Hatching Ducks

[Ellcrabb2203]

Hey everyone. It’s day 27 of the incubation stage with my Indian Runner Ducks and I haven’t transferred them to a “hatchery” as I don’t have one. Are they still going to be okay? I’ve lowered the temp to 35.2°C and am hoping to get pipping tomorrow. Should I candle them? Shall I try and hear them? First time so any advice is appreciated.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Isaac 0 @WVduckchick @Pyxis

 

[Ratchnick]

Usualy You stop turning and raise humidity 3 days before hatch. This is called lockdown. I have only hatched quail not ducks but i believe the principals are the same. Candeling should have taken place right before lockdown. Your so close to hatch (28 days for ducks right) i would not touch them as they are probably moving into hatch position.

 

[Ellcrabb2203]

Thank you. That is what I’ve done. I’ve stopped turning them and raised humidity.

 

[TheChicken-nator]

I'm so happy for you, hopefully your hatch turns out well. I have a duck sitting on 12 maybe 13 eggs and they are on day 24. But don't touch, candle, or disrupt the eggs environment or it could affect them. How many do eggs do you have?

 

[Ellcrabb2203]

I'm so happy for you, hopefully your hatch turns out well. I have a duck sitting on 12 maybe 13 eggs and they are on day 24. But don't touch, candle, or disrupt the eggs environment or it could affect them. How many do eggs do you have?

Thank you! Fingers crossed it goes well for you too! I’ve only got 3 eggs at the moment as it’s my first time and I’ve only got a small incubator!

 

[TheChicken-nator]

Watching the chicks grow inside the egg is one of the most beautiful things ever. I love seeing them

 

[Isaac 0]

Hey everyone. It’s day 27 of the incubation stage with my Indian Runner Ducks and I haven’t transferred them to a “hatchery” as I don’t have one. Are they still going to be okay? I’ve lowered the temp to 35.2°C and am hoping to get pipping tomorrow. Should I candle them? Shall I try and hear them? First time so any advice is appreciated.

That's fine, I don't have a hatcher either. I'm not sure if you are using a still air or a forced air, but if you are using the latter your temp should be between 99F- to 99.5F during lockdown. I candle a few times during lockdown with my Calls so I can judge the aircell, as well as see when they internally pipped, to see if I need to add a safety hole, it's fine as long as you get the humidity back up, and so you don't jostle the eggs around, and disorient the ducklings.