AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

I have been given some runner duck eggs and want to set them asap. Some are quite dirty so should I clean them? If I should how should I do this? I don’t have any sanitiser or anything like that so what do I use, they will be set in a BellSouth incubator. Thanks in advance

In a perfect world, dirty eggs shouldn't be set at all unfortunately. All suggestions I've ever read state to use clean eggs only. I imagine this is because a dirty egg has potentially already passed bacteria inside the shell (as shells are quite porous) thereby increasing the chance of a poor hatch rate, or potentially affected chick/duckling.

These are notes I've made for myself in the past, but others might be able to offer a different opinion.

Before putting your eggs into an incubator, plug it in and make sure the temp is holding for a couple of days.
Mark eggs with an x on one side and a o on the other if you don't have autoturn.
Make sure to turn the eggs at least 3 times a day - don't skip weekends!
You must keep adequate moisture in the incubator at all times.

•Cracked, poorly shaped, soiled, thin shelled, unusually large or unusually small eggs should not be used.
•Only select clean and undamaged eggs for incubation.
•. Do not wash dirty eggs or wipe eggs clean with a damp cloth. This removes the egg's protective coating and exposes it to entry of disease organisms. The washing and rubbing action also serves to force disease organisms through the pores of the shell.
•Try not to handle the eggs too frequently.
•When handling eggs make sure that hands are washed to avoid bacterial contamination.
•Before incubation eggs can be stored for up to 7 days.
•When storing eggs before incubating, it is suggested they be kept at a constant temperature of 13-18 degrees Celsius
•Avoid placing the eggs in a draft when in storage before incubation.
•Store eggs with the small end facing down.
•Try to keep the eggs at the correct humidity prior to incubation which is a humidity of 70-80%.
•You can keep the stored eggs in a (new) egg carton and prop up one end at a 35 degree angle. This can be tilted back and forth to 'turn' the eggs.

There are loads more you can find by googling. Good luck with hatching the eggs if you clean them and give it a go. It would be interesting to hear back from you as to what your success rate was. My fingers are crossed for that that its a good one

Reading all that was a WOW!!! Moment everything in one answer. I did have other questions but you have answered them as well. Thank you so much I will have more I am sure

How often should you turn the eggs is it a daily thing?

I was told to turn them end to end every day

I turn my eggs twice a day...

If you miss a turn or two, don't panic... I've missed some, and they still survived.

I now let my muscovy ducks hatch the eggs themselves... much more efficient.

Good luck...

get a muscovy, the best incubator in the world