Quail eggs are small, but the basics of incubation are the same as for any bird: steady heat, the right humidity, regular turning and a calm lockdown. Here is the plan we follow.
Before day 1
- Clean the incubator and run it for at least a day so the temperature is steady.
- Check it with a second thermometer. Built-in readings can be off.
- Set eggs pointy end down, or on their sides if your turner is made for that.
Temperature and humidity
- Forced-air incubator (with a fan): about 99.5°F.
- Still-air incubator: about 100 to 101°F, measured at the top of the eggs.
- Humidity during incubation: about 40 to 50%.
- Humidity at lockdown: raise to about 65 to 70%.
Always follow your incubator's manual if it gives different numbers.
Day by day: Coturnix (about 17 to 18 days)
- Days 1 to 14: Turn eggs at least 3 times a day (an odd number), or use an automatic turner.
- Day 7: Candle and remove clear eggs.
- Day 14 or 15: Lockdown. Stop turning, raise humidity, close the lid.
- Days 17 to 18: Hatch.
Day by day: Bobwhite (about 23 to 24 days)
- Days 1 to 20: Turn eggs as above.
- Day 10: Candle.
- Day 20 or 21: Lockdown.
- Days 23 to 24: Hatch.
Lockdown tips
- Keep the lid closed. Opening it drops the humidity fast.
- Let chicks dry in the incubator before moving them to the brooder.
- Do not pull chicks out of the shell.
Gear we carry
- Pro24 Tabletop Automatic Egg Incubator (24 Eggs) – $179.99
- Rechargeable LED Egg Candler – $19.99
- Quail Starter Kit – $539.99
- Why Your Quail Eggs Didn’t Hatch: The Complete Hatch Troubleshooting Handbook for Coturnix and Bobwhite Quail (eBook PDF) – $14.99
We raise our Coturnix and Northern Bobwhite quail ourselves in Mayo, FL, and our flock is NPIP certified. Egg orders over $40 ship free. Free shipping is for eggs only; supplies ship from the vendor with the vendor's shipping.
Learn more on our Coturnix Quail and Bobwhite Quail pages, browse Poultry Supplies and Hatching Time Gear, or read our quail care guide.
Shop Hatching Time quail gear: 4kbowen.com/s/hatchingtime
More quail guides:
- What to Do When Shipped Hatching Eggs Arrive
- Setting Up a Quail Brooder: The First 3 Weeks
- How Many Quail Eggs Should You Order?
- Coturnix Quail Hatching Checklist
Every purchase supports a disabled-veteran, family-owned company.
