The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: jameslindsay on February 25, 2009, 04:23:57 pm

Title: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on February 25, 2009, 04:23:57 pm: Today I set 12 duck eggs in my incubator. 6 are Indian Runners and 6 are a mixture of Aylesbury and Cayaga. As I have enough ducks I am raisong these for someone else, but it is an exciting time watching them develop.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: Rosemary on February 25, 2009, 10:32:47 pm: Good luck with this. What's the incubation period for ducks?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on February 25, 2009, 11:09:30 pm: 28 days - a week longer than chooks
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on February 26, 2009, 07:51:28 am: This will be my 4th time at incubating eggs. The first twice they hatched on the 28th day but last time, for some unknown reason, one hatched on day 25 and the last one came on day 29! All 8 survived and are now running about with my other ducks. The ones in the incubator just now I am raising for someone else as I really have enough but enjoy the whole exoerience.

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 23, 2009, 04:35:36 pm: The 28 days is up this Wednesday and already I can hear "squeaking" from inside the eggs and they are fairly moving around. There is still no sign of any cracking of the shell but it is an amazing time.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on March 23, 2009, 04:39:55 pm: I am getting excited about my 2 Aylesbury Ducks
:&>[move] :&>
[/move]my grandchildren are chosing names for when I get them and I have sorted a nice house, they will roam around my garden and be able to use my otherwise useless pond...... :D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on March 24, 2009, 01:50:34 pm: How are they now? If you still have them then, could we maybe pop in next week Tuesday after 5 (that's when I'm passing each week) to see them? Have they all a new home to go to, James?
Our accommodation for wee ones is still not ready, but if your incubator is unoccupied - could I maybe bring some of our "funny mix" eggs, maybe in a couple week's time or so? I don't want it to be too cold when they hatch (been there, it was awful!). If that suits you, we can chat next week?
Kerstin :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 24, 2009, 02:01:38 pm: Kerstin Tuesday after 5 will be fine if you want to drop in. I now have 10 out of the 12 eggs showing signs of "I want out" I can hear them "squacking" it is so funny. They are not actually due to hatch till tomorrow so will have to wait and see what happens, they are on a go slow. All that hatch have new homes, there are Indian Runners and Cayaga's and possibly Aylesbury. It will be hard parting with them but I know that's what has to happen so will just have to get on with it.

Not a problem to incubate eggs for you, we can sort it out if you come over.

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on March 24, 2009, 02:06:35 pm: The brother of one of my neighbours is possibly wanting a couple of ducks to have in his garden - pets for the kids and eggs for them too. When I hear from him, I'll get in touch, James, and you can let me know if you have any available for him. I'm not suer my eggs would be fertile as the only time I've seen Jack 'perform' is in the stream, and they haven't been out in it for a few days.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 24, 2009, 02:26:22 pm: Annie that is fine you can let me know. This post may appear twice as the last reply I posted seems to have gone missing! I think all 12 eggs now have started coming out which is great. These eggs were bought off E bay believe it or not, as were previous ones I have hatched. All my ducks are together so if I was to hatch any of my own now there is every chance they would be mixed! Last year I did manage to hatch 2 of my own eggs from the Buff Orpingtons and they are lovely now.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on March 24, 2009, 08:09:12 pm: Will the ducklings still be around next week? My girls might come along to see them...How long do the wee ones usually stay with you until they go to their new homes?
I had to laugh, Annie - I would bet against you that your eggs are going to be fertile, lol. I'm probably losing the bet against my OH though, the youngest duck seems to be a girl after all (glad to lose that one!).
I'm not fussed about the breed, as long as they lay eggs and are happy ducks.if they are boys we'll have to rethink, lol..I can throw some more eggs into the game, Annie, just for the fun of it. :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 24, 2009, 08:39:18 pm: Yes they will stay with me for about 4 weeks - depending on the weather outside. I have never raised any to give away before, so as soon as they are able to stay outside without their heat lamp they can go to their new home. Going to be hard parting with them... Don't think any of them are going to make an appearance tonight so looking forward to tomorrow.

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 24, 2009, 10:26:52 pm: Well all 12 eggs are now showing signs of breaking free but nonoe going to hatch before tomorrow. It is amazing how long it takes for them to escape. They are still moving about and "squeeking" which is fun to watch. :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 25, 2009, 06:37:49 am: 3 ducklings appeared overnight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9grxSr9y0yI
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on March 25, 2009, 03:03:45 pm: congratulations, duckling dad! Hope they all make it.
Can't wait to see them. :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: Rosemary on March 25, 2009, 08:55:22 pm: Congratulations. Look forward to more pics.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 25, 2009, 08:57:53 pm: Now have 7 hatched out with another 2 probably out tonight, the others are on a go slow.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on March 25, 2009, 09:14:01 pm: Arhhhhhhhh! beautiful fluffy Ducks!!! I'm sure that's game you play when you have had toooo much to drink? They are very cute, I would love to see them like that!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 25, 2009, 11:02:29 pm: Sandy feel free to come and see them. Another 3 have now hatched but are very weak just now, by the morning they should be fine. The remaining 3 eggs should hopefully make it out tomorrow.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 26, 2009, 06:43:03 am: Got up this morning and still just waiting for the last 2 to hatch. They are much more alert and playful this morning, they will be going for their first swim today which is always fun. The last 2 have started but the holes they have made are still very small.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 26, 2009, 11:51:07 am: The last 2 are now hatched. I had to go help them out as I thought they were struggling, I think they had taken so long their shells had dried out and they had become very tough. Both have bits of shell and "yuck" tightly stuck to them but the other one still in the incubator is cleaning it off them. They are still very weak but gaining strength every time I ago see them.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on March 26, 2009, 02:27:22 pm: Can you hear all the "ahr's"? :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: Hilarysmum on March 26, 2009, 02:49:18 pm: Did you say they were going for their first swim today, at 2 days old? I have been keeping ours away from water and panicked when at 5 weeks they jumped into the pond. I was afraid they would drown. I have 6 being bought up by a chicken, and she and I are spending a lot of time herding them away from the pond. Is it ok to let them swim, they are 3 weeks old tomorrow.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 26, 2009, 03:14:12 pm: I have always had the ducklings in water on day 2. However, they are in the bath in the house and strictly supervised. If out in the open and free access to a pond 24/7 I may be a bit worried. However, they just love it so much. They go in 3 or 4 times daily - just for short periods as they still get very tired. All 12 are now hatched and doing well. Ofcourse the water is never too deep for the first few days. When I only hatch a few at a time I start them off swimming in a paint roller tray.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83stB0RQGGI
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on March 26, 2009, 03:25:21 pm: Do you spray the eggs with warm water during the incubation period? That's supposed to help as the mum sits on the eggs after a swim and they stay moist.
I think water might be o.k. for the wee ones if it is shallow, warm and the room also. Dangerous if they cool down too much when they're weak in the early days and don't produce their own feather oils yet. I wouldn't let them in the pond although they do go in the wild...Wild duck mums are maybe better at this than the domestic ones (Mucovies excluded) and their babies get some of mums' insulating oils? :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 26, 2009, 03:33:41 pm: I spray the eggs after day 15. I think I read that they can only get the oil in their feathers working by getting access to water and getting themselves cleaned afterwards?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on March 26, 2009, 03:59:29 pm: I had a 3 days old duckling drown in a basin of water a few years back. There had been a sudden really heavy squally down pour of rain and I hadn't realised it had been able to climb into the basin. I felt sooooo guilty for ages! The next duckling was raised by a hen and she went bananas every time it went near the pond till it was about a year old!
If you want to go down to see the ducklings Sandy I think you may have company - me and Linz! well, she's broody anyway! :-) ::)
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on March 26, 2009, 04:09:11 pm: You are more of an expert, James, with all your experience! We only had one go at wee ones (stumbled into it more or less accidently). I honestly thought that ducklings and water go well together only to get told too late that that's not necessarily the case in the first days. Ours didn't have access to a pond but it rained non-stop and it was so cold. One friend who had rare breed ducks for a decade said that they get the insulation in the first days from the mother and only later produce it themselves as you said. It's probably an act of balance and we were just unlucky. I'm all them more grateful that one actually made it and she's so beautiful! I was also wrong in assuming that the female duck has a natural instinct to give her children warmth and protect them - this lasted one day! After that it was : catch up and see how you get on! We didn't have the confidence then to take them in when we saw how they struggled to keep up. I thought they ought to be with mum, that's what's best! I would raise them myself now...:&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 26, 2009, 04:15:47 pm: It is enormous fun raising them yourself. However, the natural way would always be best, or so you would think! My ducks just don't get broody so that's why I decided to buy the incubator. I would hate for anything to happen to any of them which is why I never leave them unattended near water.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on March 26, 2009, 04:23:45 pm: Maybe it's because they are domestic breeds, that nature wasn't so good at it...But who knows what the casualty rate is in the wild. It was a very distressing experience for all of us, at first I said in tears that I'll never do that again...But you learn by doing and now we know that they just do need some help from us. :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: Rosemary on March 26, 2009, 08:59:20 pm: Re Wild Ducks, we had three Mallards in teh garden - two males and a female. She hatched about seven but didn't manage to raise any. Every day, there was one fewer. Maybe she was a particularly poor mother, though.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on March 26, 2009, 09:05:43 pm: Nope, don't think she was really - Mother Nature has total control over all things. No-one can predict what will happen next. Ducks aren't great mothers unless they can seriously hive themselves away from all else.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: ballingall on March 26, 2009, 10:38:33 pm: Access to water outside can be a bit dodgy if they get cold, chilled, or even if the pond/container is too hard for them to get out of. We one year had 2 baby ducklings we had to hand rear in June (can't remember why now). We ended up having to take them to the Royal Highland show with us, and letting them have swims in a bucket of water!

