hatching duck eggs......on side or top

[DaKid]

Ok I have seen topic /or post on here about hatching DUCK eggs – some say hatch them on there sides and others place them in the egg turners like chicken eggs ...............so what’s the different or is it just the breeders choice and which they have the best of luck with hatching rates . please post ur input

Thanks Alan

 

[1lpoock]

I think it works best if you do it just like the mother duck would. Incubate them on their sides and hand turn 3-5 times a day.

 

[duckyfromoz]

My first few attempts with incubating in a turner where they were standing upright- were not as good hatches as when I layed them on their sides and hand turned them. I will always hand turn my eggs from now... It also makes for easier candling.

 

[Scott]

Quote:
Waterfowl eggs get better hatch rates if turned on their side. The difference is that most vertical auto-turners only tilt the egg from side to side. In nature, eggs aren't incubated in that position. They are shifted by the hen on theri side. Waterfowl eggs are not as easy to hatch as chicken eggs, so we have to do what we can to get as close to natural incubation. I've got 9 call duck eggs incubating on their side right now... all 9 are developing as of today (day 16).

If you need some sources let me know.

 

[MagsC]

I have always incubated and had them hatch on their sides, turning three to five times a day.
I tried once with an egg carton and not one hatched. That was just my experience though.

 

[destinduck]

I think it is the rolling of the eggs. not whether they are vertical or horizontal.but I am gonna take 8 eggs (grey calls) same bator, put 4 in the vertical turner and the other half on their side,but Im gonna roll(hand turn) all of them. ill post later how it works out( curious myself)

BTW duckyfromoz did you ever try hand turning while you were using your vertical turner? I have mainly used the forced air incubators with the vertical turners for all my eggs(ducks,pheasants,quail) but I also have a habit of hand turning them too.

 

[DaKid]

Thanks every1

alan