Hatching chickens at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. From setting up the incubator to candling the eggswatching baby chicks pip and emerge brings a unique sense of joy and accomplishment. Howeverone of the most common questions new backyard chicken keepers have is – how long till a chicken egg hatches?
The time it takes for chicken eggs to hatch can range from 21 to 28 daysdepending on a number of factors. Most chicken eggs hatch between 21 and 24 days after they are laid. Here is a more in-depth look at the schedule and important things to think about.
Average Incubation Timeline
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Day 1: The incubation period begins as soon as the fertilized eggs are put 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 eggsincrease 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 dryfluffy 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 dayswhile Leghorns and Anconas hatch in 21 to 23 days.
Egg Size
It may take one to two days longer for heavier breeds’ eggs to hatch than for lighter breeds’ eggs.
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 older or less healthy birds may have lower fertility and take longer to hatch.
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 daysthen 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
With some experience under your beltyou’ll get a good sense of when your chicks are ready to hatch. Keep a close eye as you reach day 21 and enjoy the rewarding experience of welcoming new life to your flock!
Before You Start: Eggs and Equipment
Even though hatching eggs is pretty easyyou will need a few things to get startedmost notably an incubator.
- As a mother hen for your unhatched eggsan incubator does the important job of keeping them warm. It also keeps the eggs at the same temperature and humiditywhich 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 stablelike not right next to an air conditioner or under a window. Before putting your eggs insidemake sure the temperature and humidity inside stay stable. Which leads us to ….
- When you need fertilized eggsa local hatchery is the best place to get them. If the hatchery is closethat’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 chickenswhy 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 funsuspensefuland 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. Howeverit can also be slowfrustratingand fiddlyespecially 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 within the typical 21-day incubation periodthey may still hatch a day or two laterbut it’s unlikely they’ll hatch after day 23. If they haven’t hatched by day 22 or 23it’s recommended to candle the eggs to check for signs of life.
How long does it take for a bird egg to hatch naturally?
Different types of birds take different amounts of time to hatch their eggs. Smaller birds usually take 10 to 14 dayswhile bigger birds can take up to a week. Small songbirds like finches and sparrows usually hatch in 10 to 14 dayswhile 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.