What type of incubator have you had success with (for ducks)

[jemagsy]

Not sure if the incubators are any different as far as success for ducks than chickens. We know they do require more time than chicks. We've lost 5 of our 8 ducks this week, including our only drake. We've only managed to find one so far (dead) and really want to incubate their eggs to replenish the flock. Thought now was as good a time as any.

Any advice on incubating ducks would be helpful too. We have about 30 duck eggs less than a week old. My husband and I want to get an incubator within the next week.

 

[duckluck]

Most people I know incubating waterfowl prefer redwoods. I have several Humidaires myself.

 

[duckyfromoz]

You get what you pay for. A foam type may be a good starting point for a beginner or someone who only intends to hatch once or twice a year- but for something reliable with some functions that are best with waterfowl is is well worth spending more money and getting a better machine.

 

[learycow]

I have a hovabator with an automatic egg turner. It works excellent, I have gotten a 90-100% hatch rate with all three of my batches of duck eggs so far this year. You just have to be sure there is always water in it. I usually put in a wet sponge or two about a week before hatching.
Also, I take out the egg turner 3 days before they are due to hatch. Some hatch early and I had one get caught in the turner. Luckily I saw it before any damage was done, but now I take it out so there isn't anything for them to get stuck in.
I found mine on Ebay, $90 with the egg turner included.
Hope this helps!

 

[gofasterstripe]

My 1st incubator is a Brinsea Eco 20. Ive never hatched anyhting in my life and with bator I have had 100% hatch rates so far

Long may it last.
Oh apart from 1 deformed duckling who didnt make it ot the shell.

 

[mandelyn]

I'm still using "old trusty" the Hovabator 1602 N, the styrofoam box style. I haven't upgraded into a better model yet because I keep getting babies out of it. The very first one I ever had was a little 2 seater plastic dome that never hatched out anything with that dinky little light bulb. My parents ordered me a Hovabater 1602 N and I've been using one of those ever since. I'm on my 3rd one because I kept selling them, thinking I was done hatching. Should have known better.

It does require particular placement into a stable and non drafty room. But even in an unstable and drafty old house, I'm still getting babies. I do have to watch the temp and adjust as needed though.

If you enjoy opening the windows on a cool Spring evening, it can have an effect on the temperature. The box says it needs the room to be around 70, but I've ran it in 58-62 wrapped partially in towels. Add in open windows on a 82 degree day, and I have to go turn it down a notch. Not needed in a climate controlled house, but I'm not turning on the a/c this early in the year!

I don't mind baby sitting it the whole 28 days, I'm here all the time. But the less you're at home, the more need you would have for one better at self regulating.

 

[destinduck]

Under 100, hovabator. Over 300 cabinet type. Redwood,QFC,etc. Its how much you want to spend and how many eggs you want to hatch.