Are You Ready To Incubate Hatching Eggs?

Incubating hatching eggs is one of the most exciting parts of poultry keeping—it’s the moment you get to witness the very beginning of life. But before you dive in, it’s important to make sure you (and your equipment) are fully prepared. Successful incubation takes planning, patience, and attention to detail. Here’s how to know if you’re ready.

1. You Have the Right Equipment

A good incubator is your most important tool. Look for one with:

• Reliable Temperature Control – Most chicken eggs need a steady 99.5°F.
• Humidity Control – Proper humidity keeps chicks from sticking inside their shells.
• Automatic Turning – If you don’t have an auto-turner, you’ll need to turn the eggs by hand at least 3–5 times a day.

You’ll also want a thermometer and hygrometer to verify your incubator’s readings, just in case.

2. You Understand the Timeline

For chicken eggs, incubation lasts about 21 days, but times vary for other poultry:

• Ducks: 28 days (Muscovy ducks: up to 35)
• Turkeys: 28 days
• Quail: 16–18 days

You’ll need to be available to check temperature, humidity, and turning daily (and sometimes multiple times a day).

3. You’re Ready to Monitor and Adjust

Even with a great incubator, conditions can change. Drafts, temperature shifts, and humidity fluctuations all affect hatch rates. Are you ready to:

• Adjust humidity based on egg weight loss or air cell size?
• Candle eggs at key points (day 7, 14, and 18 for chickens) to monitor development?
• Stop turning and increase humidity during “lockdown” (the last 3 days)?

4. You Have a Brooder Ready for Chicks

Once chicks hatch, they’ll need:

• A warm brooder with a heat source (95°F to start, lowering gradually each week).
• Clean bedding.
• Chick starter feed and fresh water.

Preparing the brooder in advance avoids last-minute scrambles.

5. You’re Patient and Prepared for the Unexpected

Not every egg will hatch, even under perfect conditions. Some chicks may arrive early, some late, and a few might need a little extra care. Staying patient—and resisting the urge to help chicks out of their shells unless necessary—is part of the process.

Final Egg-Check

If you have the right equipment, understand the incubation process, and have your brooder ready, you’re set to begin! Watching chicks hatch is an unforgettable experience, and with preparation, you’ll give them the best possible start in life.