How Do I Hatch Muscovy Duck Eggs?

Choose Your Method

• Muscovy duck eggs can be hatched in an egg incubator or naturally by placing them under a broody duck hen. There are pros and cons to either method, so research both before you make your decision. An egg incubator ranges in price from around $60 into the thousands of dollars. A broody Muscovy duck hen is identified by her behavior. She will make high-pitched noises and ruffle her feathers for 24 to 48 hours before she is ready to sit.

Egg Incubator

• Turn on the incubator at least 36 hours before you are ready to set the eggs. This will allow the temperature and humidity to become constant. The temperature should be set at 99.5 degrees. The relative humidity should be set at about 75 percent--this is a higher percentage than other duck eggs hatch at. If you have a wet bulb thermometer, it should be at 84.5 degrees. Read the instructions for the incubator to find what the ventilation should be set at.
  Once the incubator is ready, you can set the eggs. Choose eggs that have been hatched within one to three days. If the egg is an abnormal size, cracked, or dirty, do not set it. Candle the eggs--touch a flashlight to the top of the egg so that you can monitor the progress within--and do not set the egg if it has a double yolk. If your incubator has a tray, set the egg small end down. If your incubator does not have an automatic turning device, you will have to turn the eggs at least four times per day.

  After a week, candle the eggs again to monitor their progress. Remove eggs that are clear because that means they are infertile. Also, remove eggs that are cloudy because that means they are dead. After five weeks, move the eggs to hatching trays. Candle them again and remove any eggs that contain dead embryos. Set the temperature of the hatcher at 99 degrees and the humidity at 65 percent. When the eggs begin to pip, raise the humidity to 80 percent. At the same time, increase the ventilation openings by 50 percent. When the hatch is almost finished, lower the temperate and humidity to 97 degrees and 70 percent and open vents completely. The ducklings can be removed with they are dry.

Broody Duck Hen

• According to Dr. Dennis P. Smith, the Muscovy duck hen is the best incubator. You can incubate your Muscovy eggs naturally by putting them beneath a broody duck. Each broody duck can hatch 12 to 15 eggs. Create a nest box by filling the box with 4 to 6 inches of wood shavings. Do not use sawdust as it can suffocate the hatchlings. Place the box in a shelter where it will not get dirty or wet. Provide feed and water for the broody duck as well as for the newly hatched ducklings.