If I'm showing ducks I usually bathe them in the bath as well.
Beth
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 27, 2009, 10:21:45 am: Todays installment for anyone interested, all 12 doing really well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ayXrf0sHHo
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on March 27, 2009, 10:56:34 am: I only have plastic :&>
:&>[move] :&>
[/move] in my bath. :D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 27, 2009, 07:52:28 pm: Sandy - just ordered Aylesbury eggs off E bay so your eggs should be in the incubator next week. I will let you know :&>

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on March 27, 2009, 08:16:03 pm: Thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much. I am realy looking forward to having them, so is Steve. My grandchildren have chosen some names, I suspect from "HIgh Scholll Musical" they shall certainly be well looked after, now I have no babies, I love my pets..Thank you :D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 28, 2009, 09:08:57 am: I was hoping to let them outside in their pen for 10 minutes today but that wind is so icy cold, they would freeze.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on March 31, 2009, 11:54:11 am: Had them out side for the very first time this morning as it was a nice morning. After a few minutes they loved exploring and the fresh air. Will try and introduce them to a bit longer each day. They are growing so fast.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on March 31, 2009, 12:00:43 pm: can't wait to see them (shortly after 5 today)!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 02, 2009, 11:03:12 am: As it is such a beautiful day I thought I would put the ducklings out in their small run for a while. I have now had them out for almost 4 hours as it is beautiful and warm out there. I have been constantly checking on them and they have enough food and water, besides they are having a great time ruffling through the grass. Anyway, a short time ago I heard a commotion and went to investigate. The geese had decided to come back off the river and thought it would be good fun to terrorise the small, innocent and defenseless ducklings.

They are such bullies, the ducklings were absolutely terrified and were all huddled in together in a corner of their run. Now unless the geese broke into their run(which I doubt they could do) the wee ones were perfectly safe but with the hissing and threatening behaviour from 2 geese it was no wonder they were terrified. I chased the buggers away but they were having too much fun and kept coming back. In the end I moved the run in beside the adult ducks where the geese cannot get into and so all ends well.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 16, 2009, 04:46:03 pm: Well all ducklings (now 3 weeks old) left me today to go off to their new home. It was very sad as this is the first time I have parted with anything I have bred myself but it was all made easier by the fact that they were going to a lovely family. I look forward to seeing their progress over the coming years. Another 2 weeks before the 11 in the incubator are due to hatch and then the fun starts all over again.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sabrina on April 16, 2009, 04:59:59 pm: just lovely :)
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 25, 2009, 08:28:23 pm: Sandy, the eggs are due to hatch on Wednesday!

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on April 25, 2009, 09:02:19 pm: Maybe I need to start smoking!!! I'll just bite my nails instead!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 27, 2009, 10:26:06 pm: Sandy - Just noticed that 2 of the eggs in the incubator have started to crack so get the cigarettes out!! However, it is not the Aylesbury eggs but I'm sure they won't be too far behind now. I can hear them chirping from inside their shells.:&> :&> :&>

They are 2 days early but wouldn't imagine they will be out before tomorrow.

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on April 28, 2009, 09:15:22 am: How exciting, :o I only said last night to my partner, I feel you are surrogate "mums" for us, we are looking forward to our visit, hope we can both come, if we suddenly get booked up one of us will have to stay and hold the fort, thats the only down side to B&B, we have been invited to a Hog Roast and suddenly got loads of bookings for that day ::), a family comming to scatter their dads ashes....Anyway, keep us posted, the shed will be ready soon and hope the summer brings lot's of warm day's while they are growing, last year, my hens hardly saw a dry day but the top part of there garden is very sheltered and dry, anyway, see you
soon!!!!! :&> :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 28, 2009, 12:13:17 pm: Kerstin - Doesn't look like you are going to see any ducklings today. Although they have started early taking it very slowly, mind you you never know.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 28, 2009, 04:13:01 pm: Hi again Sandy. The first Aylesbury egg has started to crack open. I doubt anything will hatch tonight though but this is the exciting time just watching them.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on April 28, 2009, 04:22:27 pm: Take some piccies James! and post on here.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 28, 2009, 04:25:09 pm: I normally do Annie but for some unknown reason my PC won't let me do it anymore. I have no idea why it has just stopped and it is causing much aggro for me, no idea what to do as I take millions of pics of the animals.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on April 28, 2009, 06:46:32 pm: WOW, I don't smoke so will have loads of tea instead......looking forward to Sunday, hope to get there around 4.....more new life, how nice :D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on April 28, 2009, 07:00:42 pm: we went to see the eggs today, lol, no babies just yet but a lot of them have cracked and they are chirping!
See you Sunday, duck mama Sandy. :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 29, 2009, 07:50:19 am: Went into the office where the incubator is this morning and one of the eggs I am hatching for Kerstin has hatched. It must have been out for an hour or so as it was quite dry. It is still very tired and taking things very slowly and now most of the eggs appear to have started so hoping for some more hatchings today.

