Whether the eggs are incubated by the hen or in an incubator, the chicks are born around the 21st day of incubation. There are, however, factors that can change the time of hatching. What does this mean? Should we be concerned? What other conditions are associated with hatching an egg?.
Want to know how long it takes for chicken eggs to hatch? The average time it takes for chicken eggs to hatch is 21 days. But the time it takes to hatch can range from 19 to 23 days, depending on the breed, the size of the egg, and the conditions in which it was kept. This full guide will show you the whole 21-day incubation process and what to expect at each stage as your eggs grow from being fertilized to hatching.
Overview of the 21-Day Incubation Timeline
Here’s a quick overview of what happens during the 21 days of chicken egg incubation:
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Days 1-17 – Fertilized egg develops embryo and organs. Eggs must be turned 3+ times per day.
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Days 18-20 – Embryo finalize position facing air cell Humidity increased Eggs no longer turned.
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Day 21 – Chick starts to pip or break through the egg shell. May take 12-24 hours to fully emerge.
Now let’s look at the details of the incubation timeline day-by-day,
Day 1 – Setting and Fertilizing the Eggs
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Incubation starts when fertilized eggs are placed in the incubator,
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Use clean, undamaged eggs within 7 days of being laid. Discard any abnormally shaped eggs.
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Before setting eggs, preheat incubator to 99. 5F (forced air) or 101-102F (still air). Stabilize humidity around 50%.
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Position eggs laying sideways with larger end slightly elevated. Ensure proper air flow if still air incubator.
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Mark eggs with X on one side, O on other to track turning.
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Begin turning eggs minimum 3 times per day. Frequency of turning is important for proper embryo development.
Days 2-17 – Embryo Development
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Around days 5-7, fertile eggs can be candled to check for embryo development and discard non-viables.
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Adequate egg turning must continue 3+ times per day during this phase to prevent embryos from sticking.
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Monitor temperature closely, optimal is 99.5F. Humidity should stay around 50%.
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By day 17, embryo has developed main organs and occupies majority of interior space.
Days 18-20 – Preparing to Hatch
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On day 18 stop turning eggs and increase humidity to 65-70%. This is known as lockdown.
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Embryo has rotated into hatching position facing the air cell. Minimal incubator disturbances.
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Chick draws remaining yolk into body cavity and is ready to start poking air cell with egg tooth.
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Pipping starts as chick uses egg tooth to break through shell and take breaths.
Day 21 – Hatching Begins!
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Hatching officially starts on day 21 as chick breaks out of shell. This can take 12-24 hours to fully emerge.
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Once dry and fluffy, chick can be removed to brooder. Do not offer food/water for 24 hours while yolk is absorbed.
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Not all chicks hatch same day. Some early on day 20 or late on day 22-23. Discard any unhatched after 25 days.
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Celebrate your healthy new flock additions!
What to Expect During the Hatching Process
When incubation day 21 arrives, here’s a general timeline of what you can expect as the chicks start to hatch:
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Hour 1 – First small crack appears in egg shell as chick pips air cell
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Hours 2-12 – Chick continues breaking shell in pip-rest-pip cycle, rotating in circle
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Hours 12-24 – After completing pip circle, chick will do one final push to fully emerge
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Hours 24-48 – Chick is out of the shell and will dry off and fluff up before standing
It’s an amazing process to witness! Resist the urge to assist too soon. Allow the chick to build strength by hatching naturally. Only help if hatching stalls for over 24 hours after pipping.
