Hi Everyone,
I joined this forum last night and have made a few posts in other threads but would love to share my journey with little Darwin with all of you.
Darwin started life as an egg living in Victoria (Australia) and I began talking to his owner via email. We agreeg that she would ship eggs to me and I would give it a go. My family and I had hatched other things (quails, chooks and game hens) but never ducks. I am not overly fond of chooks, though my son is - he carries them round under his arm and talks to them for hours on eng - he even gives them massages as he feels is relaxes them into providing more eggs (how many eggs does one family need I say- thank goodness for friends who are happy to have eggs with actual yellow yolks! Anyway I digress.
The eggs arrived - in poor condition. Out of the 6, 3 had hairline fractures. I mentioned in another thread that Google told me I could mend them with PVA glue and tissue which I did - but it also told me that there was a MUCH higher chance that bacteria could get into the egg so I didn't get my hopes up.
As the weeks passed three of the eggs stopped growing and were removed from the incubator - the other three appeared to be gorwing well.
At about day 23 one of the eggs stoped moving all together - I left it in the incubator in hope but the porr little ting was not for this world.. Then on day 26 one of the eggs pipped the shell - at the thin end - he also did not make it... this made me extra worried about Darwin.. As time went on he appeared to struggle and I tried to detach myself to preare for the worst. After 12 hours his head was out. I left him in the warm and hoped. 3 hours later he had kicked free of the shell. Hope began to grow!
Once out the little guy was exhausted. I called the lady I got the eggs from and her advice was to let him be.
24 after hatching it was an amazing difference - he wanted FOOD (he had it in there form the start - very wet chick starter) He has wanted food ever since - My little guy (Darwin if he is a boy and DD darwin duck is it is a she) is going so well... but I dont want Darwin to be lonely - we now have a new incubator and 10 Cayuga eggs in there - Our hatch is due on Noveber 6. I have everything CROSSED!
Anyway I Know I have gone on, I am just so excited about the new addition to our family - It is amazing how animated ducks are.. And I was thinking of getting another dog - not anymore!
I look forward to reading posts and getting advice from the member here - I also plan to spread the word about the site to any other duck people I meet.
Thanks
Sally