Annie - think I have the camera sorted out now so will try for pics later.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 29, 2009, 12:29:31 pm: This is the first of the Aylesbury ducklings hatch. The second one had to be helped, after being clear of its shell for a few minutes it was all still twisted up and it's head was not for sorting itself. Doing well now though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxiwlV3Pe_s
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on April 29, 2009, 01:03:27 pm: Must be a struggle and they would have been very tightly curled up, nice to get out and stretch, thanks for that privilege, I shall show Steve when he gets home, he is as excited as me ;D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 29, 2009, 05:50:43 pm: Now 5 hatched with another going to be out soon. The others look like they are staying put till tomorrow I would guess.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on April 29, 2009, 05:57:32 pm: Ooh that is amazing! So cute! I think I'll buy an incubator!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 29, 2009, 06:28:45 pm: Annie - they are worth every penny. The joy and amazement as you watch them develp and grow makes the original expense more than worth it. I think that is why I use mine so often and hatch for others, at least when it gets regular use it's been worthe it's money. Number 6 is almost out the shell now.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on April 29, 2009, 09:29:34 pm: I would have done ages ago but don't want to be over-run with birds here and not sure how I could sell any surplus.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 30, 2009, 09:10:55 am: I now have 8 hatched - out of 11. There is another Aylesbury breaking free at the moment and I think the last Aylesbury will not hatch. Kerstin - 4 of your eggs are hatched and I am hopeful that the last one may yet happen. They are all doing well and the 6 that are now in the brooding box are eating, drinking and pooing - all healthy signs.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: carl on April 30, 2009, 09:20:37 am: sounds like a job well done. i have had 6 aylebury duck eggs in my incy, largely due to reading your posts on ducks. the first has hatched two days earlier than expected, and i dare not open up yet in fear of losing humidity and heat at such a stage. poor thing looks a bit lonely. It's all been a bit treacherous as I have an electrician re wiring my consumer unit to make the whole house safe, and he has had to cut the power briefly twice. :&> :-\
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 30, 2009, 09:26:01 am: Good luck Carl. I have an unproven thory which may be total rubbish. The times I have had eggs hatch a few days early the majority of the ducklings have been boys! As I said I have no idea of this is true or coicidence. You will have great fun raising them once they hatch, they grow so fast and eat more and more and more every day!

In this part of Scotland I was advised not to add water at any stage of the incubation and since starting this practice it has worked well. Due to this I can open the lid when the youngsters are strong enough and transfer them under the heating lamp and get them eating and drinking too. The incubator can get over crowded once they start arriving. The Aylesbury egg that is unhatched I really have no idea why it has "died" as I am certain that it has.

Let me know how you get on.

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: carl on April 30, 2009, 09:33:37 am: thanks james
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 30, 2009, 10:28:13 am: Can't post any pictures as it is saying it is full contact administrator.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on April 30, 2009, 05:07:53 pm: That's great news again, James! I couldn't find anything relating your theory, might be worth going on the poultrykeepers forum for that one! I just found out that the time window is much greater with ducks than with chicks, maybe that explains the earlies. I hope they are all girls, of course, but it's 50/50 lol. Ah, yes, it also said that it's not so crucial that the temperature is always up, as it's the core temp of the egg that matters - it maybe only takes a bit longer. Makes sense as the mother also has to eat and drink.
Shame I didn't have time to come over, I'd so love to see them now! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on April 30, 2009, 05:40:03 pm: Hope you just got my E Mail, my eyes are runny due to something, I usualy get hay fever but not sure what it is.....now the sunhas finaly come out here so me and my partner are offto the Forest
:paw: :paw: :paw: :paw: :paw: :paw:
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 30, 2009, 05:56:47 pm: Hi Sandy - pictures e mailed as promised.

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on April 30, 2009, 06:46:00 pm: Now I have the camera talking to the PC there is no stopping me, enjoy the ducks first swim...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G98LJGOFFq8
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: carl on May 01, 2009, 09:50:22 am: fantastic james. I now have 2 ducklings, and 2 starting to chip away. :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 01, 2009, 09:58:44 am: Well done Carl, it is an exciting time. I had 9 out of 11 hatch this time, last few times was 100% success so don't know what went wrong this time. However, the ones I do have are doing great and that's the important thing. What kind of ducks is it you are hatching?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: Halliwell on May 03, 2009, 06:18:06 pm: HELP: I'm new to this and need some advice.

I have 12 Aylesbury Duck eggs in the incubator (since 12/04/09) at temp 37.5 and humidity 45%. The incubator turns them every hour.

Do I have to stop the eggs turning? When? and do I have to increase the humidity to soften the eggs for hatching? What should I set this to? I've candled the eggs every few days and the embryos all seem to be doing well. I do not want to mess this up. Any advice (preferrably not conflicting) would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on May 03, 2009, 07:09:02 pm: Thanks for the tour, your place is wounderful, and we loved our lunch, still full and that is not like me!!!!! Hope at least one of the Ducks is female but I will be happy with one of each if not or even 2 female other types of Ducks anyway, we will see. I forgot where you were getting your Hens from? I am not looking just yet but will do when we get the Ducks. Thanks again, what a nice journey as well.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 03, 2009, 07:30:16 pm: You must switch off the "turning motor" 3 days befor hatching. Not sure on the humidity part as in Scotland I do not add any water. I do spray the eggs on a daily basis though - after the first 15 days in the incubator, only leaving them out for no more than 15 minutes. I have just hatched some Aylesbury through the week so good luck.

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 03, 2009, 07:38:39 pm: Thanks for your kind words Sandy, it was good to meet the pair of you. We had a very busy night but as we close at 8.00pm tonight I am on countdown now. I am getting the chickens from "Brewsters" in Abernthey, I can give you directions and a contact number if you want it. I will keep you up to date with the babies progress. The rain also stayed off which was nice.

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on May 03, 2009, 09:28:59 pm: Aren't they absolutely lovely babies, I found it hard to leave today! Shame I missed you, Sandy, was still clothes shopping with my girls when you were here. :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on May 03, 2009, 09:34:53 pm: We have moved on from clothes shopping!!!! We love being in our gardne and it was hard to leave, I always have dirt in my finger anils (unless I wahs up) Wer put up a huge shed to give a home to the Ducks so we are looking forward to some new inhabitants!!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 06, 2009, 03:43:16 pm: Went into the office this morning to check in the ducklings and they were running about the room. They have managed to break free from their heated box and had poo'd everywhere but they were happy. They went straight into the bath for a swim before they went out to the shed. It is time to move them as they are making soooo much mess and smell now. Been out to check on them many times and they are fine and setled in. No more midnight escapes now! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on May 06, 2009, 04:54:45 pm: oh dear, I can imagine the mess! There's always one and all the others follow suit, like their mums (less so their dads lol). I hope you have enough space in the shed with the baby goats? I'm in the middle of organising the move up from Burntisland of the new temporary accommodation, which I then later possibly use for it's intended inhabitants (I'm very tempted after seeing Matilda!). Did you get the hen house and pick up your hens today? What horrible weather to do anything outside...:&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 06, 2009, 05:06:58 pm: There is plenty space in the shed for them all. The ducklings are up on the top shelf level and Gizmo and Fred have the whole floor space. Getting the 2 of them to bed is not easy these days as they want to be with Rosie and Toggi all the time. Trouble is the big ones only go to their shed if it is really cold or wet and the wee ones are still too wee to leave out all night.

