Egg incubation calculator

Choose the bird and the day you set the eggs to get the expected hatch date and a day-by-day plan: when to candle, when to stop turning and which temperature and humidity to keep.

Bird

Date eggs were set

Expected hatch—

Incubation period—

Temperature—

Humidity—

Your incubation plan

— Eggs go into the incubator: —
— Candle the eggs: —
— Candle the eggs: —
— Stop turning, raise humidity: —
— Expected hatch day: —

Periods are averages and can vary by a day or two. Temperature and humidity are for fan-assisted incubators.

How to use

Choose the type of bird and the day the eggs went into the incubator. The calendar shows the dates for every step.

From the start date: enter the day you set the eggs. You get the expected hatch date, the candling days and the lockdown day when turning stops.
Back from a hatch date: if you want chicks on a certain day, for example for a market or before the weather warms up, enter that date to see when to set the eggs.
Temperature and humidity: the values shown are a good starting point for most fan-assisted incubators. Follow your incubator manual if it says otherwise.

Write the dates on your calendar or copy the plan with the copy button.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for chicken eggs to hatch?

Chicken eggs hatch after about 21 days. Small bantam eggs can hatch a day early, and eggs kept at a slightly low temperature can hatch a day or two late.

What is lockdown?

Lockdown is the last three days before hatching. You stop turning the eggs, raise the humidity and keep the incubator closed, so the chicks can move into position and the membranes don't dry out.

When should I candle the eggs?

For chickens the usual days are 7 and 14. On day 7 you can see veins and the embryo in fertile eggs; clear eggs can be removed. On day 14 a healthy egg looks mostly dark with an air cell at the wide end.

What temperature and humidity should the incubator have?

Most fan-assisted incubators run at 37.5 °C. Humidity is usually 45–55 % for chicken eggs during incubation and 65–75 % in lockdown. Waterfowl such as ducks and geese need a little more humidity.