HELP!!!!! NEEDING ADVICE AND HELP ON DUCK EGG INCUBATING 25-30??

[WVduckchick]

How do you candle an egg never done that before

Flashlight, shine into the fat end of the egg. The brighter, the better.
Look for red blood vessels. This late stage, it should be mostly fully dark, except for the air cell in the fat end of the egg.
If they weren’t fertile, they will just look all yellow/orange color.

 

[WVduckchick]

 

[WVduckchick]

I just got rid of mine. I loved them! Terrible mothers. I could not keep owls away from them. They started coming out before dark once I started locking up at night. They are so sweet though.

My Swedish were awesome. I only have one drake left now, but my girls were fabulous. Fierce momma duck!

 

[ashriver924]

Hi everyone!! Ok, so today has been a magically worrisome (ina good way) nerve racking and wonderful all rolled into one!! So, yesterday I bought a brooder thingy from Tractor and Supply, thought it would work with the heating lamp/red bulb that I had started this precious baby’s life with in the early days of incubating. (Not even gonna lie, but his first 3 days were spent in one of my socks on my “Joey” receiver {dish network as a heating source, cause it gets hot} (Only until I truly knew this was a fertilized egg.) little crazy I know, but it WORKED!!
Anyhow I had set everything up, but it truly gives out too much heat, and the adjusting pole that holds it wouldn’t go any higher, plus add all the bad things I read and what common sense told me (FIRE HAZARD) I decided it time for that way of heating to go for good. So back I went to T&S and found a different heating source, which mind you I truly liked and all reviews on it were wonderful. (Unless you guys have any input, I’d appreciate it) so I bought it, packed up the other brooder, and got out my 30 gallon tub, hollowed the lid, added cedar chips (which afterwards read they might not be the best choice ) and got the food and water dishes ready and turned the new heating on, and still trying to figure out which is the best setting for him so I can stabilize the temp before I add him.
Now, lemme just tell you, this little cutie has been the center of my attention all day, and since receiving him in egg form. Between checking on him to make sure he’s ok, to hearing his peeps and running over to see what’s going on. Finally, midway through setting up the new brooder, I decided to see why he was so fussy, and when I looked in and said “what’s wrong baby one,” he ran from the top far left corner all the way down to the lower right corner where my voice was coming from. Sweetest freaking thing ever, so of course that just forced me to open the incubator and talk to him and love on him cause I know he’s lonely and wondering where a sibling or his mom is. Of course while I had it open and talking to him, he was overly excited and trying to flap his wittle wings and stuck his wittle beck out of the crack as I was trying to close it back and it just pulled at my heart strings until I picked him up. Lordy, I’m mad at myself because I know I shouldn’t, but then my heart is melting when he’s sitting in the palm of my hand getting cozy, dozing off. Finally, I decided to put him back so I could finish his next home, which I did and he fussed for a few minutes, then laid back down. Around 9:30, I decided to run to the gas station closest to my house to buy mega millions tickets, I mean who couldn’t use $548 million???? Shoot I could use $10, haha! And when I got back he was chirping away! Just nonstop. I went over and talked to him, trying to comfort him. But he just wasn’t having it. So... I got him out and held him for a few minutes, petting and baby talking to him before I put him back. He didn’t like that very much, but I walked away and pressed play on the dish remote and then he got quite. I’m starting to think he hates silence, because the tv was playing all day, but when I left I hit pause (so I can fast forward through all the commercials) and it was quiet. And if they can hear while in their shells, he’s use to hearing the tv or someone talking throughout the day. So after I figured that out or at least that’s what I believe is the issue, because the incubator temp is good and well I couldn’t think of anything else, is when it hits me! Yup, yes ma’am yea buddy... I gotta get him a playmate/sibling!! I’ve been looking all day, made numerous phone calls and still nothing. So, what did I decide to do you ask?? To pacify this sweet baby one??? Put in my TY owl beanie baby! And I know that wasn’t and possibly still isn’t the best idea, but I’ll let the video peak for me when I say, he loves it and is at ease. So... as long as he’s content with it being in there and then in with him in his second home (brooder) I’m completely okay with it!!
Also, I wanted you all who asked for a dry pic, to view it! As he has dried a little bit more since hatching!

