Beginner of call ducks help and advise please???

[smiths12]

So I'm a beginner. Want to start keeping Call Ducks and hatch them on my own. I have read that there are sometimes hard to hatch etc. Looking for some tips on hatching and keeping call ducks and advise info etc welcome. Also would love to see pictures of peoples call ducks, pens/runs, so can get some ideas. My husband will be making there run and home. look forward to seeing pics and read your comments. thanks.

 

[fourkidsandduck]

One could write a book based on your question

I would suggest you search these forums as they are a GREAT source of information. Most of us have learned based on time and trial and error. I would do some research on the forums and dive in.

When you say hard to hatch, what do you mean? Hatch rate, in the nest or in the incubator?

 

[smiths12]

thanks. incubating the eggs.

 

[RubyNala97]

I'm also hatching call ducks for the first time and am excited for this new adventure. I have two batches of shipped eggs. One batch didn't fair so well through shipping and is on day 17. Second batch arrived today and look a little less damaged. Where are you getting your call eggs from? Local or shipped? Have you incubated/hatched any eggs before?

 

[smiths12]

thanks for your reply. Was thinking of getting them shipped, but i know this isnt always be the best way. cant seem to find a local supplier near me. this will be my first time incubating eggs and hatching them. i have been reading up alot but any other tips etc would be great. let me know how you get on please and any pictures would be great. thanks

 

[buff goose guy]

Call ducks are a lot more work than any of my other ducks, I find they need special attention, as well as they have to have things a specific way or else they will be visibly upset( or well at least mine are, but mine are spoiled) I also found them way to small to free range so I had to build a aviary for them which I am expanding because I have to now include a pool . Literally they have refused to mate in the kiddie pool they will only mate if it is in a bath tub or a professional pool/pond.

 

[Duck Drover]

I hatch out Australian Spotted ducklings like crazy but the Calls are harder to hatch, certainly not the best place to start. If you have not hatched duck eggs before, they are a little more challenging than chicken eggs. If you have not hatched chicken eggs before, that would be the best place to start. I have done alot of reading and I can say that it takes some trial and error to get things to work for the best. Quality Calls have such unnaturally short bills that they can die in the shell more easily than any other breed. People who breed show quality Calls often assist with hatching so it helps to know what a normal hatch looks like first.

I assume you have already researched housing and you are aware of how noisy the Call hens are compared to other breeds. The cuteness factor can wear off pretty quick if they are your first ducks ever. We are getting out of Calls since I only keep them for size comparison and it really is not worth it.

 

[buff goose guy]

I hatch out Australian Spotted ducklings like crazy but the Calls are harder to hatch, certainly not the best place to start. If you have not hatched duck eggs before, they are a little more challenging than chicken eggs. If you have not hatched chicken eggs before, that would be the best place to start. I have done alot of reading and I can say that it takes some trial and error to get things to work for the best. Quality Calls have such unnaturally short bills that they can die in the shell more easily than any other breed. People who breed show quality Calls often assist with hatching so it helps to know what a normal hatch looks like first.

I assume you have already researched housing and you are aware of how noisy the Call hens are compared to other breeds. The cuteness factor can wear off pretty quick if they are your first ducks ever. We are getting out of Calls since I only keep them for size comparison and it really is not worth it.

Also many show quality breeders use chicken hens to hatch show quality calls, a breeder in Kentuky who's calls have won several national shows, I totally forgot his name, he told me how his Cochins help the baby zip once it has internally pipped. And the place where I got my calls only uses silkies and Cochins to hatch everything from mandarins to swans to of course call ducks.

 

[Duck Drover]

Yes, they do not do well with automatic turners and incubators so I have also heard that Silkies are best for hatching them. I have a Call hen on a nest already and my daughter gave her extra eggs after she started sitting so we may have to candle and move some under our Silkies that are sitting on their own eggs right now. The Silkies will get off the eggs too soon sometimes but we have a community nest going so hopefully they will still get covered if one leaves the nest too soon.

 

[buff goose guy]

Ohh best of luck

I just got a Cochin , hopefully pullet, 5 weeks ago to hatch my call duck eggs