Guide
Incubation Calendar – Hatching Periods by Species
Find incubation durations by species, with the key dates for each hatch: first candling, lockdown and hatch day. These values apply to artificial incubation in an incubator. Actual results may vary slightly depending on temperature, humidity and strain.
Incubation durations by species
| Species | Duration | 1st candling | Lockdown | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 21 days | Day 7 | Day 18–19 | 37.5 °C |
| Duck (Pekin) | 28 days | Day 10 | Day 25 | 37.5 °C |
| Muscovy Duck | 35 days | Day 14 | Day 31–32 | 37.5 °C |
| Quail | 17–18 days | Day 7 | Day 14–15 | 37.5 °C |
| Goose | 28–30 days | Day 7–10 | Day 25–27 | 37.5 °C |
| Turkey | 28 days | Day 10 | Day 25 | 37.5 °C |
| Pheasant | 23–24 days | Day 8 | Day 20–21 | 37.5 °C |
| Guinea Fowl | 26–28 days | Day 8–10 | Day 23–25 | 37.5 °C |
Incubation stages
- 01
Set
Eggs are placed in the incubator. Temperature and humidity are set for the species. Turning begins.
- 02
Candling
Around mid-term, each egg is checked with a light source to distinguish fertile eggs from infertile or stopped ones. Non-viable eggs are removed.
- 03
Lockdown
Turning stops, humidity increases. Eggs stay still to let embryos position themselves for hatching.
- 04
Hatch
Chicks begin to pip and emerge. The incubator stays closed during hatch to maintain humidity.
Eggtrackr calculates your dates, sends reminders and tracks your hatches through to hatch day.