Recently, musk ducks are increasingly being hatched in an incubator. This is done because this type of bird is considered optimal for use in various industries.
It is worth noting that the breeding of musk ducks is not particularly difficult. Therefore, for the razvodchika this process will be not only simple, but also fascinating. Detailed information on the breeding of this breed by means of incubation is presented in our article.
What it is?
Incubation is the natural development of animals that lay eggs.. It is carried out by laying eggs under a hen or in a special incubator.
In this unit, the optimum temperature is maintained for breeding ducklings and other individuals. And although the process is rather complicated and time consuming, it can be carried out at home. It is enough to have the necessary equipment and certain knowledge.
What is the difference between individuals of a musk duck?
Musk duck egg can be equated to chicken. It is somewhat larger in size, and in weight reaches 70 grams. It has a characteristic white color with brown spots.
The shape of such an egg is similar to that of a domestic duck. Its nutritional value is also on the same level. Eat an egg in food can be after heat treatment.
reference. It is worth noting that eggs are a fat but healthy product. The fats that occur in the yolk are unsaturated, so in a small amount they can have a positive effect on human health.
The egg yolk has a bright orange hue. This is due to the presence of carotene in large quantities.
It has a great influence on the functioning of the brain. Egg protein is somewhat inferior to domestic duck egg.
As for the shell, it is thick and has a transparent film, badly passing air. It complicates the process of incubation of the embryo.
Selection and storage
After the hatching eggs have been delivered, they can be inspected with an ovoscope. With its help establish exactly where the air chamber takes place. It should be at the blunt end, and its diameter should not be greater than 2 mm.
When the egg rotates around the axis, the air chamber should remain in place. You need to store eggs on a special stand in a place where the average temperature prevails. Cold or intense heat can cause embryo death.
Disinfection
Eggs for incubation are allowed to disinfect with formaldehyde fumes. In the camera put the dishes, in which there is water with formalin. Then potassium is poured into the mixture, and the door is closed.
As a result of the interaction, a reaction occurs - the vapor begins to be released, with which the eggs are processed. During the procedure, all germs are destroyed from the shell.
The proportions per cubic meter will be as follows:
- 30 ml of 40% formalin.
- 20 ml of water.
- 20 g of potassium permanganate.
Attention. The chamber should have a temperature of 35 degrees, and the procedure should not take more than 30 minutes.
After the steam is removed through ventilation and the eggs are removed. The remains are removed with ammonia solution.
To wash or not to wash?
The question of whether to wash a dirty egg before incubation is very controversial. Some churches say that such a procedure can affect the hatchability of chickens, while others see nothing wrong with that. There is no universal answer to this question - every farmer has the right to conduct experiments independently.
But in most cases, they resort to cleaning the eggs with sandpaper. Chicken products can be washed in a solution of formalin or potassium permanganate, but this should be done very carefully. Eggs are placed in a net container, which is immersed in the solution until the final rinsing off of dirt.
Incubators
An incubator is an apparatus for maintaining humidity and temperature when breeding musk-breed ducks. The most commonly used types are:
- Manual. It means turning the eggs by hand.
- Mechanical. He turns them over with a special lever.
- Auto. You adjust it to the number of revolutions per day and simply plug it into the outlet.
- Universal. Suitable for duck, chicken, quail and goose eggs.
About how to make an incubator with your own hands, we described in detail here.
Deadline and Modes
The period of incubation of musk duck eggs is 35 days.
The incubator should be heated to 38 degrees before laying. This will speed up the warm-up.
From the 20th day, when the egg begins to release heat, the temperature drops. Eggs located in the center of the incubator are placed in the corners.
Table
| Days of Incubation | Temperature | Humidity | Turn | Cooling |
| 1-16 | 37,8 | 32 | Yes | Not |
| 17-21 | 37,5 | 30 | Yes | 2 times a day |
| 22-30 | 37,5 | 28 | Yes | 2 times a day |
| 30-31 | 37,5 | 30 | Not | 2 times a day |
| 32-35 | 36 | 35 | Not | 2 times a day |
detailed instructions
Instructions for incubating eggs can be as follows:
- 1-12 day. Air exchange hatches are closed, additional cooling is not carried out.
- 12-28 day. Eggs are sprayed every hour, they are also turned. If the eggs are cold, you can turn on a little heating.
- 28-30 day. The coup stops because of the uselessness, and shifting the eggs do to the last.
- 30-35 day. Cooling is stopped, and spraying increase. Muscovy ducklings are born quite active and mobile, they have a wonderful appetite.
Bookmark
Egg laying is carried out in a regulated, heated incubator. In order not to stretch the output of ducklings, weight categories are taken into account.
First put large, after medium, and in the end small eggs.. Incubation is carried out in a horizontal position. When placed horizontally in a tray, there are 20% fewer individuals, but breeding is carried out more qualitatively.
Translucent
The selection of the best will allow for scanning or ovoscopy. This procedure makes it possible to identify cracks and shells with an uneven thickness. Also, the farmer will have the opportunity to see the spots of mold or yolk that has spread.
Common mistakes
Breeding a musk duck in an incubator is an easy process that a beginner poultry breeder can handle. However, he will not tolerate negligence, so you should pay attention to common mistakes. Overheating of the embryo is rarely due to the fact that the eggs do not have time to supercool.
reference. Artificial hypothermia implies the transfer of individuals in the middle.
Another one serious problem - insufficient number of turns. For a conclusion to be successful, turning over is carried out only a certain number of times with a time interval. Violation of temperature regime can also adversely affect ducklings. If you decide to grow a hybrid breed of musk duck, be sure to clarify the process of incubation and features of its care.
First steps after elimination
When the chicks leave the shell, they must be transferred to a clean brooder. In the incubator, they can be no more than 6 hours to complete drying of feathers. After you need a transplant. At birth, ducklings weigh 5-10 grams, but they are already quite actively moving.
Make sure the chicks are not lost from the hatch. Feeding is carried out very often - 5-6 times a day.. The main feed includes eggs and cottage cheese, as well as greens, animal feed and some corn.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the incubation of musk duck eggs can be carried out by any person. It is only important to create those conditions that do not harm future chicks, but will help grow healthy and strong. The information presented above will help you to achieve an excellent result.
