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.
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landfowlBeginner
Chicken
The most common poultry bird; the easiest and most forgiving species to start incubating.
Incubation Parameters
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 many days does a Chicken egg take to hatch?
Chicken eggs usually hatch in 21 days, with a normal window of days 20-22.
What temperature is Chicken incubation done at?
In a forced-air incubator, 37.2-37.8 °C and 45-55% humidity are recommended; during lockdown humidity is raised to 65-75%.
When should Chicken eggs be candled?
Recommended candling days: 7, 14, 18. Remove any clear or non-developing eggs at these checks.
