Please help - duck egg incubation lockdown, shelf liner

[bella319]

Hi, first time posting here but I've been reading the forums on BYC religiously the past few weeks. Thanks for having me!

It's my first time hatching duck eggs (call ducks) and I thought I was well-prepared, but I'm just realizing that my incubator - Nurture 360 - has significant sized holes on the bottom and I'm worried about my ducklings' legs getting caught. They are already on lockdown and due to hatch in a day or two. I've never hatched ducklings so I'm not sure how big their feet will be. Is it worth opening the incubator really fast to place shelf liner underneath the eggs?

For reference, I've attached a picture of the bottom of the incubator. This picture is from a week ago and I've since removed the automatic egg turner for lockdown. Thank you so much for any and all help! I'm so nervous!

 

[coastingangel]

Hi I have never hatched ducklings but I would leave it. See how they go and if it doesn't work well sort something for next time. I don't think it is worth the risk of opening it and upsetting the humidity. Good luck

 

[Windy_Acres]

That's a tough call! The holes do look a bit dangerous. If it were me, I'd go ahead and put in the shelf liner quickly. I know lots of people, including me, open their incubators during lockdown, with no harm done.

 

[2 many chickens]

You're fine. Good ahead and add a liner now before any pips are made.

 

[chickens really]

It's fine...Ducklings have webbed feet and it's designed for chickens....They will be okay. Best wishes..

 

[chickens really]

Hmm?
@WVduckchick

 

[WVduckchick]

I always use shelf liner in my Nurture Right. I think they would probably be fine, but I would worry more about them hatching with any belly issues and getting it caught in the plastic slits.
I also like the wider square shelf liner, the fine stuff seemed to hamper humidity rising thru it a bit.

Since you have the turner out, cut it just a slight bit bigger than the turner.

 

[Texag87]

How did things work out ?