It is a terrible day to collect the hens but they are here now. Matilda was in the hen house first so she should think she is the boss and not allow herself to get bullied like in her last life. I will lave them all locked up together for a day before I let them out to explore.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 06, 2009, 06:08:47 pm: It is a terrible day to collect the hens but they are here now. Matilda was in the hen house first so she should think she is the boss and not allow herself to get bullied like in her last life. I will lave them all locked up together for a day before I let them out to explore.
[/quote]

Famous last words I went out to feed the Pygmy Goats and the hens are wandering about quite the thing. The Pygmy's have obviously worked out how to open the door to the hen house, the wee buggers!!!! God knows how we will get the hens to bed later on. Watch out later for a thread offering "free to goog home - 7 Pygmy Goats" Oh I jest, I would not be without the thugs! :goat:
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 08, 2009, 10:57:07 am: I have now hatched quite a few ducklings over the last year and the 9 I have just now are so, so scared from me for some reason. The minute I put my hand into their box they are terrified and I don't think I have spent any less time with this group than any of the others so find it strange. Anyone any ideas why they would be so scared all the time?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on May 11, 2009, 11:22:00 am: Looking forward to getting the Ducks, when will they be ready to sex!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 11, 2009, 12:03:10 pm: Hi Sandy - I reckon it will be another 4 weeks or so before we are any closer at knowing the sex of the ducklings, sorry. I had them outside in their run for a wee while yesterday and they enjoyed that. I will put them out again later as it is so nice. The problem is if the geese know the babies are out they come over and bully them through the wire - they are such thugs. This means that I really need to be out with them while they are in the run just incase the geese manage to "break in".
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on May 11, 2009, 12:13:02 pm: I am contemplating getting some POL pullets as I do not really produce enough eggs, my chickens that is, I stopped producing them a while ago ;D, as they are going to share a shed with the Ducks and will be free to roam the garden together, do you think the Ducks will be able to fend for themselves or should I Waite until the Ducks are much larger???? Maybe I should buy some eggs of Anne!!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on May 11, 2009, 03:43:23 pm: Anne is having a hard job keeping up with demand for eggs and is contemplating getting more pols too. I'm also thinking of getting bob white quails fro training Allez - probably off ebay. James, could you hatch teeny eggs like this? They are very small birds when hatched. Oh and quails eggs are fantastic!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on May 11, 2009, 04:01:35 pm: Steve wants some showy chickens, not sure what we can get around here, I am not too bothered but as I said, 3 eggs a day and we will not have cake!!!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 13, 2009, 04:17:56 pm: Had a major panic with the ducklings this afternoon.

I put them in the bath, the first time for a few days and let them swim for about 20 minutes. When I lifted them out to let them dry off they could not stand/walk. I dried them off the best I could and put them back into their clean bed and lowered the heat lamp as they were freexing cold. A couple of them were not looking good so I wrapped them up in my jumper to give them heat. Now, they are all running about daft again. No idea what caused this, never experienced it before. The main thing is they are back to normal now.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on May 13, 2009, 05:59:27 pm: you got me scared too, James! Maybe they were just exhausted from all the fun. I found that they had to rest an awful lot when they were little. I'll see you and the wee ones some time lunchtime tomorrow, hope I'm not interfering with business then! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 13, 2009, 07:23:55 pm: Kerstin - They are back to normal again. I paniced as never experienced anything like this before. I think they were just too cold and exhausted. It has been very cold here today and I had raised the heat lamp without lowering it as it cold colder. They are back to normal and happy, greedy wee buggers again. See you tomorrow.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 30, 2009, 11:45:02 am: Sandy and Kerstin

I have now let the ducklings roam freely with the adult ducks and they are loving the experience. I decided yesterday they were big enough but didn't let them sleep in the same hut. They are in and out of the pond and just having fun pretending they are grown ups. I am praying that the fox family doesn't get in their run, don't see how they could.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on May 30, 2009, 12:29:06 pm: They SHOULD be safe here as the garden is enclosed by a 7ft high stone wall, although cat's often watch and I know fox's are agile but fingers crossed I think we are OK....Really looking forward to the new arrivals and also the Ex Bat's that I am collecting soon!!!! Thanks foster mummy!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on May 31, 2009, 10:15:17 pm: Sandy you should see the size of them now - they are getting big. They all come running when I go in with lettuce for all of them and they even enjoy a wee bit of bread now. I would imagine perhaps another 2 or 3 weeks and we should perhaps know what sex they are - if you saw them you would fall in love with them regardless of their sex ha ha. They are so enjoying being "free" at last and not in their small pen.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on May 31, 2009, 10:42:25 pm: I'm sure if I had some land I would have loads of stuff, I actualy love pigs, my middle daughter had pigs and also loved them and gained in three ways, the pet value, the food value and now the manure value , her veg are comming up big and quick!!!!I also used to ride but far too fat now and horses are too time consuming, so birds it is and I am counting the days and hope, fingers crossed, that I can collect them in my VW, after all I am quackers :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: gillandtom on June 01, 2009, 07:23:31 am: Sandy, Kerstin - you are lucky I don't have a pond. I saw your ducks on Friday and they are sooo cute I just wanted to pop one under my jacket and take it home.
I wish you all the best once they arrive at their new homes.

;)
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on June 01, 2009, 06:43:46 pm: You too can have ducks, Gill! I don't have a pond - but I have a teency weency stream running through the garden - I just had to wade along it to retrieve two wayward and adventurous Brittanys! My son's makeshift fence has not worked! Ducks love getting into it when I take the dogs inside.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 02, 2009, 11:41:32 am: Every time my ducks see me they think I am going to let them out on the river and once they realise that I am not letting them out they look at me very unhappily. Until such times as it it safe to let them out again I can't take the risk.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: gillandtom on June 02, 2009, 02:35:28 pm: Quote from: doganjo on June 01, 2009, 06:43:46 pm
You too can have ducks, Gill! I don't have a pond - but I have a teency weency stream running through the garden - I just had to wade along it to retrieve two wayward and adventurous Brittanys! My son's makeshift fence has not worked! Ducks love getting into it when I take the dogs inside.

Oh I wish I could Annie. You should see the state of my back garden already, everything is squished in - just ask Rosemary! I think however there might just be about enough space for some quail? Anyone tried it?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on June 02, 2009, 11:52:35 pm: I have always wanted to have quail. but I am told they are a nightmare to keep - very susceptible to drafts, infighting, bugs; need to have indoor accommodation and can't be allowed to get free as they are not indigenous. A friend of mine in England has just bought 120 fertile eggs to hatch with a view to using them for training our dogs (caged quail are used for Natural Aptitude Tests in all HPR breeds) I JUST might ask him for a few. ;)
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: gillandtom on June 04, 2009, 09:14:00 pm: Quote from: doganjo on June 02, 2009, 11:52:35 pm
I have always wanted to have quail. but I am told they are a nightmare to keep - very susceptible to drafts, infighting, bugs; need to have indoor accommodation and can't be allowed to get free as they are not indigenous. A friend of mine in England has just bought 120 fertile eggs to hatch with a view to using them for training our dogs (caged quail are used for Natural Aptitude Tests in all HPR breeds) I JUST might ask him for a few. ;)

Thats a shame. I just bought a book on quail from amazon to read up on them but I haven't read anything so far about them being hard to keep. Oh well you can let me know if you go for it and get some from your friend. I would love to hear how you get on.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 06, 2009, 09:05:12 pm: I am sure that one of the breeders I got some Pygmy Goats off had Quail and they were very free range!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: ballingall on June 06, 2009, 11:11:05 pm: Yes- I think Hamish had quail at one point. All I remember hearing is that the eggshell is supremely hard.

Beth
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on June 08, 2009, 09:34:39 pm: They are not indigenous to the UK and it is illegal to allow them off your land.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 08, 2009, 11:30:31 pm: Just spoke to a friend about quails today. She had tried to incubate without success, but the seller couldn't guarantee that they were fertile ("maybe, maybe not"). :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 12, 2009, 10:57:02 pm: Sandy I think I have 1 boy and 1 girl for you, or 2 boys if you are still interested? They are looking fantastic now and really do look so grown up.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 12, 2009, 11:05:03 pm: I would love the boy and girl, can collect on SUnday if that is OK!!!! If not, the next week, a couple would be nice company I suppose and not so noisy as 2 girls...THanks, off to get some Ex Bats (not Ex pats, not sure if all those wh left the country actualy want to come back) tomorrow. ;D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 12, 2009, 11:07:59 pm: Sunday is fine, see you then.

