Pick the bird and the day you set the eggs to get a full incubation calendar: candling days, the lockdown date when you stop turning, the hatch window and the expected hatch day, plus the temperature and humidity to aim for.
Last updated:
days
Temperature unit
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Egg Incubation Calculator
Choose the bird species (or enter your own number of days).
Enter the date the eggs went into the incubator. That day counts as day 0.
Read the hatch date, lockdown date and candling dates.
Use the day-by-day schedule or copy the key dates to your calendar.
Incubation periods and lockdown days
Bird
Incubation
Candling
Lockdown (stop turning)
Chicken
21 days
Day 7, 14
Day 18
Duck (most breeds)
28 days
Day 7, 14, 21
Day 25
Muscovy duck
35 days
Day 7, 14, 28
Day 31
Coturnix quail
17 days (16–18)
Day 5, 10
Day 14
Bobwhite quail
23 days
Day 7, 14
Day 20
Goose
28–35 days (30 typical)
Day 7, 14, 21
Day 27
Turkey
28 days
Day 7, 14, 21
Day 25
Guinea fowl
26–28 days
Day 7, 14, 21
Day 24
Pheasant
23–26 days
Day 7, 14
Day 21
Peafowl
28–30 days
Day 7, 14, 21
Day 25
How the dates are calculated
The set day is day 0. Hatch date = set date + incubation days; lockdown is usually 3 days before the expected hatch (4 for Muscovy ducks). For chicken eggs set on March 1, candling falls on March 8 and March 15, lockdown on March 19 and the expected hatch on March 22.
Incubation tips
Let refrigerated or stored eggs reach room temperature before setting, and set eggs no older than 7–10 days for the best hatch rate.
Turn eggs an odd number of times a day so they rest on alternate sides overnight, or use an automatic turner.
Mark each egg with an X and an O to track turning, and write the set date on it.
During lockdown resist opening the incubator: humidity drops fast and can shrink-wrap chicks in the membrane.
Frequently asked questions
How long do chicken eggs take to hatch?
Chicken eggs take about 21 days in an incubator at 99.5 °F (37.5 °C). Chicks often start pipping on day 20 and most hatch by day 21–22.
How long do duck, quail, goose and turkey eggs take?
Most duck breeds and turkeys take about 28 days, Muscovy ducks about 35 days, Coturnix quail about 17 days, bobwhite quail about 23 days and geese between 28 and 35 days depending on breed (30 is typical).
What is lockdown in egg incubation?
Lockdown is the last 3 days before hatching. You stop turning the eggs, raise the humidity (to about 65–75% for chickens) and keep the incubator closed so the membranes don't dry out while the chicks move into hatching position.
When should I candle the eggs?
For chicken eggs candle around day 7 to see veins and remove clear (infertile) eggs, and again around day 14 to remove eggs that stopped developing. Longer-incubating birds often get a third candling around day 21.
Is the day I set the eggs day 0 or day 1?
The day you set the eggs is day 0, so a chicken egg set on the 1st is due on the 22nd. That is the convention used here.
What temperature and humidity should I use?
Most forced-air incubators run at 99.5 °F (37.5 °C). Typical humidity is 45–55% for the first part of incubation and 65–75% during lockdown; waterfowl often do better slightly higher. Follow your incubator's manual, especially for still-air models (about 101–102 °F at the top of the eggs).
Why didn't my eggs hatch on the exact day?
Temperature has the biggest effect: a slightly cool incubator delays hatching and a warm one speeds it up. Egg size, storage time before setting and breed also matter, so the hatch window spans a day or two either side.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.