Incubation Calculator

Bird Egg Incubation Guide

Bird Type	Incubation Days	Incubation Temperature (°F)	Humidity (%)
Chicken	21	99.5	55-60 (70 in last 3 days)
Duck	28	99.5	55-60 (70 in last 3 days)
Goose	30	99.5	55-60 (70 in last 3 days)
Pigeon	17	99.5	55-60 (70 in last 3 days)

FAQs

How do you calculate days of incubation?

The days of incubation are calculated from the start of incubation, which begins when you place the eggs in the incubator. Day 1 is the first day of incubation.

How long should an incubation be?

The length of incubation varies depending on the bird species. Common examples include 21 days for chicken eggs, 28 days for duck eggs, 30 days for goose eggs, and 17 days for pigeon eggs.

How long can you wait before incubating?

Eggs should ideally be incubated as soon as possible after they are laid. Delaying incubation reduces hatchability, so it’s best to start incubation within 7 days of collection.

What are the 4 environmental conditions required for successful incubation of eggs?

Successful incubation requires proper temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg turning.

Is 80 humidity too high for hatching eggs?

Yes, 80% humidity is generally too high for most of the incubation period and can lead to issues like delayed hatching. Proper humidity levels should be maintained, usually around 55-60%, with higher humidity (around 70%) during the last 3 days.

What is incubation period with an example?

The incubation period is the time it takes for an egg to develop and hatch. For example, chicken eggs have an incubation period of 21 days, meaning it takes 21 days of proper incubation for a chick to hatch from a fertilized chicken egg.

Which is the most critical period of incubation?

The last 3 days of incubation are the most critical, as this is when embryos actively position themselves for hatching. Maintaining proper temperature and humidity during this period is crucial.

What to do on day 18 of egg incubation?

On day 18, you should stop turning the eggs and increase humidity to around 70% in preparation for hatching. This is often referred to as “lockdown.”

How long can eggs be cold and still hatch?

Eggs can withstand short periods of cooling without harming the embryos. However, the longer they are exposed to cold temperatures, the greater the risk to their viability.

Should I let eggs sit before incubating?

Eggs should not be left to sit for an extended period before incubating. It’s best to start incubation within 7 days of collection for optimal hatchability.

Can incubated eggs hatch early?

Incubated eggs can occasionally hatch a day or so early, but this is not common. The timing of hatching is influenced by various factors, including temperature and humidity.

How often do you turn eggs before incubating?

Eggs should be turned at least three times a day before incubation to ensure even embryo development.

What makes an egg best for incubation?

The best eggs for incubation are those from healthy, well-fed parent birds with good genetics. Eggs should be clean, of the right size, and free from deformities or cracks.

Can washed eggs still hatch?

Washed eggs can still hatch, but the protective bloom on the eggshell is removed during washing. Extra care is needed to maintain cleanliness and prevent contamination.

What are five of the most common reasons an incubated egg would not hatch?

Common reasons for incubation failure include improper temperature or humidity control, poor egg quality, contamination, inadequate ventilation, and genetic abnormalities.

Can eggs hatch at 30% humidity?

A humidity level of 30% is generally too low for successful incubation. Proper humidity levels should be maintained, typically around 55-60% for most of incubation.

Is 70% humidity too high for the incubator at lockdown?

No, 70% humidity during the last 3 days of incubation (lockdown) is generally recommended to facilitate hatching.

What happens if humidity is too high during incubation?

Excessively high humidity during incubation can lead to delayed hatching, difficulties in breaking through the eggshell, and potential issues with bacterial growth.

Why is knowing the incubation period important?

Knowing the incubation period is crucial for providing the appropriate environmental conditions and timing for hatching. It ensures the best chance of successful hatching.

What are the stages of the incubation period?

The incubation period typically includes stages such as setting eggs in the incubator, turning eggs, lockdown (increased humidity), and hatching.

What does a shorter incubation period mean?

A shorter incubation period means that the eggs will hatch sooner. The specific duration depends on the bird species and is influenced by factors like temperature.

Will eggs hatch at 96 degrees?

Incubating eggs at 96 degrees Fahrenheit (35.6 degrees Celsius) is too hot and can harm the developing embryos. The recommended temperature varies by species but is typically around 99.5°F (37.5°C) for most birds.

What happens if eggs are not turned during incubation?

Failure to turn eggs during incubation can result in poor embryo development, deformities, or even death. Turning ensures that the embryo does not stick to the eggshell membrane.

What happens if I stop turning eggs too soon?

Stopping egg turning too soon can lead to the embryo adhering to the eggshell membrane, making it difficult for the chick to position itself for hatching.

Can eggs hatch on day 20?

Yes, some bird species, like chickens, may hatch on day 20, but this can vary. It’s important to follow the specific incubation period for each bird type.

What day is lockdown in the incubator?

Lockdown typically begins on day 18 of incubation for many bird species. It involves stopping egg turning and increasing humidity in preparation for hatching.

What is the last day of egg incubation?

The last day of egg incubation depends on the bird species. For chickens, it’s typically day 21, while ducks may incubate for 28 days, and geese for 30 days.

How do you know if a chick is alive in an egg?

Candling the egg can reveal signs of life, such as visible veins and movement of the embryo, especially after a few days of incubation.

Will a chicken egg hatch if you keep it warm?

Keeping a chicken egg warm alone is not sufficient for hatching. Proper incubation conditions, including temperature, humidity, and turning, are necessary for successful hatching.

How many hours a day does a hen sit on her eggs?

A broody hen will typically spend a significant portion of the day, up to 18-20 hours, sitting on her eggs to keep them warm and incubate them.

Can an egg hatch after 30 days?

While most eggs hatch within the expected incubation period, some may hatch a day or so late, but significant delays are rare.

Should you spray eggs in the incubator?

Spraying eggs in the incubator is generally unnecessary and should be avoided unless there is a specific issue with low humidity. Proper humidity control is preferred.

Can I eat fertilized eggs?

Fertilized eggs are safe to eat unless they have been incubated. Incubated eggs should not be consumed because they may contain developing embryos.

Will all eggs in an incubator hatch on the same day?

No, not all eggs in an incubator will hatch on the same day. Hatching is a gradual process, and some eggs may hatch earlier or later than others.

Why has my egg pipped but not hatched?

Sometimes an egg may pip (the chick makes a small hole in the shell) but not hatch immediately. It can take time for the chick to fully emerge from the egg. Patience is key during this process.

Can eggs hatch on day 22?

Eggs are typically set to hatch based on the species-specific incubation period. While some birds may hatch on day 22, it is not the norm for most common poultry species.