Momma Duck was killed, eggs have been incubating for 16 days...

[farmerbrandy]

And as her midwife I am wondering what I can do for the eggs. The chances of me getting a real incubator are slim to none. Is there a temperature requirement and humidity that I can produce with a lightbulb and moisture at home? I've currently got her eggs (9) in a small nesting box with her down and nesting material covering them. I have a 60 watt lightbulb in a heat lamp pointing into the box. Is there any hope for any of these eggs? I have no idea how long it was since she was setting on them as she was taken in the middle of the night. I keep thinking of "Fly Away Home" and am wondering if we can pull this off...

 

[crazy hen quartet]

Oh gosh, how sad. I hope someone can help.

 

[momof247371]

do you have a styrofoam cooler? keep the eggs at 99-100 degrees and set a small bowl of water down in it(cooler, box, whatever you are using), get a thermometer & something to measure humidity. if you can get them all together then you have a home made incubator basically(not bad for being in a pinch). Move the light closer or further away until you get the right temp.. i hope this helps even just a little.....,..

PS.
incubate them for 12 more days(16 days already + 12 days =28 days), turn them atleast 2 times a day, stop turning when they are at days 25, to rest...
There is hope for them.. mom leaves them to eat, swim, etc.. during the nesting period..

 

[PineBurrowPeeps]

Where are you?

You might be able to find someone local to you who would let you borrow an incubator in this exreme circunstance or maybe you could place the eggs in someone's bator until they hatch!

Put a post on your local craigslist!

 

[PineBurrowPeeps]

Also try your local 4-H! Mine have incubators...

A wildlife refuge must have an incubator, possibly a rehabber too...

 

[farmerbrandy]

Thank you all soooo much! I think I've got them in decent conditions at the moment, although I did accidently get the temp WAY up to 144... eek. It wasn't for more than a few minutes, so I'm hoping it's comprable to being exposed in the hot sun while she's feeding or drinking. Anyway, still working w/ the temp, but will check into the other options for incubator! You are a huge help, and I am so appreciative of you support and advice! Thank you. I'll keep you posted...

 

[threehorses]

Here's a site I found very useful when incubating duck eggs.
http://www.poultryconnection.com/quackers/links.html

Just turn your sound down before you go there. lol

 

[farmerbrandy]

Thank you all! I called the local feed store last night looking for a reference to anyone who may have an incubator. The owner told me to bring my eggs on in, he had an incubator plugged in and running. So the eggs are off to their new home... hopefully all will turn out well. ;-)

 

[TammyTX]

Don't forget to update!!

 

[DUCKGIRL89]

so did you get rid of the eggs, if not you can always put them under another mother duck as long as she's broody.