Duck Egg
Hatching Guide

This guide is based upon the use of a modern incubator using micro-computer technology, and that can accurately achieve the settings you have entered. Using properly stored eggs from healthy stock you should be able to achieve a hatch rate average in excess of 80%. This guide is based upon a hatch period of 28 days & must be adjusted for different breeds. 

Humidity requirements vary for different breeds and egg size to achieve a weight loss of 12% to 17% according to the breed guides. You will need to follow these guides, or weigh eggs during the incubation period and adjust humidity levels accordingly. 

Days 1 – 4

Set the incubator temperature to 37.8 0 C, and the humidity setting to 67%RH. Allow several hours before loading with room temperature eggs. Check that the trays in the incubator are in turning mode and the water supply is connected

Days 5 – 10

Reduce the humidity setting to 63%RH. Reduce the temperature to 37.70 C. Check the water level is OK. FROM DAY 9 - if your incubator has a cooling facility, set it to operate for 90 minutes cooling per day. If it does not have a cooling facility, then once per day, turn the power off and open the incubator door slightly for a period of 30/45 minutes, very large eggs a little longer, then close door and turn power back on. 

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THE COOLING PERIOD FOR DUCK EGGS IS VITAL. 

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Days 11 – 24

Reduce the temperature setting to 37.60 C.  Leave the humidity setting at 63%RH. Again, be sure to check the water level. Continue cooling operation once per day. Open air vents just a fraction to increase oxygen and decrease carbon dioxide whilst maintaining humidity and temperature settings.

Days 25 – 26

Cease cooling operation.

Level the turning trays and switch off the turning mechanism. Remove the eggs from the egg trays and transfer them to the hatching baskets. Leave the temperature setting at 37.60 C. Increase the humidity setting to 65%RH. Open air vents just a fraction more to further increase oxygen and decrease carbon dioxide, but you must maintain humidity and temperature settings.

Days 27-28

Increase the humidity setting to 70% RH. If your incubator will allow it you can increase this to as much as 75%RH.

Keep the temperature setting at 37.60 C. Air vents as open as possible but maintain humidity and temperature settings.

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Do not open the door during the final 2 days, wait until all ducklings have hatched, even if it takes longer than the 28 days.

© David Campbell