The largest bird; a unique species requiring lower temperature and very low humidity.
The Ostrich is a ratite (running bird), and its eggs hatch in about 42 days, with a normal window of days 42-46. Incubation difficulty is rated Advanced. Below you'll find the temperature, humidity, turning, candling and hatching steps for this species.
In a forced-air (fan) incubator, hold the temperature steady at 36-36.5 °C and target 20-30% relative humidity in the first stage. Verify the readout with a reliable digital thermometer and hygrometer.
Unlike other poultry, this species needs a lower temperature and much lower humidity; track the egg's weight loss through incubation and adjust humidity accordingly.
Turn the eggs an odd number of times per day, 5 times, so the embryo doesn't stick to the shell. Recommended candling days: 14, 28, 39. In a dark room, hold the egg to a strong light; a vein network and movement show fertility, and clear eggs should be removed.
On day 39, stop turning (lockdown), raise humidity to 40-50% and keep the incubator closed as much as possible. Hatching is expected on days 42-46; once chicks start pipping the shell, be patient, as hatching can take hours.
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.
Ostrich eggs hatch in about 42 days; most hatch between days 42 and 46.
In a forced-air incubator, 36–36.5 °C with 20–30% humidity; in the last few days (lockdown) raise the humidity to 40–50%.
Candle on days 14, 28, 39 and remove clear or non-developing eggs at these checks.
Stop turning on day 39, then raise the humidity and keep the incubator closed until the chicks hatch.
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