Duck eggs generally take about 28 days to hatch. This is the typical incubation period for common duck breeds such as Pekins and mallard-derived ducks
. However, there are some exceptions:
- Muscovy duck eggs take longer, around 33 to 35 days to hatch
- Bantam duck breeds, like Call ducks and Black East Indies, may hatch slightly earlier, around 26 days
The incubation process requires maintaining a temperature around 37.5°C (99.5°F) and proper humidity levels-about 55-58% relative humidity for the first 25 days, increasing to 80-82% during the final days of hatching to prevent the ducklings from getting stuck in the shell membranes
. The female duck usually starts incubating after the last egg is laid, ensuring synchronous hatching
. During incubation, eggs need to be turned regularly to promote even development
. Ducklings often take longer to fully hatch after pipping compared to chicks, so patience is necessary during the hatching phase
. In summary, the typical hatching time for duck eggs is about 28 days, with variations depending on species and breed. Muscovy eggs require more time, and bantam breeds slightly less