 

[lena_]

Hi everyone!! Ok, so today has been a magically worrisome (ina good way) nerve racking and wonderful all rolled into one!! So, yesterday I bought a brooder thingy from Tractor and Supply, thought it would work with the heating lamp/red bulb that I had started this precious baby’s life with in the early days of incubating. (Not even gonna lie, but his first 3 days were spent in one of my socks on my “Joey” receiver {dish network as a heating source, cause it gets hot} (Only until I truly knew this was a fertilized egg.) little crazy I know, but it WORKED!!
Anyhow I had set everything up, but it truly gives out too much heat, and the adjusting pole that holds it wouldn’t go any higher, plus add all the bad things I read and what common sense told me (FIRE HAZARD) I decided it time for that way of heating to go for good. So back I went to T&S and found a different heating source, which mind you I truly liked and all reviews on it were wonderful. (Unless you guys have any input, I’d appreciate it) so I bought it, packed up the other brooder, and got out my 30 gallon tub, hollowed the lid, added cedar chips (which afterwards read they might not be the best choice ) and got the food and water dishes ready and turned the new heating on, and still trying to figure out which is the best setting for him so I can stabilize the temp before I add him.
Now, lemme just tell you, this little cutie has been the center of my attention all day, and since receiving him in egg form. Between checking on him to make sure he’s ok, to hearing his peeps and running over to see what’s going on. Finally, midway through setting up the new brooder, I decided to see why he was so fussy, and when I looked in and said “what’s wrong baby one,” he ran from the top far left corner all the way down to the lower right corner where my voice was coming from. Sweetest freaking thing ever, so of course that just forced me to open the incubator and talk to him and love on him cause I know he’s lonely and wondering where a sibling or his mom is. Of course while I had it open and talking to him, he was overly excited and trying to flap his wittle wings and stuck his wittle beck out of the crack as I was trying to close it back and it just pulled at my heart strings until I picked him up. Lordy, I’m mad at myself because I know I shouldn’t, but then my heart is melting when he’s sitting in the palm of my hand getting cozy, dozing off. Finally, I decided to put him back so I could finish his next home, which I did and he fussed for a few minutes, then laid back down. Around 9:30, I decided to run to the gas station closest to my house to buy mega millions tickets, I mean who couldn’t use $548 million???? Shoot I could use $10, haha! And when I got back he was chirping away! Just nonstop. I went over and talked to him, trying to comfort him. But he just wasn’t having it. So... I got him out and held him for a few minutes, petting and baby talking to him before I put him back. He didn’t like that very much, but I walked away and pressed play on the dish remote and then he got quite. I’m starting to think he hates silence, because the tv was playing all day, but when I left I hit pause (so I can fast forward through all the commercials) and it was quiet. And if they can hear while in their shells, he’s use to hearing the tv or someone talking throughout the day. So after I figured that out or at least that’s what I believe is the issue, because the incubator temp is good and well I couldn’t think of anything else, is when it hits me! Yup, yes ma’am yea buddy... I gotta get him a playmate/sibling!! I’ve been looking all day, made numerous phone calls and still nothing. So, what did I decide to do you ask?? To pacify this sweet baby one??? Put in my TY owl beanie baby! And I know that wasn’t and possibly still isn’t the best idea, but I’ll let the video peak for me when I say, he loves it and is at ease. So... as long as he’s content with it being in there and then in with him in his second home (brooder) I’m completely okay with it!!
Also, I wanted you all who asked for a dry pic, to view it! As he has dried a little bit more since hatching!

Very cute little one! Hopefully you can find a buddy for him

 

[Pyxis]