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 12, 2009, 11:09:31 pm: So who wants a ride out on Sunday??????
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on June 12, 2009, 11:16:00 pm: Me me me me me me ;D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 12, 2009, 11:17:05 pm: So Sandy do you have names for them?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 12, 2009, 11:41:44 pm: Yes, my grandaughter chose some names, I think from hih school musical, I shall have a look in a moo, I would like something like Doris and Charles or Jack and Dora or some other old name, I wil tail through my E Mails and see, back in a mo!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 12, 2009, 11:51:06 pm: Here are some names I have to choose from :- Roxy / Mishel / Metilda / Bella / Bex / Fiona / Ella / charlie / Sophie / Elise / Gemma / Kelly / Lilly / Charllote / Sindy / Marcose / Jay / Ben /

I think I like Charlie and Lilly what do you think?????
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 12, 2009, 11:52:54 pm: Charlie and Lilly are cool :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 13, 2009, 12:07:22 am: What do they like to eat bestest?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 13, 2009, 12:08:56 am: I give them unlimited access to layers pellets but they love lettuce and bread. Ofcourse they will get all the bugs from your garden and these ones are water babies - they just love being on the pond.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 13, 2009, 12:14:40 am: Ohhhhhh!!! Love the idea of water babies. I made some spaghetti and ricefor my chickens today and gave them some while I had my morning coffee, then my dog ate the rest that I put in the garage. I collect weeds every day while out walking, my chickens love them, my daughter says hers love cut grass, I am REALY looking forard to having them...night night :-*
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 13, 2009, 12:32:42 am: Sandy, we also feed ours soaked wheat. And they do love oats, especially porridge! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 14, 2009, 08:00:12 pm: Today 2 of the ducklings went off to their new home and have settled in beautifully. The 3 Aylesbury ducklings that remain will stay here as I have a soft spot for Aylesbury's.

Annie it was great to actually meet you at long last, hope they didn't make too much mess of your car. Sansy has already e mailed me pictures of Charlie and Lilly and they look to be very settled indeed.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on June 14, 2009, 10:04:18 pm: We had a whiff of something on the way back home, James, but when I dropped Sandy off we just took the wee ones round and plopped them in the pond, then I drove home and lifted the newspapers/straw bundle and dumped it in my brown bin - no mess whatsoever! They were settling in before I left. Steve and Sandy now have an instantly rather large family - 2 dogs, 2 ducks and 10 hens!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 16, 2009, 08:19:36 am: Morning, I put Lilly and Charlie into a run , one to makesure they had thier share of food and two to show them whre they could go that was safe and dry. The un is plenty big enough for the eening and I put in thier feed, lots of bedding and a washbowl with a brick in of water, I am only going to do this for a few nights then they will know where to go if they want to keep warm. I know DUcks stay o ut in the rain but I was just a bit concerned they were small and may get a bit too chilled!!!!! They are soooooo cute I would love to watch (and cuddle )them all day but I need to do SOME cleaning as well. :&> :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 16, 2009, 09:35:45 am: Come on!!! who keeps stealing my missing letters? Everytime I write something there are loads of letters missing, I noticed other peoples posts are also like that sometimes. Anyway, I have only just come in to take a shower and WILL take a photo later but Charlie has got a VERY dirty face, it makes him look even cuter :D I could kiss them :-* I just read that they can have marmite on bread for a teat so I gave them some soaked in some water and they seem t love it (whoops..missing o....) I am now woundering if to get another female, I am sure they would take it in turns on the pond and the ZInc bath, maybe another breed!!! It's my birthday today and later (when I get dressed) I shall have my party with the birds, we have 2 doves that live in the garden as well, they are very pretty and I can almost touch them!!!!!! I have some cakes and a cup of nice coffee and off I go, beats humans ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 16, 2009, 10:34:28 am: Happy Birthday Sandy. :bouquet:
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 16, 2009, 10:40:47 am: Have a lovely birthday with your new family members! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 16, 2009, 10:51:37 am: Just had my birthday breakfast of quality street and coffee ;D and I took some photos and the Ducks are in the Chicken gang, the funny thing was a sequence of photos I took of first the 2 duckshaving a drink, then joined by one lack Rock then another then, Lilly told one of them off and they left!!!!! Charley is still a bit dirty but Lily has washed....a real little boy eh!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 16, 2009, 10:57:11 am: Doesn't look as though there is much work getting done at your place today birthday girl!!!! I often just disappear off outside to sit and just watch the animals. If I go in beside the Pygmy's I get at least one of them sitting on my knee while the others run about looking for my attention/cuddles. The ponies want to see if I have food and the big goats just want cuddles and any food if I have it. The ducks come running hoping I am going to let them out on the river and the hens now come running for some attention too. It is very therapeutic and now I have decided that for my birthday I would like a Golden Guernsey girl!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on June 16, 2009, 10:47:39 pm: You didn't mention you had a birthday coming up! Happy Birthday! A bit late now but you'll get the wish tomorrow morning likely. See you tomorrow evening anyway for the CSSA meeting. Pick you up 6.30
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 19, 2009, 01:31:43 pm: We picked the little (or not so little anymore!) beauties up yesterday - a huge Thank You! to James and Kenny for gifting us the new additions! They have settled into their run just fine, eat and poop as they should and look a bit bored, watching their mums and dads having a stroll. Soon they will be allowed to join them! When I get organised will post a picture! :&> :&> :&> :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 19, 2009, 02:08:10 pm: I think I should maybe have had another female as Lilly may find Charlie too much, there are adorable, Charlie seems to get much dirtier than Lilly but they have bonded with the Black Rocks and are now a bit aster at getting food although I have been feeding them separately by getting them into the pond and throwing stuff and also putting more pellets out when the chickens have all gone to bed, they look bigger already. I have been slug hunting so feeding them to the Ducks, they tried several time to "chew" a big black ridged one but left it in the end, they just have the green or brown ones, so my plants will be better off thanks to the Ducks. A series of photos I loved was 1 both Ducks drinking from a plastic planter, then joined by one Black Rock "Margo" hen another "Agnes" then Lilly told them off, so they went away from the water and it was just the 2 Ducks again. I am finding it very hard to work inside as I take my lunch and tea breaks into the garden, it is great, I put the hose into the pond and the water pump on, the Ex Battery are doing chicken things, Lilly and Molly asleep in the sun and the Black Rocks having dust baths, not to mention all the comings and goings of the other birds. Any guests can also see the birds from upstairs so an added entertainment...Love them to bits..thanks
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on June 19, 2009, 02:14:40 pm: You should charge extra for a 'Bird's Eye View' ;D ;D ;D

