Overview
The Chicken is a landfowl, and its eggs hatch in about 21 days, with a normal window of days 20-22. Incubation difficulty is rated Beginner. Below you'll find the temperature, humidity, turning, candling and hatching steps for this species.
All species
landfowlBeginner
Chicken
The most common poultry bird; the easiest and most forgiving species to start incubating.
21
days incubation
37.8
°C temperature
55
% humidity
Incubation period
21 days
Temperature
37.2–37.8 °C
Humidity (phase 1)
45–55 %
Turning
5 times per day
Lockdown day
day 18
Hatch humidity
65–75 %
Candling days
7, 14, 18
Hatch window
20–22 days
Chicken Incubation Guide
Difficulty: BeginnerTemperature and humidity
In a forced-air (fan) incubator, hold the temperature steady at 37.2-37.8 °C and target 45-55% relative humidity in the first stage. Verify the readout with a reliable digital thermometer and hygrometer.
Turning and candling
Turn the eggs an odd number of times per day, 5 times, so the embryo doesn't stick to the shell. Recommended candling days: 7, 14, 18. In a dark room, hold the egg to a strong light; a vein network and movement show fertility, and clear eggs should be removed.
Lockdown and hatching
On day 18, stop turning (lockdown), raise humidity to 65-75% and keep the incubator closed as much as possible. Hatching is expected on days 20-22; once chicks start pipping the shell, be patient, as hatching can take hours.
After-hatch care
Leave the chicks in the incubator until their down dries and they perk up, then move them to a brooder kept at 35 °C for the first week, lowering the heat by about 3 °C each week. Provide clean water and quality starter feed at all times.
Frequently asked questions about Chicken
How long do Chicken eggs take to hatch?
Chicken eggs hatch in about 21 days; most hatch between days 20 and 22.
What temperature and humidity do Chicken eggs need?
In a forced-air incubator, 37.2–37.8 °C with 45–55% humidity; in the last few days (lockdown) raise the humidity to 65–75%.
When do you candle Chicken eggs?
Candle on days 7, 14, 18 and remove clear or non-developing eggs at these checks.
When do you stop turning Chicken eggs?
Stop turning on day 18, then raise the humidity and keep the incubator closed until the chicks hatch.