Hi everyone!! Ok, so today has been a magically worrisome (ina good way) nerve racking and wonderful all rolled into one!! So, yesterday I bought a brooder thingy from Tractor and Supply, thought it would work with the heating lamp/red bulb that I had started this precious baby’s life with in the early days of incubating. (Not even gonna lie, but his first 3 days were spent in one of my socks on my “Joey” receiver {dish network as a heating source, cause it gets hot} (Only until I truly knew this was a fertilized egg.) little crazy I know, but it WORKED!!
Anyhow I had set everything up, but it truly gives out too much heat, and the adjusting pole that holds it wouldn’t go any higher, plus add all the bad things I read and what common sense told me (FIRE HAZARD) I decided it time for that way of heating to go for good. So back I went to T&S and found a different heating source, which mind you I truly liked and all reviews on it were wonderful. (Unless you guys have any input, I’d appreciate it) so I bought it, packed up the other brooder, and got out my 30 gallon tub, hollowed the lid, added cedar chips (which afterwards read they might not be the best choice ) and got the food and water dishes ready and turned the new heating on, and still trying to figure out which is the best setting for him so I can stabilize the temp before I add him.
Now, lemme just tell you, this little cutie has been the center of my attention all day, and since receiving him in egg form. Between checking on him to make sure he’s ok, to hearing his peeps and running over to see what’s going on. Finally, midway through setting up the new brooder, I decided to see why he was so fussy, and when I looked in and said “what’s wrong baby one,” he ran from the top far left corner all the way down to the lower right corner where my voice was coming from. Sweetest freaking thing ever, so of course that just forced me to open the incubator and talk to him and love on him cause I know he’s lonely and wondering where a sibling or his mom is. Of course while I had it open and talking to him, he was overly excited and trying to flap his wittle wings and stuck his wittle beck out of the crack as I was trying to close it back and it just pulled at my heart strings until I picked him up. Lordy, I’m mad at myself because I know I shouldn’t, but then my heart is melting when he’s sitting in the palm of my hand getting cozy, dozing off. Finally, I decided to put him back so I could finish his next home, which I did and he fussed for a few minutes, then laid back down. Around 9:30, I decided to run to the gas station closest to my house to buy mega millions tickets, I mean who couldn’t use $548 million???? Shoot I could use $10, haha! And when I got back he was chirping away! Just nonstop. I went over and talked to him, trying to comfort him. But he just wasn’t having it. So... I got him out and held him for a few minutes, petting and baby talking to him before I put him back. He didn’t like that very much, but I walked away and pressed play on the dish remote and then he got quite. I’m starting to think he hates silence, because the tv was playing all day, but when I left I hit pause (so I can fast forward through all the commercials) and it was quiet. And if they can hear while in their shells, he’s use to hearing the tv or someone talking throughout the day. So after I figured that out or at least that’s what I believe is the issue, because the incubator temp is good and well I couldn’t think of anything else, is when it hits me! Yup, yes ma’am yea buddy... I gotta get him a playmate/sibling!! I’ve been looking all day, made numerous phone calls and still nothing. So, what did I decide to do you ask?? To pacify this sweet baby one??? Put in my TY owl beanie baby! And I know that wasn’t and possibly still isn’t the best idea, but I’ll let the video peak for me when I say, he loves it and is at ease. So... as long as he’s content with it being in there and then in with him in his second home (brooder) I’m completely okay with it!!
Also, I wanted you all who asked for a dry pic, to view it! As he has dried a little bit more since hatching!

He looks like a little pekin, like we thought Any luck on Craigslist? Metzer Farms has ducklings still available, you could order a couple from them:

http://www.metzerfarms.com/MixedDuc...=22072198&BirdType=Duck&Breed=Mixed Ducklings

What will you be doing with him when he's older? Will you build a coop and keep him, or will you be rehoming him to someone else? Since he's a domestic breed it's likely illegal for you to return him to the pond he came from, and also unless they put feed out for the birds there, it's not a good life for a domestic duck.

 

[ashriver924]

He looks like a little pekin, like we thought Any luck on Craigslist? Metzer Farms has ducklings still available, you could order a couple from them:

http://www.metzerfarms.com/MixedDucklings.cfm?affiliate=undef&ID=MIX&CustID=22072198&BirdType=Duck&Breed=Mixed Ducklings

What will you be doing with him when he's older? Will you build a coop and keep him, or will you be rehoming him to someone else? Since he's a domestic breed it's likely illegal for you to return him to the pond he came from, and also unless they put feed out for the birds there, it's not a good life for a domestic duck.

Oh we’re definitely going to keep him he’s going to be the family pet, the only bump in the road is we have three indoor cats, I Doberman pincher Boston terrier pug mix and my daughter has a 1012 week old Boston terrier puppy so needless to say my hands are full but I will come him with open arms I’m extremely excited and I think with a little patience are animals now will soon grow till like the duckling if not when he gets older will figure it out! I Doberman pincher Boston terrier pug mix and my daughter has a 1012 week old Boston terrier puppy so needless to say my hands are full but I will come him with open arms I’m extremely excited and I think with a little patience are animals now will soon grow till like the duckling if not when he gets older will figure it out!!
Also, does it matter the age of the duckling I’m trying to find? I’ve found a couple not far from me, but they are around a month old

 

[ashriver924]

I guess he (or she) was just a big baby!! Lol, how can I determine the sex, and when?

 

[ashriver924]

In his new home, and first sips of water and bite of food! I’m just going to go ahead and say this little guy or gal is already spoiled rotten! It blows my mind he’s not even a day and a half old and he’s already rotten !!! :-D

 

[Pyxis]

I guess he (or she) was just a big baby!! Lol, how can I determine the sex, and when?

You'll be able to tell the sex at around six or eight weeks old, when gets his adult voice - females and males sound different.

The age of the duckling friend matters, because ducks grow VERY fast. A month old duckling will be half grown already. You probably don't want anything older than a week old.

Good that you're keeping him! You're going to want to start building his outdoor coop and run ASAP because, like I said, they grow very fast.