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.
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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.