Incubation Guide
Tracking eggs correctly through incubation is the single biggest driver of hatch success.
Incubation Tracker
Choose your species and the date you set the eggs, and we'll work out the candling, lockdown and hatch days.
Select a species and date to begin.
The tool below is a preview. Use the app for reminders, multi-tracking and saved records.
Step-by-Step Incubation
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1. Preparation
Run the incubator at least 24 hours before setting eggs and confirm the temperature and humidity are stable. Bring eggs to room temperature and set them with the blunt end slightly up.
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2. Temperature and Humidity
In forced-air incubators keep the temperature around 37.5 °C (lower for ostrich). Set humidity per the species chart; waterfowl need higher humidity.
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3. Turning
Turn eggs an odd number of times per day (3–5) so the embryo doesn't stick to the shell. With no auto-turner, mark eggs with a pencil and turn by hand.
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4. Candling
On the listed days, hold each egg to a bright light in a dark room. A vein network and movement show fertility; remove clear (infertile) or non-developing eggs.
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5. Lockdown and Hatch
A few days before hatch, stop turning, raise humidity and keep the incubator closed as much as possible. Be patient once pipping starts; hatching can take many hours.
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6. After the Hatch
Leave chicks in the incubator until their down is dry and fluffy (usually 6–24 hours), then move them to a heated brooder.
Quick Tips
- Verify the incubator's display with a reliable digital thermometer and hygrometer.
- Place the incubator in a stable-temperature room, away from direct sun and drafts.
- Don't panic over short power cuts; keep the incubator closed to retain heat.
- Never set cracked, very small, very large or dirty eggs.
- Note the date and your observations at every candling; your own records are the best guide next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about incubation and chick care.
How long does it take for eggs to hatch?
Chicken eggs hatch in about 21 days. It varies by species: quail around 17–18 days, ducks about 28, geese about 30. Check the species page for the exact time.
Do you need a rooster for eggs to hatch?
Yes. Only fertilised eggs hatch, and fertilisation needs a rooster. A hen lays regularly without one, but those eggs will never hatch a chick.
Can you hatch eggs without an incubator?
Yes, with a broody hen sitting on the eggs. An incubator just gives more consistent temperature and humidity, especially for larger batches.
How often should you turn the eggs in an incubator?
Without an automatic turner, turn them at least 3 and ideally 5 times a day. Use an odd number so the eggs don’t rest on the same side every night, and stop turning at lockdown.
What temperature and humidity do hatching eggs need?
For most poultry, about 37.5 °C and 45–55% humidity, raised to 65–75% for the last few days (lockdown). Exact values vary by species — see the species page.
Why didn’t my eggs hatch?
The most common reasons are infertile eggs (no rooster), unstable temperature or humidity, too little turning, or eggs that were too old or badly stored before setting. Candling around day 7 helps you spot problems early.
When and how do you candle eggs?
Hold a bright light to the egg in a dark room, usually on days 7 and 14 and just before lockdown, to check whether it is fertile and developing.
What temperature do newly hatched chicks need?
Keep the brooder around 35 °C in the first week and lower it by about 3 °C each week until they are fully feathered.
Don't just read it — manage your hatch in the app
You've learned the how-to here on Eggventa. The Incubation Tracker app reminds, calculates and records for you, so you never miss a candling or hatch day.
- Automatic reminders for candling, lockdown and hatch days
- Track several incubations at the same time
- No internet needed — works fully offline
- Your past hatch records and success rates