Lock Down Questions

[DownLo]

Our first duck egg is 24 days old and we are getting ready for lock down. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!


We constructed a DIY styrofoam incubator and we’ve had success keeping good temp and humidity using sponges and a 15 watt bulb.

I know we need to up the humidity which is easy with the sponges but not sure how best to maintain a lower temp. We have 3 small holes drilled in that we use tape to cover if temp drops now.
We candled the egg last night and we saw movement and good veins. Air sac looks good but a little on the small side.

We’ve outlined the airsac with a pencil. We tried lowering the humidity a bit the last 4-5 days and we have been gently misting the egg after cool down period 1-2x per day.

Do we need to cover the light bulb with wire mesh so the duckling doesn't touch it?

Is it ok to just place a dish towel on the bottom of the incubator to prep for duckling?

Currently we have a small jar of water in the incubator that has seemed to help with temp control. Should that be removed before lock down?

We are so excited to hopefully have the little guy hatch. We know these last few days are critical and he is not guaranteed to make it, but we sure have our fingers crossed!

We've learned a lot for your posts. TIA

 

[Kiki]

How's it going?

 

[DownLo]

Hi. Thanks for asking.

We are on day 27 and humidity and temp are

He went in lockdown yesterday at 8am. Right before lockdown I candled him and there was good movement. Yay. I thought I started to see the beginning of internal pip but I’m not sure. He started rocking quite a bit day 26 evening.

No sign of any external pipping yet. Is that OK.


Should I check him? I can maintain temp and humidity by quickly opening the bator in a steamy warm bathroom.

 

[Kiki]

I wouldn't touch it right now if you just recently saw movement.

 

[Kiki]

@Nyla @NanaKat

 

[Nyla]

Duck eggs require 55-60% humidity from start to day before lock down. On lockdown, they need 65-70% humidity. Is the egg solid with movement or is there light parts of the egg?
When your egg hatches, you will need to find it a partner. Ducks are social just like any other animal and need company.

Does you duck eggs look like either of these two images? If not can you upload a picture of it?

 

[Kiki]

Duck eggs require 55-60% humidity from start to day before lock down. On lockdown, they need 65-70% humidity. Is the egg solid with movement or is there light parts of the egg?
When your egg hatches, you will need to find it a partner. Ducks are social just like any other animal and need company.

Does you duck eggs look like either of these two images? If not can you upload a picture of it?

View attachment 1331769 View attachment 1331770

You are going to tell us what the difference in these two are right?

 

[Nyla]

Pictures are from google btw.
First one is day 9. Dark mass but good veins
Second pic is day 25.

 

[chonsey]

If it's in lockdown, I'd leave it so it doesn't get shrink-wrapped.... sometimes they are slower to develop. My Easter Eggers hatched from day 21 - 24. Sometimes you can have cooler spots or draft in the incubator. It may still hatch, but hatches later-more likely to need assistance or they are too weak to hatch.

 

[DownLo]

Here is recent pic.