🥚 Incubation Basics: Temperature, Humidity & Turning Requirements

Nisana Miller

Feb 17 (edited) • General discussion

Thinking about hatching your own chicks? Success comes down to three critical factors - let’s break down the science!

🌡️TEMPERATURE (Most Critical!)

Still Air Incubators: 101-102°F measured at top of eggs

Forced Air Incubators: 99.5-100°F

Why it matters: Even 1°F off can affect hatch rates!

🐣Too high = early hatch, weak chicks, increased mortality

🐣Too low = delayed hatch, poor development, lower hatch rate

💦HUMIDITY (Two-Phase Approach)

Days 1-18: 40-50% relative humidity (wet bulb: 85-87°F)

🥚Allows proper moisture loss from egg

🥚Egg should lose 13-15% of original weight

Days 19-21 (Lockdown): 65-70% relative humidity (wet bulb: 88-90°F)

🐣Prevents membrane from drying/shrinking around chick

🐣Helps chick pip and zip successfully

Why it matters:

🐣Too dry = chicks shrink-wrapped, can’t hatch

🐣Too wet = chicks drown, weak development

🥚TURNING (Days 1-18 Only)

Minimum: 3 times daily (odd number prevents same side overnight)

Ideal: 5+ times daily or automatic turner

Angle: 45° tilt minimum

Why it matters:

🐣Prevents embryo from sticking to membrane

🐣Ensures even heat distribution

🐣Promotes proper development

STOP turning Day 18! Chicks position for hatching

The Golden Rules:

📍 Calibrate thermometer/hygrometer BEFORE incubating

📍 Don’t open incubator unnecessarily (temp/humidity spikes!)

📍 “Lockdown” = NO opening Days 19-21

📍 Let chicks dry 12-24 hours before removing

Timeline:

🥚Days 1-18: Turn, monitor temp/humidity

🥚Day 18: STOP turning, increase humidity, lockdown

🥚Days 19-21: Wait! Don’t help chicks hatch

🥚Day 21: Hatch day (can take 24-48 hours)

Or you can just let a broody hen do her thing, like

@Casey Balkcom

’s Grace just did even through the winter storm! Nice job!

Your turn:

1. Still air or forced air incubator? Any strong preferences? 🌡️

2. Interesting hatch stories? Share!🐣

1 comment

The Healthy Coop Collective

skool.com/thehealthycoopcollective

Vet-led community for backyard poultry keepers. Dr. Nisana, DVM, provides expert guidance on flock health, disease prevention, nutrition, & wellness.

Leaderboard (30-day)