Incubating Duck Eggs With RCOM20 - not turning fully !

[janz70]

Hi all.

I have 18 duck eggs (white / khaki /dark campbells) in the RCOM20 now with the temp at 37.5'C / humidity 50%. I am finding after marking either side of the eggs that when the eggs are turned (this unit moves the floor to left and right to turn) as the eggs are large it is not turning the eggs 180 degrees only about 90 to 100 degrees and then back again, so they are not getting a full turn - now does really this matter ?

PS - I am also turning them 180 degrees 3 times a day just to make sure

 

[chickens really]

I hatch mine laying on their side and only turn twice a day with excellent results. Almost 100% each hatch.

 

[janz70]

thats great but would the incubator only turning them 90 degrees ( a quarter turn) then back again be enough

PS do you also have an RCOM 20

 

[chickens really]

No I don't know that incubator.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

I have an RCom20 and yes it doesn't turn the whole half way on most of my eggs. I label them D and N. Since I have penhen eggs in right now they don't turn the whole half turn. In the morning I alternate starting the day with D or N. I've hatched out a lot of babies with this incubator and have only had it 3 months! Happy hatching!

 

[janz70]

thanks , I will give that a go

does anybody bother misting with a spray or letting the eggs cool for a short time ?

 

[chickens really]

Nope definitely not

 

[Knighstar679]

thanks , I will give that a go

does anybody bother misting with a spray or letting the eggs cool for a short time ?

Some do and some don’t. I do just because Story’s guide to ducks recommends it and says it improved his hatch rate.

 

[bhaugh]

I have an Rcom and didn't know that it doesn't turn the eggs fully. Could be why my last batch didn't fair so well. I do assist in turning though and open the lid to bring some fresh air in.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

thanks , I will give that a go

does anybody bother misting with a spray or letting the eggs cool for a short time ?

I haven't ever done that. It is interesting. I would give it a go if I hadn't spent $80 on my duck eggs. I'd try it out on some free ones first.