We can have any of my eggs hatched, Sandy, but some of them could be drakes so we'd be back at square one. I'm quite happy to let you have one of my girls though as Jack seems to be very gentlemanly with my three.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 20, 2009, 11:42:07 am: I would really now like to have a go at hatching hens eggs in the incubator as previously it has always been ducks I have hatched. The only thing stopping me, is knowing my luck, I would probably end up with 5 eggs out of 6 being cockerel.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 20, 2009, 12:10:56 pm: Don't say that! For now I believe you managed to incubate 3 girls for us and the little black one seems to be a boy. This is only judged by his behaviour at the moment! I opened up their run and let them get to "know" the others and the wee black one actually nipped the big boss and granddad and they made a run for it! For now they are keeping to themselves, we have 2 "herds", lol. :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 20, 2009, 12:16:42 pm: Kerstin I think you have to learn a bit of respect for the amazing duck breeder ha ha ha. I am teasing. I am sure you have 2 of each but hope you are right. :&> :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 20, 2009, 12:21:10 pm: I lost the bet last time with Peter, lol. I love the guessing game. I had to laugh as the biggest still has the baby squeak! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 20, 2009, 12:23:21 pm: The Aylesbury girl I still have and the 1 I gave to Sandy are so vocal, what a noise they make. I do like to hear them though.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 20, 2009, 01:59:38 pm: My daughters DUcks are about the same age and she says they call for her, the Girl can be noisy but not too bad, maybe one Female will be enough, don't want trouble with my neighbours ;)
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 20, 2009, 03:02:16 pm: our wee call duck is the noisiest, as she shouts murder each time she gets pursued, which is a lot...2 of the older girls are quite loud as well but only at times, but I hardly hear the others, they just cluck in a way. I don't hear any new croaking, suppose the voice of the wee boy(s) has not broken yet, lol :&> :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 20, 2009, 08:00:31 pm: Now - trying to get the "babies" back into their run was quite a spectacle! In the end it took 3 of us as they are so blooming fast runners! Must tell Peter to film it and put us up on "you've been framed" ,lol!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 20, 2009, 09:26:43 pm: I had a job for the first three nights as I was concerned they may not have had enough food as the greedy chickens are fast at getting treats, so I had a struggle to get them into a run too, anyway, my garden is safe and after the chickens go to bed I leave more food for the Ducks to eat, the nice thing is my Black rocks that have been here nearly a year are very good with the ducks and chase off the Ex Batts when they come near to the Ducks food, it is sweet seeing them eat together, I am more relaxed now I do not have to chase them to put them away, stressful for us all and I am not exactly agile!!!!
:&>[move][move] :&>[move][move] :farmer:
[/move][/move][/move][/move]
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on June 20, 2009, 11:43:20 pm: Kerstin
My dog trainer says he would like some Indian Runners - I would like to return a favour by getting some for him. Do you know where I can get them please?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 20, 2009, 11:47:09 pm: Annie - Beth has some too, perhaps she will have contact details of someone. There is also the Stirling poultry sale 25th of next month, I am eagerly awaiting that. Also, if you are going to the Highland Show you may make contact with someone at the poultry tent! I do love the Indian Runners, the last eggs I hatched for someone had 6 Indian Runners and they were beautiful and I was sad to let them go.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 20, 2009, 11:57:23 pm: Annie, the poultry sale is probably the best option, or ebay eggs...I only have one which came with the others. The youngsters are from my own eggs and one has the Runner as his or her mum, but the others are equally fast, lol :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on June 21, 2009, 12:21:12 am: Thanks, Guys. I'll see Beth and Ally some time soon - they are away this weekend, but will be back with my motorhome in the next few weeks. Not sure if I'll be t either the Royal or the Poultry show
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: ballingall on June 21, 2009, 02:11:53 pm: Annie,

My pair of white Indian runners have just hatched 5 babies themselves. Mum is proving to be very good at looking after her babies, which is such a relief after the disaster the Cayuga's made of being mums. We also have 11 eggs in the incubator which are all fertile and are all runners- half of them are chocolate, and the others were 6 eggs which could be a mix of colours, blue, black or striker. We want to keep a few coloured females ourselves, but we're definitely going to have too many, so will be looking to part with some.

Found the white ones yesterday when we came home after Linlithgow gala day. Helped the fifth one to hatch out, and all are doing very well now.

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b340/ballingall/DSCF2599.jpg)

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b340/ballingall/DSCF2578.jpg)

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b340/ballingall/DSCF2607.jpg)
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 21, 2009, 05:15:52 pm: How sweet!!! and how did you get the photos onto the post? I always end up with tiny ones!!!(http://)
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: donny on June 23, 2009, 02:00:49 pm: Hi
I am incubating kc eggs from my girls at the moment, but, 3 days ago my incubator failed and i had to put them in a brooder i made which had a simular temp as the incubator. I now have repaired the incubator got it up to temp and replaced the eggs after candling them all.

2 look as though the whole egg is just black with a couple of "lumps" here and there, no obvious sign of movement.
1 looks like it has exploded inside the egg, debris is floating all around with no life movement
and the last one has definite movement.

Do you recon i have lost the other 3, they are still in the incubator as i am not sure.

Any ideas?

Don
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 23, 2009, 02:12:23 pm: Hi Don - I would imagine that the ones that you think look "bad" probably are. How many more days to they are supposed to hatch? There are people that say remove them so they don't bring disease to the others but anythime I have thought an egg has spoiled I have left - just incase. Candle again in a day or so and if they are the same then remove. Good luck, I hope you at least get 1 duckling.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: donny on June 23, 2009, 02:24:45 pm: Hi

I am today on day 16 with another 7 days to my last turn, i have noticed that one of the undecided eggs has changed colour slightly.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 23, 2009, 03:15:26 pm: Don - I would suggest the one that has changed colour should be removed. I once had an egg for some reason change colour and it never hatched.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 23, 2009, 05:40:20 pm: just to say what clever birds James raised for us! On the second night they went into their run by themselves and took themselves to bed! I'm delighted as with the older ones that has been a constant struggle...
Stop posting all these lovely pictures, I'm getting all broody and we really can't have any more wee ones just now (ducklings or children, lol)!
Good luck, Don! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on June 23, 2009, 05:52:35 pm: Beth and Alex, well done on the eggs hatching, great news. I hope all goes well from now on for them.

