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What Are the Tempuratures for Hatching Eggs?

The temperature range for hatching eggs is about the same, within a degree or two, for all types of fowl from chickens to ducks, with only the number of incubation days differing. For example, chickens hatch in 21 days in optimum conditions of temperature, humidity, turning schedule, handling methods and sanitation practices, whereas ducks, pea fowl, turkey and geese hatch in 28 days. However, temperature settings do depend on if the incubator circulates heated air or is a still air incubator.

Temperature
- A one-half-degree change in average incubation temperature can affect hatching times by up to six hours.
  
  When using a still-air incubator, the recommended temperature setting is between 100 and 102 degrees F using a dry-bulb thermometer to obtain a correct reading. The minimum and maximum range of temperatures are 97 and 102 degrees F. The ideal temperature when using a circulating or forced air incubator is 99.5 degrees F. Dropping below minimum temperatures results in poorly developed or malformed chicks, while exceeding maximum temperatures results in death of the developing embryo or chick.
Humidity
- Developing embryos need water in the form of humidity.
  
  The humidity of the incubator is just as important as the temperature. The purpose of humidity is to prevent the eggs from dehydrating and the chick from sticking to the shell during hatching. Ideal humidity conditions for incubating chicks are gauged using a wet-bulb thermometer reading in conjunction with a dry-bulb thermometer reading. An ideal starting humidity is 60 percent which is obtained by having a dry-bulb temperature reading of 101 degrees F with a wet-bulb temperature reading of 88 degrees F.
Turning and Handling
- Penciling the direction of the turn on the egg shell prevents disrupting turning directions.
  
  Turning and handling stimulates growth and the necessary gas exchanges inside the egg that take place during incubation. Both are important for chicks to develop correctly. Improper turning and handling methods disrupt the developing embryo causing deformities and decreases the chance of a successful hatch. Ideal handling conditions are soft and steady, moving the inside of the egg as little as possible. When moving fertilized eggs, think of a glass of unstirred drink mix you are trying not to mix. Proper positioning conditions are small end down. Correct turning conditions are no more than one-half turn of the egg at one time. Ideal turning times are once at morning, once at night, and once or twice during the day.
Considerations
- Hatching eggs can be fun and interesting, but must be done with respect and caution. Aggressive handling of the eggs, temperatures above 102 or below 97 degrees F and dry conditions are fatal to growing embryos right up to the day of hatch. Speak to an experienced chicken farmer and veterinarian before attempting to incubate chicks of any bird species on your own.

Animals & Science