What is the hardest part of incubating duck eggs?

[T Hi]

I have 14 of my black runner duck eggs in a still air incubator. I was very skeptical that they would even start to develop but to my surprise 13 of them have the spider vein thing with a beating red spot in the middle!

The temp of the bator is staying steady and the humidity is about 60%. I'm hand turning them.

When is the most critical time during incubation? When should I be most cautious of screwing things up?

This is my first try at incubating and I am doing it old school! (I borrowed the bator!) No bells or whistles on it.

I am so nervous! It makes me feel all goofy and excited! Similar to when I was pregnant with my twin daughters!

Advice! PLEASE!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

 

[Kansaseq]

I just did my first batch a month ago. 10 out of 10 hatched. Just remember to spritz them twice a day, and that they likely will hatch 2 days early. I was NOT prepared for that! Everyone was healthy and fine, though.
Good luck!

 

[T Hi]

So keeping a sponge in the water tray with water isn't enough? Even if the humidity stays high?

I better get a water bottle tomorrow for spritzing!!!

 

[Nikkumz]

WAITING!! lol, do i dont know this is my first time hatching chickens and i know thats the hardest part for me

 

[Kansaseq]

Quote:
I was told that physically spritzing the eggs with water simulates the hen swimming, then getting on the eggs. I spritzed and got a 100% hatch, so I will continue to spritz

 

[duckyfromoz]

Quote:
Things can go wrong at any stage- the whole 28 days is critical. At times there are stories of ducklings hatching despite incredible odds- but at others- only the slightest thing wrong- and you can loose all the eggs.

Making sure you stick to the most important things ( temp , humidity, turning, ) is all you can do. Somethings are out of your hands- and you can not prepare for everything that may- or may not - ever happen.

 

[The Duck ABC's]

Still incubator:
Misting once per day with warm water and 10 minute cool off before putting the lid back on. Don't forget to set a timer so you don't forget to close it back up. Be careful with candling. The candlers with a hot lamp can damage and kill the egg. An ultra light LED light is way more gentle. I use a turner so I don't even take the eggs out for candling. It's best to candle only once per week.

 

[T Hi]

Thank you everyone!!! This is so exciting!!!!! I will update with hatch info as we go!

Good luck to everyone who are on their fist hatch also!!!

 

[hippiehen]

The Duck ABC's :

Still incubator:
Misting once per day with warm water and 10 minute cool off before putting the lid back on. Don't forget to set a timer so you don't forget to close it back up. Be careful with candling. The candlers with a hot lamp can damage and kill the egg. An ultra light LED light is way more gentle. I use a turner so I don't even take the eggs out for candling. It's best to candle only once per week.

What if you have a forced air bator?​

 

[The Duck ABC's]

Forced air:
Daily mist with warm water, but no cool down.

It is best to turn off the fan during lock down.