General Steps to Incubating Duck Eggs

1. Get Fertile Duck Eggs: The first step is to obtain fertile duck eggs. You can either purchase them from a reputable hatchery, your own ducks or a local farmer

2. Prepare the Incubator: You will need an incubator that can maintain a temperature of 99.5-100.5°F (37.5-38°C) and a humidity level of 55-65%. Set up the incubator according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Store the Eggs: Before incubation, the eggs should be stored at a temperature of around 55°F (13°C) with the pointed end facing downwards. This helps keep the yolk centered.

4. Start Incubation: Once the incubator is ready, you can begin incubating the eggs. Place the eggs in the incubator with the pointed end facing downwards.

5. Turn the Eggs: During the first 25 days, you need to turn the eggs regularly to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell. Turning them three to four times a day is recommended. Most incubators will do this for you automatically.

6. Monitor Temperature and Humidity: It’s important to monitor the temperature and humidity levels daily. You may need to make adjustments to the incubator settings to maintain the proper conditions.

7. Candle the Eggs: On the seventh day, you can candle the eggs to check if they are developing properly. This involves shining a bright light through the egg to check for any abnormalities

8. Stop Turning: On day 25, stop turning the eggs and increase the humidity level to around 80%. This is necessary for the duckling to break out of the shell.

9.Wait for Hatching: The ducklings should start hatching after about 28 days of incubation. Be patient and avoid opening the incubator too often, as this can cause the humidity level to drop.

10. Help the Ducklings: If a duckling is struggling to hatch, you can help by carefully peeling away the shell. Be very gentle and avoid pulling the duckling out of the shell.

11. Transfer to Brooder: Once the ducklings have hatched, transfer them to a brooder with a heat lamp, water, and food. The temperature should be around 90°F (32°C) for the first week and gradually decreased over time.

Remember that incubating duck eggs requires careful attention and proper equipment. Good luck with your hatch!