Troubleshooting Late and Early Hatches
While 21 days is the standard incubation period, some chicks may hatch a little early or late. Here’s what to watch for:
Late Hatches
- Wait until day 25 before discarding unhatched eggs
- Check incubator conditions – improper temp/humidity can delay
- Assist pip if chick is alive but struggling to emerge
- Large/odd shaped eggs may hatch slower
Early Hatches
- Some breeds and smaller eggs hatch on day 19-20
- Removing early birds helps maintain incubator environment
- Let fully dry before moving to brooder
- Watch for potential issues with yolk absorption
Follow Proper Incubation Conditions
To ensure your eggs hatch within the normal 21-day timeframe, be diligent about providing proper incubation conditions:
- Maintain consistent 99.5F temperature and 50% humidity from day 1-18
- Increase humidity to 65-70% on day 18 during lockdown
- Turn eggs minimum 3 times per day until day 18
- Ensure adequate ventilation in still air incubators
- Use calibrated instruments to monitor conditions
- Limit opening incubator and disturbances during critical times
Following these guidelines will give your hatching eggs the optimal environment to develop on schedule. Monitor the timeline so you know what to expect, but let nature run its course during the hatch. And soon you’ll be rewarded with a batch of healthy chicks!
The average age of a chicken laying an egg for the first time
In most cases, laying hens lay their first egg when they are 18 weeks old. Thereafter, depending on the breed, the individual bird and the environment in which it lives, the laying rate will be about 1 egg per day.
How many times a year can a hen brood?
Generally speaking, a hen should only brood once a year. However, some hens will brood several times in a year. To avoid this, it is advisable to collect the eggs as soon as the hen has finished laying, or even every day.
By not allowing the eggs to accumulate, you will prevent the hen from laying. It’s important to know that broody hens start to lay eggs when they are 5 to 8 months old (laying age). Indeed, although not all layers are broody, brooding is an instinct for those who do it.
How to Store Chicken Eggs Prior to Incubation | How to Get a More Successful Hatch Rate
FAQ
How long does it take to hatch chicken eggs?
In 21 days, the process of hatching chicken eggs is complete. A day has 24 hours. Sometimes it takes one day less, which means 20 days, or one day more, if the eggs are not incubated properly or because of things in the environment. e. , 22 days. Both natural and artificial chicken hatching take the same 21 days.
How long do chicken eggs need to incubate before hatching?
Chicken eggs must incubate for about 21 days (3 weeks) before hatching. If you want to hatch healthy chicks, this schedule will tell you what to do and when to do it. Before incubation, eggs can be stored in a cool, dry space for up to 7 days. Only do this if you are collecting your own eggs and want enough to set.
When do chicks hatch?
Chicks will typically hatch at day 21. If the fertilized eggs were cooled prior to incubation, the process might take a little longer. If you are at day 21 with no hatch, give the eggs a few more days. When the big day comes, let the chick hatch on its own. Do not attempt to help.
How to start hatching chicken eggs?
Things that will help you hatch chicken eggs: Make sure you set up your incubator at least five days ahead of time and turn it on 24 hours ahead of time to make sure you know how to control the temperature and humidity. Avoid placing the incubator in direct sunlight, and wipe it clean with a warm water-dipped cloth before use.
When do eggs hatch?
A “day” is counted as a full 24 hours, so day one would be the first 24 hours after setting the egg. Day two the next 24 hours, etc. If you set eggs on a Monday, it’s usually a safe bet that they will hatch on a Monday, three weeks later.
When do eggs hatch in a hen incubator?
Don’t open the incubator, don’t touch the eggs, or change the humidity and temperature. happy hatching day! Between days 20 and 23, your eggs will start to hatch. Usually, this process begins on day 21, but don’t worry if your chick is a little early or late.
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 within the typical 21-day incubation period, they may still hatch a day or two later, but it’s unlikely 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.
What are the first signs of chicken eggs hatching?
Chickens can hatch between 19–22 days after you put the eggs in the incubator. Signs to look for include the egg being cracked by the beak of the chick and chirping from them as they start to emerge.
Is 75% humidity too high for hatching eggs?
Ideal Humidity Ranges for Different Eggs
Chicken eggs: 35-55% during incubation, 65-75% during hatching. Duck eggs: 50-60% during incubation, 65-80% during hatching. Reptile eggs: Varies depending on the species, but generally between 60-70% is common.