Can a chicken hatch duck eggs?

Yes, a chicken can hatch duck eggs, although it is not as reliable as ducks for this purpose. Some factors to consider when a chicken hatches duck eggs include:

-Incubation period: The incubation period for duck eggs is usually longer than for chicken eggs, typically around 28 days compared to 21 days. This means the hen must stay on the nest longer, and there is a chance the hen might become restless and abandon the eggs before they hatch.

-Temperatures and Humidity: Chicken eggs and ducks require different temperatures and humidity levels for successful incubation. Chicken eggs typically hatch at a temperature of 37.5-38°C with a humidity of 50-55%, while duck eggs require 37.2-37.8°C and a humidity of around 60%. It's important to ensure the chicken can maintain the appropriate conditions for duck egg hatching.

-Nest size: Chicken nests are typically smaller than those made by ducks, so there may not be enough room for all the duck eggs. This could lead to some eggs becoming crushed or not receiving the necessary warmth.

-Duck Egg size: Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs. Larger eggs may be challenging for some hens because the hen may not be able to rotate them as easily during the incubation period, which can lead to issues with embryo development.

-Hen's behavior: Not all hens are willing to hatch duck eggs. Some hens may reject or become aggressive toward duck eggs.

-Candling: It is crucial to candle duck eggs during incubation to ensure proper embryo development and discard infertile eggs. Candling is the process of using a light source to examine the inside of the egg without opening it.

Given these factors, relying on ducks for hatching duck eggs is generally more reliable. Ducks have excellent brooding instincts, and their bodies are better adapted to the requirements of duck egg incubation. However, if properly managed, a chicken can successfully hatch duck eggs, provided the specific requirements are met.