Incubation guides by poultry type and answers to common hatchery questions.
Select a bird to view day, temperature & humidity settings
Incubation period: 21 days
Follow the table below for temperature and humidity at each stage. Use fertile eggs from healthy flocks for best results.
| Period / Day | Temperature | Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – 18 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 45 – 55% |
| Day 19 – 21 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 65 – 75% |
Incubation period: 28 days
Follow the table below for temperature and humidity at each stage. Use fertile eggs from healthy flocks for best results.
| Period / Day | Temperature | Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – 25 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 50 – 55% |
| Day 26 – 28 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 65 – 80% |
Incubation period: 28 days
Follow the table below for temperature and humidity at each stage. Use fertile eggs from healthy flocks for best results.
| Period / Day | Temperature | Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – 24 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 55 – 60% |
| Day 25 – 28 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 65 – 75% |
Incubation period: 18 days
Follow the table below for temperature and humidity at each stage. Use fertile eggs from healthy flocks for best results.
| Period / Day | Temperature | Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – 15 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 45 – 50% |
| Day 16 – 18 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 65 – 70% |
Incubation period: 28 days
Follow the table below for temperature and humidity at each stage. Use fertile eggs from healthy flocks for best results.
| Period / Day | Temperature | Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – 24 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 50 – 55% |
| Day 25 – 28 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 65 – 70% |
Incubation period: 30 days
Follow the table below for temperature and humidity at each stage. Use fertile eggs from healthy flocks for best results.
| Period / Day | Temperature | Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – 27 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 50 – 60% |
| Day 28 – 30 | 37.5°C (99.5°F) | 70 – 80% |
Frequently asked questions about incubation and poultry care
For most poultry, maintain 37.5°C (99.5°F) throughout incubation. Avoid opening the incubator frequently — every opening drops temperature and can reduce hatch rates.
Use 45–55% humidity for the first part of incubation, then raise to 65–75% for the final lockdown days. Low humidity can cause chicks to stick to the shell; too much can cause drowning at hatch.
Turn eggs at least 3–5 times daily until lockdown. Automatic turners save time and give more uniform development. If turning by hand, mark one side to track turns.
Choose clean, medium-sized, crack-free eggs from healthy flocks. Store eggs at 12–15°C, pointed end down, and set them within 7 days for best hatch results.
Lockdown starts 3 days before hatch (day 18 for chickens). Stop turning, increase humidity, and do not open the incubator until hatching is complete unless absolutely necessary.
Move dry, fluffed chicks to a brooder at about 35°C for the first week, then reduce temperature gradually. Provide clean water, starter feed, and draft-free housing.
Most NIYOO incubators support dual AC/DC power with solar or battery backup. Plan backup power especially during lockdown — even a short outage during hatch can ruin a batch.
Disinfect trays, turners, and the chamber after every hatch. Bacteria buildup lowers future hatch rates and can spread disease to the next batch.
Yes. Track setting date, egg source, temperature readings, and hatch percentage. Good records help you spot problems early and improve every batch.
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