How to hatch call ducklings? ***Updated questions!****

[PoultryGirly]

Also, Im getting lots of eggs that were alive right before lockdown but aren't moving now.

 

[SilkieSensation]

Also, Im getting lots of eggs that were alive right before lockdown but aren't moving now.

That's what I was seeing in the pix then. The veins were beginning to deteriorate. I thought they looked like they were.

 

[PoultryGirly]

What's going on? I don't want dead ducklings. I'm so sad. Also, most still have moving chicks.

 

[PoultryGirly]

So do you know what's going on and what could've caused it? I truly hope a few of my eggs make it. I'm so upset.

 

[SilkieSensation]

It could be lots of things. With development so far behind I would say you have had some temp issues which will cause late deaths. The other thing would be shipping stress that has weakened the babies & they just aren't strong enough to finish developing. Another possibility would be poor nutrition in the parent flock which would make weak babies. If any of the parent stock was crested you could have double crested genes causing early deaths since that combination is lethal.

 

[PoultryGirly]

So they are all 100% dead???

 

[SilkieSensation]

So they are all 100% dead???

Probably not. Any you still see movement in still have a chance. I wouldn't toss any just because you don't see them move either. If they are dead it will become obvious within a couple days. The veins will dissolve & the egg will take on a grey cloudy appearance around the embryo where it has begun to decay. I never toss anything the 1st time it looks strange. I always recheck in a few days to see if there is any change & compare to what it looked like the last time. Candling too often will not allow you to notice changes as easily so I try not to candle any more than necessary.

 

[PoultryGirly]

I think around 5 of the call duck eggs are dead. The others look a lot bigger than yesterday, so maybe that's good. The different breed of eggs all look GREAT and they're trying to pip. I really really hope that some calls hatch.

 

[SilkieSensation]

Calls are REALLY hard to hatch, so you picked a pretty difficult breed to get started with. I had a lot of mine quit & I know there is nothing wrong with my stock. They are just REALLY sensitive to temp swings since the eggs are so small.

 

[PoultryGirly]

I ordered mine off of eBay so I don't know the history of their birds. I'm glad that my other eggs are doing great and maybe I'll have a pip tomorrow or maybe tonight! I really hope at least one of my call ducks hatch, but I understand if they don't. I can always try again or maybe I'll even buy some call ducklings if mine don't hatch! Right now I'm just glad that they seem to be growing and the only empty part on the alive ones are the bottom pointy tips. Do you sell your eggs or ducklings???