Hatching chickens at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Putting together the incubator and baking the eggs gives a special sense of joy and accomplishment when you see the chicks hatch. But one of the questions that new chicken owners often have is, “How long until a chicken egg hatches?”
The incubation period for chicken eggs can vary from 21 to 28 days depending on various factors. On average chicken eggs hatch between 21-24 days from the start of incubation. Here’s a more detailed look at the timeline and key considerations.
Average Incubation Timeline
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Day 1: The incubation period starts as soon as fertilized eggs are set in the incubator. Ensure optimal temperature (99-100°F) and humidity levels (50-60%).
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Day 7-10 Candle eggs to check for viability observe embryo development.
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Day 10-18: Keep turning eggs 3-5 times per day to prevent sticking.
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Day 18: Stop turning eggs, increase humidity to 65-75%.
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Day 19-21: Monitor eggs closely as hatching approaches. First pips may appear.
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Day 21-25: Peak hatching period. Chicks fully emerge 24-48 hours after first pips.
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Day 25: Remove any unhatched eggs as non-viable. Transfer dry, fluffy chicks to brooder.
Factors That Influence Incubation Time
Several key factors can impact how long it takes for chicken eggs to hatch:
Breed
Different breeds hatch at different times. Silkies and Cochins take 23 to 28 days, while Leghorns and Anconas hatch in 21 to 23 days.
Egg Size
Larger eggs from heavy breeds may take 1-2 days longer than smaller eggs from lightweight birds.
Egg Freshness
Fresher eggs have higher hatch rates. Avoid incubating eggs over 10-14 days old.
Incubator Conditions
Temperature fluctuations or incorrect humidity levels can delay hatching.
Health of Breeders
Eggs from birds that are older or not as healthy may not hatch as quickly or as fertilely.
Tips for Successful Hatching
Follow these best practices to ensure optimal incubation and hatching:
- Maintain stable temperature between 99-100°F in the incubator
- Keep humidity levels between 50-60% for first 18 days, then increase to 70%
- Turn eggs at least 3 times per day until day 18
- Candle eggs on day 7-10 to check embryo development
- Sanitize incubator before and after each hatch
- Handle eggs gently and minimize disturbances
- Keep detailed records of incubator conditions and hatching progress
You’ll know when your chicks are ready to hatch once you’ve done it a few times. When day 21 comes around, keep a close eye on things and enjoy the fun of welcoming new birds to your flock.
Before You Start: Eggs and Equipment
Hatching eggs is a relatively simple process, but there are still a few pieces of equipment you will need to get started—most importantly, the incubator.
- As a mother hen for your unhatched eggs, an incubator does the important job of keeping them warm. It also keeps the eggs at the same temperature and humidity, which is important for their healthy growth. Some incubators will also turn the eggs for you.
- Clean the incubator with a 10% bleach solution and turn it on for a test run before putting any eggs in it. Put it somewhere where the temperature stays mostly stable, like not right next to an air conditioner or under a window. Before putting your eggs inside, make sure the temperature and humidity inside stay stable. Which leads us to ….
- When you need fertilized eggs, a local hatchery is the best place to get them. If the hatchery is close, that’s better. The eggs will be healthier because they won’t have to travel as long.
- You can get fertilized eggs from your own backyard if you have a rooster that lives with your hens. This is by far the easiest and least expensive way to do it.
A 21-day beginner’s guide to hatching eggs
If you raise chickens, why not try hatching eggs to add your own chicks? Here’s our beginner’s guide on how to hatch eggs in 21 days. It’s a fun, suspenseful, and often wonderful experience.
Watching eggs hatching into fluffy chicks is amazing. There’s a reason that children sometimes incubate eggs as a class project in primary school. However, it can also be slow, frustrating, and fiddly, especially for first-timers who don’t know what to expect.
Rest assured! We will cover everything you need to know to get started in your home.
How Long For A Chicken Egg To Hatch?
FAQ
How long does it take for chicken eggs to hatch naturally?
What happens if eggs don’t hatch in 21 days?
If chicken eggs don’t hatch in the normal 21 days, they might hatch a day or two later, but it’s not likely that they’ll hatch after day 23. If they haven’t hatched by day 22 or 23, it’s recommended to candle the eggs to check for signs of life.
How long does it take for a bird egg to hatch naturally?
The time it takes for a bird egg to hatch naturally varies by species, but generally, smaller birds take around 10-14 days, while larger birds can take several weeks. Small songbirds like finches and sparrows usually hatch in 10 to 14 days, while woodpeckers and pigeons may take 12 to 18 days.
What is the average time for an egg to hatch?
Chicken eggs should hatch 21 days after they first start in an incubator. (Remember that your eggs have already been incubated for 14 days before you receive them!) Other bird species have different incubation times.