Last week we talk about hatching chicken eggs. This week we will talk about the differences and similarities of duck eggs.
The real truth is that they are way more similar than most people make out. Think about it, ducks eggs are hatched by chickens all the time with the same effect as ducks hatching them. As long as you keep the temperature at 37.5°C and do the following you will hatch healthy ducklings.
Humidity
Now, most people will tell you that ducks need much higher humidity than chickens. The problem is that ducks being under a chicken are completely normal without that humidity. So, I decided to start hatching my duck eggs with no extra water added and they hatched perfectly every time! I must say, I usually hatch Call ducks which I hatch the exact same way and they have never been any more difficult to hatch than chickens or other duck eggs.
Schedule
Before - Mark air sacs of eggs and mark X on one side of the egg and O on the other.
Days 1-3 - 'lockdown' Do not open the incubator or turn eggs.
Days 4-24 (or 23 for Call Ducks) - Turn eggs at least 3 times per day, candle at day 7 then every week from then on to check on development and mark air sac.
Days 25-28 (or 24 - 26 For Call Ducks) - Lockdown, stop turning eggs and opening incubator until the chicks hatch.
*Disclaimer*
I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips. Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.
The Rider's Pets
No comments:
Post a Comment