James
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on June 23, 2009, 06:04:28 pm: Lilly and Charlie have been sitting in the run most of today with the odd trip out for water and food, I only put them in on the first 3 nights to make sure they knew where they could go for peace and safety, now they defiantly have taken it on as theirs, my Black Rocks used to go in there to lay eggs!!!!! I am looking forward to getting them a bit tamer, they do come near to me but the chickens shove them away, however, the Black Rocks seem to have bonded with them, I find this fascinating. Clever little Duckies :&> :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on June 23, 2009, 06:19:35 pm: yes, Sandy, they are all very clever! must be the good early education, lol. Obviously yours are as bossy as ours - they had to stand up to geese in their youth after all! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on July 13, 2009, 09:55:17 pm: I think I raised monsters from the stories I have heard and from the 3 I still have...
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on July 13, 2009, 10:07:56 pm: I saw little (not so little nw) lilly putting her beak next to one of my Black Rocks as if it were her mummy!!!! THe Hen did nothing, Black ROcks are great natured birds.....I sall take some photos again!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on July 13, 2009, 10:23:23 pm: yes, so you have, James, lol! They are just very strong characters, maybe it is always like that, bringing 2 groups of different generations together! Sure it's not your fault. Still hoping they will get used to each other! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on July 13, 2009, 10:28:57 pm: They will learn to live harmoniously I am sure. My Millie settled in beautifully with the Buff Orpingtons and even when I added to them they all became a group. The 3 Aylesbury's from the last incubation get on very well with all the others now too and even the geese seem to be a bot friendlier towards them. Mind you the geese are moulting just now and a bit quiet and in the huff with life!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on July 17, 2009, 10:12:15 am: The 2 Ducks that James hatched for me are doing really well and boy are they growing fast, the adopted a home in a sheltered run where my Black Rocks used to lay but now they lay in a covered cage, full of straw under a brick Barbi, I am not sure when Lilly will start laying so whoever has her sisters let me know one one pops out and two, I really hope she finds it too small to get into the cage as she WILL squash all the hens eggs unless I collect them before she lays!!!!!!! They are so cute and just beginning to fend off the hens for the best treats!!!! I often throw stuff around the pond and yesterday 1 of the small hens slipped in trying to get some treats...snails, slugs, lettuce, bread etc . Also not been quick enough to pick them up yet but they stand around my feet when I'm out!!!! so can you let me know when I can expect my first Duck egg!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on July 17, 2009, 10:33:50 am: Normally round 20/24 weeks old they start to lay.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 21, 2009, 04:59:30 pm: So Sandy have you had any duck eggs yet?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 21, 2009, 06:37:37 pm: Hi, James, just been out giving them all some treats, the Ducks have been nudging me but I still have not picked them up, they are funny they keep putting thier beaks down the chickens backs and shoving them away! THey also keep doing thier mateing dance, you've probably ~~done it~~ seen it many times, they bob thier heads up and down then swin around and around then the male flaps his wings, very cute, sometimes the male runs flapping his wings then jumping into the pond, the pond it just big enough and it has a deep bit where they can dive.....I am woundering where they will lay as there are two places where the chickens lay, fingers crossed they don't sit on them and crack them.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 21, 2009, 06:57:19 pm: Sandy sometimes the wee buggers will lay in the pond so keep an eye on that! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 21, 2009, 07:00:53 pm: The will sink won't they? I cleaned out the pond last week so it's ue for another clean. I have a pump and pump the water into bucksts and water the garden with the stuff, brings on the plants a treat...I love the Ducks, very very cute, not seen Charlie doing his mating yet, but there againn I don't watch them all the time..
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 21, 2009, 07:06:57 pm: Yes they will sink. My boys born with the same hatch as your 2 now have the curl on their tail feathers, what about Charlie?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 21, 2009, 07:27:13 pm: My boys have had the curly feathers for a couple of weeks now, with matching behaviour! But no eggs from the wee girls so far, not even a tiny one or a soft one! They are kept with the big girls now, maybe it will inspire them, lol. :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 21, 2009, 07:43:56 pm: Yes, Charlie has a bit of a curl and is now bigger than Lilly, I shall keep looking, just been out again before it gets dark, no eggs...I shall clear the pond next week.....and keep you posted.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sabrina on August 24, 2009, 04:25:39 pm: Well James we tried more ducks eggs, this time from a lady half an hour away who breeds all sorts of fowl. Once more nothing, this time my OH added three chicken eggs and they are coming on fine, are we just being unlucky. :(
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 24, 2009, 04:47:09 pm: No eggs yet, unless they are in the pond, they are funnier than ever now as they often ruffle up the chickens back feathers. A funny scene went on last week when I went out with my cup of tea and dropped the tea bag only for the smallest scruffiest chicken picked it up and run off with all the rest of the 15 chickens and followed byu Lilly and Charlie, they gave up and the chickens took turns with the tea bag until they gave it up as pointless, very funny ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 24, 2009, 07:38:32 pm: My Millie, the Alesbury that recently died did not lay at all. She tried a few times in the early days but they were always "rubbish", and she just gace up. ;D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 24, 2009, 08:45:38 pm: I am not botherd but more concerned where she may lay!!! I am going to clean the pond but could do with some mosquito netting to cover myself with as last time I was bitten loads around the neck!!!!!!horrid midges
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 24, 2009, 08:48:45 pm: I think it may be still a bit early, Sandy. I'll keep you posted when I find any new looking eggs (you know what I mean)! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 24, 2009, 08:51:21 pm: There is a defiantly difference between Duck and Chicken eggs isn't there?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 24, 2009, 08:54:26 pm: Oh Yes!!!! It's all in the size my dear :) Her first couple may be very small or not properly developed but you will know the difference, plus the shell will be white and I assume all your hens lay brown?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 24, 2009, 09:02:15 pm: OK, I hope there not at the bottom of the pond!!!! Beck said one of her DUcks layed in the paddling pool!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 24, 2009, 09:05:30 pm: A funny thinh happened this morning. I let the choocks out before the Pygmy Goats and went to feed the other goats and ducks. 2 of the hens still have not got used to going onto their new coop to lay and go into the Pygmy's shed to lay. Anyway, this morning one of them must have been "caught short" and laid her egg on the path outside the Pygmy shed. The poor wee thing must have been desperate!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 24, 2009, 09:08:38 pm: I've seen mine pacing up and down waiting to lay, they make lot's of noise and as I said ages ago in a post, "they talk"
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on August 24, 2009, 11:19:06 pm: Quote from: jameslindsay on August 24, 2009, 08:54:26 pm
Oh Yes!!!! It's all in the size my dear :) Her first couple may be very small or not properly developed but you will know the difference, plus the shell will be white and I assume all your hens lay brown?

Not too sure about that, James. My duck eggs are blue, I have some white hens eggs, some pale brown ones and some quite brown ones - all are about the same size.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 25, 2009, 07:16:36 am: Annie my duck eggs are all huge.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 25, 2009, 08:17:20 am: :o
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 25, 2009, 08:32:58 pm: I had a small one today - but 3 missing big ones ::) might be one of the new girls or a big girl after a break... :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on August 26, 2009, 12:36:43 am: I had ONE hens egg today - that's all! New girl maybe put them off lay? What do you think guys? She was put into the shed after dark last night. The ducks might have laid and the magpies taken them as I went inside for a good long while after taking those videos of Lucky trying to establish her place in the flock.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: QWOLF on August 26, 2009, 08:24:05 am: HI all
Lucky nay well have put ur ladies of the lay annie, she likes a fight and is very intimidating, so i would give her the acceptable amount of time you would allow then enough is - ENOUGH aye shouting threre LOL
Got to thinking as iam coming over tomorrow why dont i dress as a chicken and bring an ASBO or dispatch order for Lucky then she may get the message ( one way or another).
i have to say annie that my birds have been great since she went so she is a problem? only thing now all of them have a go at blink ( called that cause she's blind-ish, not a bad yin from the big smoke ).
thought your clips of Lucky were great we have all watched them several times.

Sandy what do your hens say when they talk? i had one that used to do that one of the ones claire bought , iam sure she was saying 20 pence an egg which i thought was fine, but never ever paid her he he.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 26, 2009, 09:20:52 am: WHen I go to feed them they make a definate different sound which I recognise but otherwise, not sure what they say but the sounds they make are like conversations with the odd exclemation mark when one of the DUcks pushes them out the way!!!!!! I'm sure they talk to each other, they certainly have a large range of noises :chook:
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 26, 2009, 01:46:16 pm: down to 3 large eggs, instead of 6 large + 2 small! Nothing in the garden hiding places either. It's like winter numbers...they may have gotten upset yesterday by us catching the Big Boy, who we transported all the way to Loch Tay with 2 new ladies (Muscovies). Or they all think that summer's over (I still have hope for a few nice days, may the birds be wrong!) :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on August 26, 2009, 02:21:23 pm: September and October are often nicer months. I am hoping that will still be true and that being four degrees warmer than Aberdeenshire - consistently - that I can wear the new summer tops my daughter has just picked up for me in the M & S sale!

I have two hens and one duck egg today! And Lucky is behaving herself. Don't hear a sound from them other than the usual clucking and cackling until I go near them - and I'm NOT going out there in this weather! I think I've determined the egg eater too, but not sure what to do about it - anyone know where I can get a ceramic egg?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 26, 2009, 03:11:04 pm: I found one in a charity shop, it was ages ago, I think there were three at the time, they well them for decorating to have in bowls, I wounder if golf balls would do?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 26, 2009, 04:56:52 pm: I think golf balls may just do the same job Sandy. My ducks are certainly laying less these days, either that or the little sods are laying along the river bank and ofcourse the birds will get them.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 26, 2009, 09:24:26 pm: Kerstin, you get rid of your boy ok then? :) I had a friend visit today and she had her brother and his wife from New Zealand - they were so gob smacked to see my ducks swim quite freely on the river, it was funny.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 26, 2009, 09:48:22 pm: Well, James, I found him a lovely new home with a huge area to roam and I hope he will have a long life there with his new ladies. I'm about to become a convert re Muscovies - those 2 we got for him are absolutely lovely characters, relaxed and friendly. They are supposedly the perfect ducks, love to breed and protect their young. If they have ducklings they might be a funny looking mix ;D It feels so much better than the other option (pot), I should wear a halo now, lol :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 26, 2009, 09:52:04 pm: Hee, Hee. I am pleased Kerstin and yes it is the much better option. Fingers crossed they enjoy a long and happy time in their new home.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 29, 2009, 09:11:57 pm: (http://[IMG]http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu232/pryde/011-1-1.jpg)[/img] not sure if this photo works, it's Lilly and Charlie
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 29, 2009, 09:15:08 pm: :o
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 29, 2009, 09:16:19 pm: OK, it dose!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on August 29, 2009, 09:28:14 pm: (http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu232/pryde/th_011-1.jpg) (http://s651.photobucket.com/albums/uu232/pryde/?action=view&current=011-1.jpg)

