How it works
Chicken eggs hatch in about 21 days. Ducks and turkeys take about 28, Coturnix quail about 17 to 18, and Muscovy ducks up to 35. Every incubation has the same key dates: candle to check development, stop turning at lockdown 3 days before hatch, and raise the humidity for the hatch.
How to use it
Choose the bird and the day the eggs went into the incubator. Add the dates to your calendar so you don't miss lockdown, the date people most often forget.
Reference chart
| Bird | Days to hatch | Lockdown day |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 21 | 18 |
| Bantam chicken | 20 | 17 |
| Duck (most breeds) | 28 | 25 |
| Muscovy duck | 35 | 32 |
| Goose | 28–35 | 27 |
| Turkey | 28 | 25 |
| Coturnix quail | 17–18 | 14 |
| Bobwhite quail | 23 | 20 |
| Guinea fowl | 26–28 | 24 |
| Pheasant | 23–25 | 21 |
| Peafowl | 28–29 | 25 |
Frequently asked questions
How long do chicken eggs take to hatch?
About 21 days at 99.5°F (37.5°C) in a forced-air incubator. Bantams can hatch a day early; cooler incubators run late.
What is lockdown?
The last 3 days before hatch. Stop turning the eggs, raise humidity to about 65–70%, and keep the incubator closed so chicks can pip and zip without the membranes drying out.
When should I candle eggs?
Candle around day 7 to spot clear (infertile) eggs, and again around day 14 to remove any that stopped developing. Don't candle during lockdown.
What if eggs don't hatch on day 21?
Give them 1–2 extra days. Temperature that runs a little low slows development. Candle before discarding any egg.
Figures are typical values from university extension and breed-association guidance. Estimates only. Individual animals vary — confirm pregnancy and health questions with your veterinarian. Last reviewed 2026-09-18.