How to Make a Duck Incubator With an Electric Blanket

If you have decided to hatch a duck egg but don't have an incubator, there are other methods that will work. The main components necessary for an egg to hatch are heat, humidity, turning and air circulation. If you have these components, you can use just about anything to incubate an egg. One method of incubating is by using an electric blanket.

Things You'll Need

  • Large plastic container
  • Electric blanket with temperature adjustment capabilities
  • Thermometer
  • 2 small glass containers
  • Water
  • Hygrometer
  • Flashlight
  • Toilet paper tube
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Instructions

  1. Preparing the Incubator

    • 1

      Place the electric blanket inside of the large plastic container and turn the blanket on to its highest temperature.

    • 2

      Place a thermometer on top of the blanket and fold the blanket over the thermometer. Leave it there for 10 minutes.

    • 3

      Check the temperature shown on the thermometer. It should be around 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit to start with. If it is not, adjust the temperature on the blanket as needed.

    • 4

      Open the blanket back up and place the two small glass containers on either side of where the egg will be. Fill the containers halfway with water and place the hygrometer in between the containers. Fold the blanket back over.

    • 5

      Check the reading on the hygrometer. The humidity should be at about 86 percent. If not, adjust the water levels. Add more water if you need higher humidity, and pour some of the water out if you need less.

    Incubating the Egg

    • 6

      Wait until the temperature and humidity levels are stable in the incubator. Place the egg carefully inside and gently fold the blanket on top of it. Be careful not to knock the water containers onto the egg.

    • 7

      Turn the egg by hand at least three times daily. If you would like, you can turn the egg five to seven times, but always make sure you turn the egg an odd number of times. This prevents the egg from sitting night after night on the same side.

    • 8

      Candle the egg after about two weeks of incubating. This is done by placing a toilet paper tube on top of a flashlight in a dark room and placing the egg on top of the tube. If the egg is fertile, you will see blood vessels around the inner shell and a dark mass at the center of the egg. If you are unsure what to look for, candle a chicken egg from the grocery store. If your duck egg looks the same, then the egg is no good.

    • 9

      Continue turning the egg after you have confirmed it is fertile. Monitor the temperature and humidity levels to make sure they remain steady. Add more water to the containers and adjust temperatures as needed.

    • 10

      Stop turning the egg at day 26. Adjust the temperature to 98.5 degrees and the humidity to 94 percent. Watch for signs of hatching from this point on.