Chicken eggs typically take 21 days to hatch under proper incubation conditions (99.5°F / 37.5°C and 50–55% humidity, increasing to 65–70% during lockdown). However, slight variations of ±1 day are normal. Bantam breeds may hatch a day earlier, while larger breeds can take an extra day.

The lockdown period refers to the final 3 days of incubation when you stop turning the eggs, increase humidity to 65–70%, and do not open the incubator. This allows the embryo to position itself for hatching (piping) and prevents the membrane from drying out. For chicken eggs, lockdown starts on Day 18. Opening the incubator during lockdown can cause humidity drops that shrink-wrap the chick in its membrane.

You should stop turning eggs 2–3 days before the expected hatch date. For chickens (21-day incubation), stop turning on Day 18. For ducks (28 days), stop on Day 25. For quail (17 days), stop on Day 14. Turning is essential during early incubation to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell membrane, but it must cease before hatching so the chick can orient itself.

Candling is the practice of shining a bright light through an egg in a dark room to observe embryo development. For most poultry, the first candling is recommended around Day 7 to check for fertility and vein development. A second candling around Day 14–18 helps identify any eggs that have stopped developing. Remove any clear (infertile) or dead eggs to prevent contamination.

No — incubation periods vary significantly by species: Chicken 21 days, Duck 28 days, Goose 30–32 days, Turkey 28 days, Quail 16–18 days, Guinea Fowl 26–28 days, Pigeon 17–18 days, and Peafowl 28–30 days. Muscovy ducks take 35 days. Always confirm the specific breed's expected incubation length for best results.

For most poultry, the ideal incubation temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C) in a forced-air incubator, or 101.5°F (38.6°C) in a still-air incubator. Humidity should be 50–55% during the first phase, then increased to 65–70% during lockdown (the final 3 days). Waterfowl (ducks, geese) benefit from slightly higher humidity throughout. Consistent temperature and humidity are critical for healthy embryo development.

Eggs should be turned at least 3–5 times per day during the first phase of incubation. Many automatic turners rotate eggs every 2–4 hours. If turning manually, mark eggs with an "X" on one side to track rotation. Consistent turning prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell membrane. Stop turning entirely when the lockdown period begins (2–3 days before hatch).

Absolutely! Simply set the Incubation Start Date to the day you began incubating your eggs. The calendar will automatically calculate your current day, remaining days, upcoming milestones, and whether you've entered the lockdown phase. This is especially helpful if you've lost track of which day you're on.