Hatching Pekin duck egg

[TBrogan]

So i have two Pekin ducks that i got by chance when there were only a few days old. Their names are Willie Nelson and Stevie Nicks. I did nothing but research on ducks and it helped them grow to be big beautiful, almost one year of Pekins! i decides to let them have a baby to be a nice happy duck family.
the question I have is, I kept the duck egg in the incubator for about 30 days, saw veins growing and it got darker and darker inside the egg by candling as it should, I have it in a cage all ready with food and water and heat lamp but nothing so far. maybe it might hatch tomorrow and maybe I'm typing this because I'm nervous for it, but did i do anything wrong?

 

[Isaac 0]

You are hatching it under a heat lamp?

 

[TBrogan]

Yes, the egg is in a small cage with a heat lamp right above it for warmth

 

[TBrogan]

Yes, the egg is in a small cage with a heat lamp right above it for warmth

 

[Isaac 0]

Hatching under a heat lamp is going to produce a very low hatch rate, since its hard to control the temp and humidity. Have you candled recently to check for any movement within the egg?

 

[TBrogan]

I just did, there is still a empty spot near the top where it looks hollow and the rest is dark. i saw some clear outlines but nothing moving. I hope I did'nt leave it in for too long or get my hope up on a dud.

 

[Isaac 0]

Hi Everyone, I am new to ducks too. I got 2 Rouens this year with some more baby chicks.
I am currently feeding them a duck and gosling brand starter feed. I do have some questions.

Can they go to chick feed (unmedicated) later on and when they are bigger, say 12 to 16 weeks would they be ok eating the layer feed I give my full grown chickens?
I have read things on grit, should they start having a little of that at a young age? Is this something they will absolutely need.
Don't get me wrong, I have done some research but I keep seeing all these different opinion articles, products, etc pop up that make me question things. I have raised baby chicks and full grown ones for 5 years now so I am doing some things right.

Thanks for the help and any advice!

I just did, there is still a empty spot near the top where it looks hollow and the rest is dark. i saw some clear outlines but nothing moving. I hope I did'nt leave it in for too long or get my hope up on a dud.

Could you post a picture?

 

[TBrogan]

Could you post a picture?

 

[Isaac 0]

Looks okay to me still, looks like the aircell may be dipping down. Give it a few more days and report back.

 

[TBrogan]

Looks okay to me still, looks like the aircell may be dipping down. Give it a few more days and report back.

ok, thanks for the reply. this is my first time hatching and was nervous. there's definitely something in there.