1. Gather the Duck Eggs:
- Collect freshly laid duck eggs within 24 hours of being laid.
- Make sure the eggs are clean, intact, and free from cracks or abnormalities.
2. Prepare the Incubator:
- Set up the incubator according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Ensure that the temperature, humidity, and ventilation settings are correct for duck eggs. (Usually around 99.5°F (37.5°C) and 55%-60% humidity)
- Place a shallow water container in the incubator to maintain humidity levels.
3. Place the Duck Eggs:
- Gently place the duck eggs in the incubator with their pointy ends facing down (turned slightly from a true vertical position)
- Leave enough space between the eggs for proper air circulation.
- Mark each egg with a pencil to keep track of their orientation and for candling.
4. Monitor the Incubation:
- Regularly monitor the incubator's temperature, humidity, and egg rotation.
- Adjust the settings if necessary to maintain optimal conditions.
5. Candle the Eggs:
- After 7-10 days of incubation, you can candle the eggs to check for fertility and embryo development.
- Use a bright light to examine the eggs in a dark room. Fertile eggs will have a visible embryo and blood vessels.
6. Maintain the Incubator:
- Continue to monitor and maintain the incubator's conditions throughout the incubation period.
- Turn the eggs 2-3 times per day to prevent the embryos from sticking to the shell.
7. Hatching Time:
- Duck eggs typically hatch after around 28 days of incubation.
- Be prepared to assist ducklings that may have difficulty breaking out of their shells.
- Provide a brooder for the hatchlings after they dry off and fluff up.
Remember, the success of artificial incubation depends on several factors, including egg quality, incubator accuracy, and proper handling. If you're new to incubating duck eggs, it's a good idea to learn from experienced poultry keepers or consult reputable resources for detailed instructions.