First time hatching duck eggs

[morgsducks]

I have a broody Pekin duck that has been sitting on 12 eggs for about 3 weeks now. I have candled them twice and they are definitely fertile. Some of the eggs are completely dark when I try to candle them. Others have veins and what seems to be a dark eye maybe. Any tips or pointers for a first timer trying to hatch Pekin ducklings? What should I be looking for in ensuring a good hatch?

 

[nchls school]

Since all the eggs look differently when candled you may have a staggered hatch (ducklings hatching on different days). Or, if you're certain that all the eggs started incubating at the same time, only those that are completely dark are still viable. Posting a picture of the eggs being candled will allow members to tell you for sure.

For the best luck, I'd leave the hen alone as much as possible until after the eggs hatch.

 

[morgsducks]

These were taken last week

 

[morgsducks]

And this was one from 2 days ago

 

[nchls school]

The first picture shows a living embryo; the second two pictured eggs quit-died.

 

[morgsducks]

How much longer should I let her sit on the nest?

 

[nchls school]

How much longer should I let her sit on the nest?

Your post says the hen has been brooding about three weeks. Pekin take 28 days to hatch so if you're unsure just when the hen started to brood wait another two weeks then candle them. You could post the picture or you are welcome to email me directly: [email protected]