When Do I or Do I Even Remove The Vent Plug

[Amiga]

I am not a hatcher, but I have read that if the humidity drops near hatching time (unless it has been way too high), the ducklings can get shrink-wrapped, and that is often fatal.

Perhaps @Lacrystol or @WVchick or @carcar80 or some of the hatchers who have posted here https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/594278/thread-formerly-known-as-hatch-day-is-today/38850

There is also a sticky on hatching waterfowl here https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/491013/goose-incubation-hatching-guide-completed

 

[Lacrystol]

You don't even have to take the plugs out when you live in high elevation and/or a dry climate. I'm at 4200 feet with humidity normally being around 10-15%. The humidity will spike when they hatch out of their eggs. 75-85% is fine and I would not try to bring it down. Even 90% is ok, since it will go down by itself. Bringing it down to much will cause shrink wrapping, which can be deadly to ducklings. Ducklings can handle high humidity, while other breeds like quails need to come down somewhat. The machine is designed for all breeds, so that is what those plugs are for. Also the more eggs are hatching the higher the humidity will go. The machine can hold over 30 duck eggs, so under 10 eggs you never even have to worry about humidity at all.

What? 90%???? I can tell you I have tried hatching at 80% and LOST all 10 EGGS, personally I would NOT recommend 90% or 80%, they can hatch just fine at 60-65 even 70, 75 is pushing it but I would NOT recommend anything Higher.. The 10 I lost was call ducks!!!! Even though Ducks are Waterfowl they really can't handle the High humidity..