Incubating ducks for the first time

[MagpieDucks]

So it doesnt have to be at 55%?

No! I usually run at 30-45% for the first 25 days, then bump it up to 60-75% during lockdown. It depends on the size of your air cells.

 

[lilbellalovesducks]

No! I usually run at 30-45% for the first 25 days, then bump it up to 60-75% during lockdown. It depends on the size of your air cells.

Ok and what are air cells?

 

[casportpony]

@WVduckchick wrote this article about humidity:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/incubation-humidity.73386/

 

[casportpony]

So it doesnt have to be at 55%?

That is way too high for me! I like the 40-45% range

 

[MagpieDucks]

Ok and what are air cells?

When you candle an egg from the large end, you should see a clear circular area; that is the air cell. The air cell is formed by contractions of the membranes after the egg is laid. It will continue to grow in size during incubation, and is the source of the chick’s first breath of air.

 

[casportpony]

Ok and what are air cells?

These are air cells:

 

[DuckyDonna]

there is a lot of good information on BYC. I save bookmarks like a crazy woman!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-beginners-guide-to-incubation.73350/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/incubation-humidity.73386/
http://www.mainehomesteadmagazine.com/2016/12/16/indian-runner-duck-eggs/#.XMd4Q6YpCb9

 

[lilbellalovesducks]

Thank you all so much!!!!

 

[WVduckchick]

I dont know if you can tell or not but the other spots have holes

Do I see plastic covers over some of the channels?
If so, I would assume those are restricting the humidity. 30-40% is fine to start, but you will need to figure out how to get it much higher for the final 3 days. If those are covers over the channels, take them out and check it again.

Otherwise, if the channels are all full, your gage has to be off, or you don’t have a good seal between the top and bottom, or a window is letting it out. Vent holes should be open.

 

[lilbellalovesducks]

Do I see plastic covers over some of the channels?
If so, I would assume those are restricting the humidity. 30-40% is fine to start, but you will need to figure out how to get it much higher for the final 3 days. If those are covers over the channels, take them out and check it again.

Otherwise, if the channels are all full, your gage has to be off, or you don’t have a good seal between the top and bottom, or a window is letting it out. Vent holes should be open.

The plastic is what it said to put the water in. It covers the whole bottom. Should I try with out it?