Hatching chickens at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. From setting up the incubator to candling the eggs, watching baby chicks pip and emerge brings a unique sense of joy and accomplishment. However, one of the most common questions new backyard chicken keepers have is – how long till a chicken egg hatches?
The incubation period for chicken eggs can vary from 21 to 28 days depending on various factors. On average chicken eggs hatch between 21-24 days from the start of incubation. Here’s a more detailed look at the timeline and key considerations.
Average Incubation Timeline
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Day 1: The incubation period starts as soon as fertilized eggs are set 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 eggs, increase 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 dry, fluffy chicks to brooder.
Factors That Influence Incubation Time
Several key factors can impact how long it takes for chicken eggs to hatch:
Breed
Some breeds like Silkies and Cochins take longer (23-28 days) while Leghorns and Anconas hatch faster in 21-23 days.
Egg Size
Larger eggs from heavy breeds may take 1-2 days longer than smaller eggs from lightweight birds.
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 days, then 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 belt, you’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
Hatching eggs is a relatively simple process, but there are still a few pieces of equipment you will need to get started—most importantly, the incubator.
- An incubator is a substitute mother hen for your unhatched eggs, doing the vital work of keeping them warm. It also ensures the heat and humidity of the eggs’ environment are constant, which is crucial for healthy development. Some incubators will also turn the eggs for you.
- Before you place any eggs in the incubator, disinfect it with a 10 percent bleach solution, and turn it on for a trial run. Place it somewhere with relatively stable temperatures, not directly by an A/C unit or under a window. Ensure the interior temperatures and humidity remain stable before placing your eggs inside. Which leads us to …
- Eggs! The most reliable place to get fertilized eggs is from a local hatchery. The more local your hatchery, the better; the less time your eggs spend in transit, the healthier they will be.
- If you have a rooster who lives with your hens, you can also get fertilized eggs from your backyard! This is undoubtedly the easiest, most affordable option.
A 21-day beginner’s guide to hatching eggs
If you raise chickens, why 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 fun, suspenseful, and 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. However, it can also be slow, frustrating, and fiddly, especially 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 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.
How long does it take for a bird egg to hatch naturally?
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.