Pickup
We picked up eggs from Anoka Ramsey Farm & Garden on Saturday, April 12th
Mark
We marked the eggs with an "X" on the top and sides. We also numbered them 1-8
Incubate
We incubate the eggs at 99.3-99.6°F and 45-50% humidity for 28 days
Candle
We candle (shine a light on) the egg shell to monitor and document the progress
Turn
We turn the eggs on to different sides 5x a day
Hatch
We watch the ducklings hatch
Sunday, May 11, 2025
By Sunday, May 11, 2025, five baby ducklings had hatched - Regina Jr., Rachel Jr., Kali Jr., Urana Jr., and Hannah Jr. While we like to think they were showing off their #GirlPower, the ducklings may not actually be all girls. However, we won't be able to tell their real genders for several more weeks.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, we added water to the hole B reservoir, to increase the humidity level inside the incubator. Increasing the humidity keeps the membrane inside the shell from drying out and "shrink wrapping" the ducklings.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the office candled all the eggs again to check for updates. Unfortunately, little Rick Jr. didn't show any signs of progress and was therefore deemed not viable. However, all the other eggs were showing great signs of progess (as seen in the photo on to the left).
Thursday, April 17, 2025
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the office candeled each of the eggs to see if they were viable. 7 of the 8 were. But not to worry - that doesn't mean little Rick Jr. can't be come viable later. Eggs take different amount of time to become viable. A viable egg looks like the picture to the right, where you can see the embryo and little viens. (Hello Gary Jr.!)
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Matt and Kali made a trip from the office in Minnetonka all the way up to Anoka Ramsey Farm & Garden to pick up 8 mallard duck eggs. While at the store, they also picked up a new heat lamp, and of course, some cute duck-themed stickers. They decided to name the eggs after each employee:
#1 Gary Jr.
#2 Matt Jr.
#3 Regina Jr.
#4 Rachel Jr.
#5 Rick Jr.
#6 Kali Jr.
#7 Urana Jr.
#8 Hannah Jr.
Once we designated a name to each egg we marked them with an X on the top and side and also numbered them 1-8. This is to help us identify them moving forward to document their story.