In photobucket - if you click on Share/more options/get link code/ then scroll down to image for bulletin boards and forums you can copy the link and post it here then only the actual photo comes on the forum. Means no-one sees the rest of your stuff on photobucket. Click on 'clickable thumbnail' and it highlights automatically - then do a ctrl C, then paste into your message on here.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 29, 2009, 09:45:16 pm: [img(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu232/pryde/012-1.jpg)][/img]
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 29, 2009, 09:46:02 pm: Thanks, I will try again!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 29, 2009, 10:22:29 pm: How lovely, Sandy! Any eggs yet ? None here :&> ;D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 29, 2009, 10:25:38 pm: No, I cleaned out the pond and now it is crystal clear and Charlie is doing his mating stuff most of the time so they obviously are about ready...just hope she does not choose to lay on top of the Hens nesting places, they have 3 at the moment.......they always seem to be smiling and she shouts, everytime I go outside!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 30, 2009, 08:23:47 am: Sandy look at you being able to post pictures now!!

They are looking brilliant, my boys are big boys too, very impressed.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 30, 2009, 12:25:26 pm: I can stroke them but I am not quick or agile enough to pick them up, some one would be able to, I would love to cuddle them, they certainly are amusing, still find it funny that they shelter from the rain and the chickens don't!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on August 31, 2009, 11:36:47 am: My chickens don't have the sense to go under cover with the rain. Lastnight one group of the ducks came off the river as usual but the other half stayed out much later than normal which started to worry me. They did eventually come back, I think they had been staying out of the road of the geese to be honest.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 31, 2009, 02:09:54 pm: we had another little egg today - watch out, Sandy! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on August 31, 2009, 03:52:08 pm: I shal have another look around when the rain :gloomy: :gloomy: stops for a bit!!!!!! Noticed yesterday the Chcikens and the DUcks in the dry straw filled run, they looked cosy, I suspect Lilly may lay her eggs there, hope so!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on September 03, 2009, 02:59:21 pm: I've definitely had several small eggs in 2 different colours, so both new girls have started laying! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 03, 2009, 03:09:54 pm: Nope!!! did you have a female Aylesbury or are they different breeds? I am off out in a mo but will have anotherlook on the way back...just been to throw them some lettice and got very wet!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on September 03, 2009, 03:18:55 pm: no, none of mine are Aylesburys. 1 might be a "pure" Campbell and the other is a cross with an Indian Runner mum (who has gone on an unexplained laying break) ::) :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 03, 2009, 03:23:57 pm: Maybe the different breeds then...I know my Black rocks took thier time laying!!!!! the DUcks are sheltering only the chickens roaming around in the wet!!! I found a huge slug (thought it was a big doggy poo) but I found it too disgusting to give to the Ducks, hate the things but usualy collect them from our flower garden and throw them into the birds so they get very excited when they see me amungst the flowers!!!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 03, 2009, 03:24:37 pm: My daughters DUcks are around the same age and they are laying!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on September 03, 2009, 04:46:03 pm: my three ducks are fully mature and I am lucky if I get one egg a day at the moment. Ducks go off lay about now and come back on in October/November in my experience
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on September 04, 2009, 05:50:57 pm: funny, last year I got 5 out of 5 until October/November, then 3 out of 5 until March. Maybe my Indian Runner has just retired ;D :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on September 06, 2009, 11:53:54 am: The Aylesbury girl i kept that hatched at the same time as Sandys and Kerstins isn't laying yet either.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 06, 2009, 01:11:58 pm: (http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu232/pryde/oddhiken004-1.jpg) Well Lilly is certainly getting a lot of food!!!! love them, they are a great addition to the flock and get son very well with the rest of the birds!! I am sure she will lay soon!!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on September 07, 2009, 01:31:51 pm: They are looking well Sandy. I only got 2 eggs off the ducks this morning and 1 yesterday. Hens are all still laying well though.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 12, 2009, 08:16:27 pm: I am not too sure but think we may have had some duck eggs, they are in with the chicken eggs but are white,one was small and the other a bit of an odd shape, our chickens lay shades of brown eggs but then we have the foundling"""""
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on September 12, 2009, 08:31:55 pm: I think the foundling is an ex batt so her eggs should be the same as the others. The white ones will be the ducks. I'm lucky if I get one egg a day just now, but I could fill a duvet with feathers!(http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Surprise/surprised-021.gif)
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 12, 2009, 08:55:49 pm: Well Charlie is doing his stuff!!! they must be Duck eggs, she is laying them with the hens eggs, we get around 8 a day at the mo!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on September 12, 2009, 09:21:50 pm: Makes no difference whether Charlie is active or not. Lilly will lay anyway. Why isn't she called Lola?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 12, 2009, 09:24:25 pm: Wanted to name her after a plant, if I had another she would be rose!! :bouquet:
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on September 12, 2009, 09:42:23 pm: Just wondered all of a sudden because Katie was watching Charlie and Lola today
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 12, 2009, 09:46:45 pm: not watched that!!!! miss al the good things on TV!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on September 12, 2009, 09:50:50 pm: Might not have been on today - Duncan has all the latest gadgets - latest is an Apple machine that all programmes get automatically loaded onto. I can't work it but 2 year old Katie is an expert!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 12, 2009, 10:08:39 pm: Love gadgets, just need a bit of time to play with them..it takes me until 4 most days to get free time ;)(give and take a few hours for TAS)
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 13, 2009, 06:19:15 pm: Just been out with the hose and filled up a bird bath of fresh water only to turn around to see Lilly sitting in it! ;D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: northfifeduckling on September 13, 2009, 08:34:30 pm: congratulations, Sandy - after the long wait! Most ducks do put their eggs with another duck's/hen's eggs. When one goes broody she sits on a whole load of eggs which aren't hers, clever! :&>
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 13, 2009, 08:36:57 pm: Took me a while to realize as they are odd shaped and white, my hens lay brown eggs!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on September 13, 2009, 09:08:32 pm: Thats good news Sandy, have you tasted your first duck egg yet?
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 13, 2009, 09:13:07 pm: No want a few more and will make a cake, maybe have enough for the meeting here on Wednesday if Lilly is up to it, she sat in the small bird bath when I was filling it up tonight!!!
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: doganjo on September 13, 2009, 10:30:39 pm: I have some duck eggs if you want them - can exchange for hens ones - I'm not getting any just now.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 14, 2009, 08:16:36 am: We only had 3 yesterday!!! messsed up Steves production line ;D ;D
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 15, 2009, 10:32:30 pm: Well Lilly is doing well, yesterday she gave us 2 little eggs, today another little one, I suspect they will get bigger soon as at the moment they are small, it was funny today as they both went into the shed together, like a man taking his wife out!!! I cleaned out the pond as as my pump was not working had to do it with buckets, the Ducks certainly had filled up the pond with layers Mash!!!!!! no wounder I am using a lot.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: jameslindsay on September 16, 2009, 09:21:38 am: I only got 1 duck egg this morning from 15 girls! The hens are still laying well though.
Title: Re: Incubating Duck Eggs
Post by: sandy on September 17, 2009, 09:53:23 pm: I used the Lillies eggs to make a cake, one of the 5 had a double yolk then I found another and it was huge, I cracked that one to fry and it had 3 yolks, I will post a photo of it soon, well done Lilly!!!(http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu232/pryde/decoratingTowerHouse008-1-1.jpg)