How to Hatch Chicken Eggs: Temperature, Humidity, & Expert Tips

Learn how to successfully hatch chicken and quail eggs with the essential humidity and temperature settings.

Hatching eggs is an amazing experience that brings joy and excitement as you watch the little fighters enter the world. Seeing them transform into fluffy puffballs is something that will bring smiles to your kids and grandkids, no matter their age! But to make sure every egg has the best chance to hatch, it’s essential to get the temperature and humidity just right. What is the ideal temperature and humidity level for hatching chicken eggs? Find out below.

What is the Ideal Temperature for Hatching Eggs?

The ideal temperature for hatching eggs is between 99 and 102°F, though the exact temperature can vary depending on the type of incubator and the stage of incubation. Maintaining precise temperature control is critical to ensuring a successful hatch.

For Chicken Eggs:

• Ideal Temperature Range: Maintain the temperature between 99 and 102°F throughout the incubation period.
• Optimal Growth Temperature (First 18 Days): Set the temperature to 99.5°F for the first 18 days to ensure steady embryo development.
• Final Three Days: As hatching approaches, reduce the temperature slightly to 98.5°F. This adjustment accommodates the heat produced by the embryo.
• Hatching Time: Chicken eggs typically hatch around 21 days when these temperature settings are maintained.

For Quail Eggs:

• Ideal Temperature Range: Maintain the temperature between 99 and 102°F throughout the incubation period.
• Optimal Growth Temperature (Entire Incubation Period): Keep the temperature steady at 99.5°F for the entire incubation period to ensure optimal growth.
• Final Days: Maintain the temperature steady around 99.5°F as hatching approaches.
• Hatching Time: Quail eggs typically hatch after 17-18 days. Maintaining stable conditions during the entire incubation period is essential for successful hatching.

What Humidity Level is Best for Hatching Chicken Eggs?

The best humidity level for hatching eggs varies slightly between the incubation stages, but it is just as important as temperature in ensuring a successful hatch. The correct humidity levels help prevent moisture loss from the egg and support the chick’s ability to break through the shell during hatching.

For Chicken Eggs:

• First 18 Days: Maintain humidity levels between 50-65%, with 60% being ideal.
• Final Three Days: Increase humidity to 65% to help prevent the chick from getting stuck to the membrane on the interior of the shell.

For Quail Eggs:

• First 15 Days: Maintain humidity levels between 50-65%, similar to chicken eggs, to ensure proper moisture retention.
• Final Days: Increase humidity to around 70% during the final days to ensure successful hatching. Quail eggs typically hatch after 17-18 days.

Egg Turning and Maintaining a Stable Environment

Turning the eggs regularly and maintaining a stable environment are essential for successful hatching. Regular movement ensures that the developing embryo does not stick to the eggshell, promoting even growth.

• Egg Turning: Turn the eggs several times a day until a few days before hatching. This prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell and promotes even development.
• Consistent Temperature: Place your incubator in a room where the temperature remains consistent, with no more than a 10-degree fluctuation. Maintaining consistent room temperature is key to providing a stable environment inside the incubator, ensuring successful hatching.

Recommended Incubators

The incubators available at chickencoopcompany.com are proven to give your flock a boost in numbers. These incubators are designed to maintain the correct temperature settings for incubation and are recommended not only for chicken and quail eggs but also for other fowl and reptile eggs!

Start Your Egg Hatching Journey

So, give hatching eggs a shot and experience the joy it brings. Let us know your results and how these humidity and temperature tips for hatching chicken eggs helped you on your journey to successful hatching!

Updated: August 23, 2024

About Danny
Chicken Coop Specialist
Danny was raised in a family business in a small town in the USA, where his upbringing instilled a deep sense of community and relationship in business. With experience in “door-to-door” sales and leading customer experience and sales teams in the tech industry, Danny has mastered the art of connecting with people and understanding their needs.
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Here are some pictures from our resent quail hatchings.