incubator temp doesn't stay consistent enough for starting the eggs, but for the last 3 days, it works great!

I'm doing the same, one for starting and one for hatching. But my cheapo, used one doesn't keep humidity up so I'm considering using it to start and hatching in the newer one. Got too excited with ebay bidding and ended up with eggs all over the place days to weeks apart, you've got to stagger them and not enough incubators!

 

[WVduckchick]

They are only a week apart?? What breed of duck?
As was said, its not absolutely necessary to turn during them the last week, so I would remove the turner, probably wait till day 26 for the first group, and lay them all down in proper position (lowest dip of air cell side up).
And if you want to continue to turn the others, go for it. But they should be fine.

I do like to make a separator wall to keep the others off the later eggs, but its not absolutely necessary.