Our first call duck incubation adventure (hatch-a-long)

[MrsWinterWheat]

If anyone wants another couple hatch along to watch I set Guinea Fowl and Ridley Bronze Turkeys (I do see some of you were already joined in, it totally slipped my mind to tag people! Sorry)

Thread 'Guinea Fowl Hatch-A-Long (old-timey actors theme)

Thread 'Ridley Bronze Turkey Hatch-A-Long (Saskatchewan Rivers/Lakes Theme )

 

[heatherbell2]

Welcome to my first hatch-a-long, I am starting with 12 call duck eggs.

Timeline:
- May 13/2024 - eggs shipped from Nova Scotia
- May 14/2024 - eggs arrived! (Saskatchewan)
Day 0 (May 15/2024)- @ 2030 eggs set in incubator (turner not started as some air pockets moving)
temp 99F 52% humidity (higher then I wanted but my hydrometer had not arrived yet…I worked this out after the fact)
- Day 4 automatic turning started
- Day 7 weights done and noted to have not enough fluid loss so decreased humidity to 50% (new hydrometer set). Blood vessels visible in all 12 eggs
- Day 10 started cooling eggs for 15 min each day and movements noted in 6 eggs.
- Day 12 movement noted in all 12 eggs!

I have a question. Not new hatching chicken or quail eggs, but I just set 12 duck eggs.. why are you cooling them?

 

[KathiQuacks]

I have a question. Not new hatching chicken or quail eggs, but I just set 12 duck eggs.. why are you cooling them?

Cooling (and misting) is meant to mimic when a mama duck hops off the nest to eat, drink, bathe, etc., and returns with a wet butt It’s not a necessary step, but some people think it helps / is more natural.

 

[heatherbell2]

Cooling (and misting) is meant to mimic when a mama duck hops off the nest to eat, drink, bathe, etc., and returns with a wet butt It’s not a necessary step, but some people think it helps / is more natural.

Ah! Thanks! I've done a lot of research but I was only finding a mention of cooling on this forum. I read & saw some video talk about misting, just not cooling. I'm using a Nuture Right 360 & crocheted a cover for mine. I had a 90% hatch rate out of this incubator for quail a few weeks ago, so I'm curious what my hatch rate will be for the 12 Welsh Harlequin duck eggs I just set in it yesterday. I've got a Govee Hygrometer sitting at the same level as the eggs. Anyone hatch ducks out of this incubator?

 

[Slothinc]

Ah! Thanks! I've done a lot of research but I was only finding a mention of cooling on this forum. I read & saw some video talk about misting, just not cooling. I'm using a Nuture Right 360 & crocheted a cover for mine. I had a 90% hatch rate out of this incubator for quail a few weeks ago, so I'm curious what my hatch rate will be for the 12 Welsh Harlequin duck eggs I just set in it yesterday. I've got a Govee Hygrometer sitting at the same level as the eggs. Anyone hatch ducks out of this incubator?

I haven’t hatched duck eggs but I love your crocheted cover! That is just so cute!!!

 

[heatherbell2]

I haven’t hatched duck eggs but I love your crocheted cover! That is just so cute!!!

Thanks! I'm not in a position right now to hatch out massive numbers, so ordered this incubator instead of a cabinet style. However, I find it has an easier time keeping a more stable temp & humidity with it covered I can still peek & see which is really cool for our Autistic boys to see. I am liking this incubator so far & its super easy to clean! I found a cheap pattern on Etsy for $5, but had to alter just a bit as the counts were off (by 4 stitches unless I got carried away with my chain #- lol I swear I counted 15 times!). It really didn't take long at all!

 

[KathiQuacks]

Ah! Thanks! I've done a lot of research but I was only finding a mention of cooling on this forum. I read & saw some video talk about misting, just not cooling. I'm using a Nuture Right 360 & crocheted a cover for mine. I had a 90% hatch rate out of this incubator for quail a few weeks ago, so I'm curious what my hatch rate will be for the 12 Welsh Harlequin duck eggs I just set in it yesterday. I've got a Govee Hygrometer sitting at the same level as the eggs. Anyone hatch ducks out of this incubator?

Yes! I’ve used the NR 360 for all my incubation. My last hatch rate was only 77%, but it likely could’ve been higher had I used higher-quality eggs.
I’d recommend doing a few test turns if you haven’t to make sure the eggs aren’t too big for the auto turner.

And I agree, that crocheted cover is great! I used little towels to cover mine, it definitely helps.

 

[Slothinc]

Thanks! I'm not in a position right now to hatch out massive numbers, so ordered this incubator instead of a cabinet style. However, I find it has an easier time keeping a more stable temp & humidity with it covered I can still peek & see which is really cool for our Autistic boys to see. I am liking this incubator so far & its super easy to clean! I found a cheap pattern on Etsy for $5, but had to alter just a bit as the counts were off (by 4 stitches unless I got carried away with my chain #- lol I swear I counted 15 times!). It really didn't take long at all!

It really makes me want to try to make a cover for each of my incubators. I used to crochet like crazy but haven’t touched a hook or yarn for probably at least 5 years Not sure if I could do it. That is great to know that patterns can be found on Etsy though! I hope you have a wonderful hatch!!!

 

[heatherbell2]

Yes! I’ve used the NR 360 for all my incubation. My last hatch rate was only 77%, but it likely could’ve been higher had I used higher-quality eggs.
I’d recommend doing a few test turns if you haven’t to make sure the eggs aren’t too big for the auto turner.

And I agree, that crocheted cover is great! I used little towels to cover mine, it definitely helps.

Yes! I bought the eggs from a local lady and some are huge so we are hand turning those as they sometime roll & sometimes don't!

 

[heatherbell2]

It really makes me want to try to make a cover for each of my incubators. I used to crochet like crazy but haven’t touched a hook or yarn for probably at least 5 years Not sure if I could do it. That is great to know that patterns can be found on Etsy though! I hope you have a wonderful hatch!!!

I appreciate it! We are hoping for a good hatch too! Yeah, it's been a couple of years for me too! Had to blow dust off my crochet bag!