Author Topic: hatching goose eggs - increase humididty on day 29? (Read 4800 times)

Anke · « **on:** May 09, 2015, 11:13:04 am »

I have so far left the goose eggs (Pilgrim) dry in the incubator, but it seems that only 3 of the 9 have lost more than 10% weight/moisture...

Do I increase the moisture now for hatching (unlikely, but still hopeful for a couple)? Can't find anything in my book about it. (for chicken eggs I would normally increase it to 75% now.... and reduce the temp by about 0.5 deg C).

doganjo · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2015, 03:04:41 pm »

I've got duck eggs in mine that I got on April 14th from Katy (Clydesdaleclopper)

I added water yesterday and switched off the turner this morning - just keeping fingers crossed for Tuesday now.

I forgot to weigh or candle them so it will be a total surprise if any hatch.

I haven't figured out where to put them if they do hatch, I have a heat lamp but no container - any easy ideas?

Anke · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2015, 04:30:43 pm »

Large plastic -under-bed box from Ikea, laid down with newspaper. Easily cleaned out.

Daisys Mum · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2015, 08:18:40 pm »

Quote from: Anke on May 09, 2015, 04:30:43 pm

Large plastic -under-bed box from Ikea, laid down with newspaper. Easily cleaned out.

Or a blow up paddling pool!

doganjo · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2015, 09:38:34 pm »

I have those - or a council recycling box but won't the heat lamp melt them?

devonlady · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2015, 09:58:20 pm »

If it were hot enough to melt plastic, Annie it would well and truly cook your goose (or duck

) Any container big enough would do, even a series of cardboard boxes.

doganjo · « **Reply #6 on:** May 09, 2015, 10:48:35 pm »

How deep should it be? I'm thinking a recycling box as they are about 12 inches deep, and quite sturdy compared to a storage box. I've used cardboard before and it disintegrated in days

waddy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2015, 11:12:31 pm »

Quote from: Anke on May 09, 2015, 11:13:04 am

I have so far left the goose eggs (Pilgrim) dry in the incubator, but it seems that only 3 of the 9 have lost more than 10% weight/moisture...

Do I increase the moisture now for hatching (unlikely, but still hopeful for a couple)? Can't find anything in my book about it. (for chicken eggs I would normally increase it to 75% now.... and reduce the temp by about 0.5 deg C).

I don't know how long pilgrims take compared to West of england (around 30 days) but I would normally increase the humidity to 75% at this stage and reduce the temp very slightly. As they haven't lost enough weight to manoever (14% would be better for goose eggs) it is likely you will need to assist. They may pip but then get stuck. They may also pip at the wrong place so check underneath. If you do help go carefully as they can bleed easily. Stop for a little while if this happens. Try to let them complete the job themselves so the yolk sac is absorbed. You may need to dampen the membranes if they dry; especially if you have a blown air incubator (I use a damp j-cloth over the eggs to try and keep the membranes moist although it makes it difficult to see). On my last hatch I waited a bit too long before assisting and the smallest four unfortunately never really got going so it can be a bit nerve wracking. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Helen

Anke · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2015, 06:50:19 am »

Thanks Helen, no pipping at all so far... humidity at 70% just now... day 30 today. Not looking hopeful... (and goosey has stopped laying this last week too, so probably won't get a 2nd chance this year).