![]() Automatic egg turners are convenient as they minimize the risk of contamination and temperature/humidity fluctuations. You can achieve this by manually turning the eggs or using an automatic egg turner. When incubating duck eggs (or any other poultry eggs), this natural action must be replicated. In the wild, mother birds continuously rotate and turn their eggs while sitting on them. Once you are confident in the stability of the incubator, proceed to place the eggs inside. Incubator temperature: Maintain a constant temperature of 37.5☌ (99.5☏).īefore setting the eggs, ensure that the incubator has been running stably for at least 12 hours, with consistent temperature and humidity levels.Therefore, it’s essential to pay attention to the following readings: Deviations in temperature can result in egg mortality and disappointment, while incorrect humidity levelscan negatively impact the development and hatching process. Incubation is not like quickly cooking a frozen pizza in an unpreheated oven! Ensuring that each fundamental aspect of duck egg incubation is precise is crucial. Avoid the temptation to start the incubator and immediately place the eggs inside. Once the incubator has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, it’s time to set it up. Once cleaned, allow the incubator to sit in a protected area for 12-24 hours.Use a slightly damp cloth or brush to clean the heating unit effectively. Clean the heating unit carefully, avoiding wetting it.Clean the bottom of the incubator by soaking it in a 25% bleach and water solution.Wipe down each component and allow them to dry.You can further disinfect these components by soaking them in warm water with a mild bleach solution. Take out all removable components such as water pans and egg trays, and clean them with soap, water, and a sponge.If you have used the incubator before, make sure to remove any shell fragments or debris from previous hatches.To minimize bacterial contamination, a thorough cleaning protocol is necessary. Incubators provide a hot and humid environment, which is ideal for bacterial growth. Cleaning and Sanitizing the Incubatorīefore placing the eggs in the incubator, it is crucial to clean and sanitize it properly. Always start incubating eggs that are at room temperature. Introducing colder eggs to the incubator can encourage bacterial growth as they warm up. This allows the air cell at the fat end to settle into the correct position before incubation.Įnsure that the eggs reach room temperature before placing them in the incubator. Place the eggs in a carton with the fat end facing upwards. Allowing Eggs to SettleĪfter acquiring your eggs from either the local post office or a farm, it is essential to allow them a minimum of 12 hours, preferably 24 hours, to settle. After 2-3 weeks, most of the duck eggs will no longer be viable. It is crucial to set your eggs in the incubator within a week of being laid. Duck eggs start to lose fertility rapidly after 7 days of being laid. Take note of the age of the eggs as well. ![]() Similarly, eggs with defective air cells should not be incubated, as they are likely non-viable and unlikely to hatch. Never attempt to incubate eggs that are cracked, dirty, too large or too small, misshapen, double-yolked, or exhibit any unusual characteristics. During the last four days, the temperature should be slightly reduced, while the humidity is increased. It’s important to maintain a consistent incubation temperature of 37.5☌ (99.5☏) until four days before hatching. ![]() Muscovy ducks, however, require 32 days or more. Incubating duck eggs requires patience, as most duck breeds hatch after approximately 28 days of incubation. Lockdown humidity: Increase humidity to 65%, or measure it at 88☏ using a wet bulb thermometer.Lockdown temperature: Reduce the temperature slightly to 37.2☌ (99☏) during the final four days of incubation.Lockdown Date: Varies from day 15 to 32, depending on the breed. ![]()
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