Incubating Muscovey eggs - need help.

[TarHeelBlue]

Any and all help on incubating these eggs would be welcome. This is my first time and I understand that it is quite different than other ducks and/or chicken eggs.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
Never done it in a bator, but other than it takes 35 days don't know if there is any difference.

 

[BeardedLadyFarm]

I have an EXCELLENT ($$$) incubator, and thus great luck with chickens. I have failed time and time again with Muscovy eggs. I've only ever hatched 2, and one was deformed.

If I were to try again, I would try cooling the eggs off for 10-15 minutes a day, and maybe misting them once a day, like you do with some types of waterfowl.

I have about 15 muscovy hens now just so they'll go broody.

I hope someone has some secrets to share, and that you have great success!

 

[Big Dreamer]

Temp 99.6 is were i did it
What incubator do you have?
35 days to hatch
mist everyday
day 7 candle the eggs, bad ones give 3 or so more days to start to develop (throw out if no development)
you dont need rotten eggs in with the others
lockdown on day 32 and increase humidity
DO NOT open the incubator in lockdown put a very damp wash cloth in with the eggs (Not on top) when you go into lockdown
make sure to keep it very humid when in lockdown and semi humid when in incubation
wait 24 hours after the ducklings hatch to dry off(if there are still more hatching either wait longer for all of them to hatch or take out the dry ducklings very quickly and close the lid)
Good luck!

 

[TarHeelBlue]

Thanks. I have the Brinsea 190. It will hold humidity at 80% at the highest. do I need it higher?? I have hatched geese, and took them out for about 15 min a day, then misted really well and put back in.

 

[Big Dreamer]

I never took my eggs out, for that long atleast only to turn..you can always just open the lid for a little to let some of the heat out when you turn them, unless you have a auto turner then just do it for the heck of it. Have the humidity at around 60% and in lockdown go for all 80% and mist like usual during incubation.

 

[iajewel]

I have tried duck eggs and honestly.. its not easy. you have to mist them with warm water 3 times a day, your fan and turner better be working perfectly. Your humidity best be on the money as well. If you make one mistake in the humidity, your done.. period. I honestly would give those eggs to mom, or find a mom. Chickens don't hatch duck eggs well do to the humidity factor and oil in the hens feathers. you need a duck. when I sell ducklings I sell them off the mom, I never have hatch dates or I would loose allot of ducklings. I know you can do it.. but.. your % is not going to give you allot of confidence. Also, they can go up to 38 days, and your temps if not perfect will change the hatch date and could cripple the legs.

 

[iajewel]

Quote:
They are more like geese however I don't see mom off the nest for that long. I would say cool them yes, but 15 mins seems long to me.