How to Hatch Ducks in an Incubator

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Incubator
• Duck eggs
• A bright light
• Duck incubator insert tray
• Incubator-hatching basket

1. Step 1

   Set the incubator to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit and 55% humidity. Leave it on for a day or two to stabilize the temperature and humidity levels before placing the eggs inside. Set the ventilation by reading the incubator manufacturer's directions.

2. Step 2

   Select eggs that have been laid 1-3 days prior and are not misshapen or too big or too small. Inspect the eggs by shining a light through, or "candle," the eggs. If you see double yolks inside or notice any cracks, do not select these eggs.

3. Step 3

   Place the eggs inside a duck incubator insert tray and place the tray inside the incubator. Turn the eggs four-to-seven times each day.

4. Step 4

   Candle the egg after the sixth day of incubation. At this point, you should start to see spider-like veins developing around the egg. This is a good, fertile egg that is developing normally. Discard the bad eggs.

5. Step 5

   Remove the egss after 25 days from the egg tray and place them inside a special incubator-hatching basket. Candle the eggs again at this time to see if the egg is developing normally. Discard any eggs that have dead embryos.

6. Step 6

   Set the incubator to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and 65% humidity for hatching. Increase the humidity level to 80% and increase the ventilation so it is set at halfway as the eggs begin to hatch.

7. Step 7

   Lower the temperature gradually to 97 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity to 70% when the ducks are mostly hatched. Ventilate the incubator to maximum capacity. Remove the ducklings when they are mostly dry.