Duck Incubation Calculator

Duck eggs take anywhere from 28 to 35 days to hatch depending on the species, and the Duck Incubation Calculator maps out every key milestone so you don't miss a critical step. Enter your incubation start date, duck species (Mallard, Muscovy, Pekin, and more), and number of eggs to get your expected hatch date, lockdown date (when to stop turning eggs), days remaining, and both first and second candling dates.

The date you placed the eggs in the incubator

Total eggs in the incubator

Results

Expected Hatch Date

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Incubation Period

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Lockdown Date (Stop Turning)

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Days Remaining

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First Candling Date

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Second Candling Date

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Results Table

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do duck eggs take to hatch?

Most duck breeds take 28 days to hatch, except Muscovy ducks which take 35 days. Wood ducks typically hatch in 30 days. The exact timing depends on the specific breed and incubation conditions.

When should I stop turning duck eggs?

Stop turning duck eggs 3 days before the expected hatch date. This is called 'lockdown' and allows the ducklings to position themselves properly for hatching.

When should I candle duck eggs?

Candle duck eggs on day 7 to check for development and again on day 14 to assess viability. Remove any clear or non-developing eggs to prevent contamination.

Why use a duck incubation calculator?

An incubation calculator helps you stay on schedule, know exactly when to stop turning eggs, and prepare for hatch day. It ensures proper timing for temperature and humidity adjustments.

What temperature should I maintain for duck eggs?

Maintain 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air incubators or 101-102°F (38.3-38.9°C) for still-air incubators throughout the incubation period.

What humidity levels do duck eggs need?

Keep humidity at 55-58% for the first 25 days, then increase to 65-70% during lockdown (last 3 days) to help with hatching.

How often should I turn duck eggs?

Turn duck eggs at least 3 times per day, ideally 5-7 times, until day 25. Turning prevents the developing duckling from sticking to the shell membrane.

Can I hatch different duck breeds together?

You can hatch different duck breeds with the same incubation period together. However, don't mix breeds with different incubation times like Muscovy (35 days) with Mallards (28 days).