new to ducks - building incubator

[Anonymous]

hi all
im starting to attempt to hatch my own duck eggs , ive started to build a incubator out of a large polystrine box with a light bulb for heat im lowering the wattage of bulbs to find one with the right temp so far only as low as 42c so im going to get lower wattage from tesco to try and get the 37.5

first question
will it matter if it comes out about 38 or a little bit higher or lower ?

second question
im ordering a humidity montior tonight but how do i creat humidity in there ? will placing a bowl of water in there be enough and how can i make it higher and lower if using a bowl of water and how do i get it up from 55% in the first 24days to 75% for the last 4 days when they start to hatch

thrid
is a high humidity needed in the brooder box or is a heat bulb the only thing needed ?

forth
what is a good type of duck for a small farm with field space and pretty small pond with clipped wings?

thank you for any help
toby

 

[Anonymous]

Temperature needs to be rock solid steady.

To create humidity its the surface area of water within the incubator. A wet sponge is good for creating humidity. If your using a hygrometer theyre not all that accurate unless you buy and expensive one or use a wet bulb thermometer which is more reliable.


Once the ducklings are fluffed up they can be move to the brooder box, where hey just need a source of heat, no humidity.

If you want small ducks I would get call ducks or bantam ducks.

I personally would prefer a larger breed as they wouldnt need their wings clipping then. 17

 

[binghamd]

Have a look at this site
http://www.domestic-waterfowl.co.uk/index.htm
Lots of info.
I think Welsh Harlequins look great and are good layers. Am getting some in the autumn.