We hatch our own Coturnix and Bobwhite quail, and these are the incubators, turners and hatching supplies we trust. Pick the size that fits your flock, then grab the tools that make hatch day easier.

Jump to: Incubators · Turners and trays · Candling and humidity · Brooding · Incubation basics · FAQ

Choose your incubator

Pro24 Tabletop Automatic Egg Incubator (24 Eggs)Pro24 Tabletop Automatic Egg Incubator (24 Eggs)$179.99Our pick for a first hatch or a small batch of quail or chicken eggs on a countertop.Shop now →CT60 SH Egg Incubator, Setter & HatcherCT60 SH Egg Incubator, Setter & Hatcher$849.99A setter and hatcher in one cabinet for growing backyard flocks that hatch often.Shop now →CT120 SH Egg Incubator, Setter & HatcherCT120 SH Egg Incubator, Setter & Hatcher$999.99More room for steady hatches, for homesteads selling chicks or raising meat birds.Shop now →CT180 SH Egg Incubator, Setter & HatcherCT180 SH Egg Incubator, Setter & Hatcher$1,199.99The largest setter-hatcher in our line, for serious quail and poultry producers.Shop now →Quail Semi-Pro KitQuail Semi-Pro Kit$1,799.99A complete quail setup for keepers ready to hatch on a regular schedule.Shop now →240 Eggs Incubator Kit (120 Set + 120 Hatch)240 Eggs Incubator Kit (120 Set + 120 Hatch)$1,749.99A separate setter and hatcher so a new batch can start while another hatches.Shop now →360 Eggs Incubator Kit (180 Set + 180 Hatch)360 Eggs Incubator Kit (180 Set + 180 Hatch)$2,099.99Our biggest kit, built for staggered hatches at farm scale.Shop now →

Hatcher-only units

Add a dedicated hatcher next to a setter so new eggs keep turning while another batch hatches.

See all incubators →

Egg turners, trays and baskets

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Candling and humidity

After the hatch: brooding

Incubation basics

Bird Days to hatch (approx.) Temperature (forced air)
Coturnix quail 17 to 18 About 99.5°F
Bobwhite quail 23 to 24 About 99.5°F
Chicken 21 About 99.5°F

Humidity: follow your incubator's manual during incubation, then raise humidity for the last few days (lockdown) so chicks can hatch without sticking.

  1. Run the incubator empty for a day so temperature and humidity hold steady.
  2. Let shipped eggs rest pointed end down for several hours before setting.
  3. Set the eggs and let the turner do the work.
  4. Candle around the end of the first week to check development.
  5. Stop turning and raise humidity for lockdown about 3 days before hatch.
  6. Keep the lid closed during hatch, then move dry chicks to a warm brooder.

Want the full walk-through? Read our Coturnix hatching checklist and the Quail Care page.

Ready for eggs?

FAQ

Which incubator should we start with?

For a first hatch or a small batch, the Pro24 tabletop incubator is the simplest place to start. If you plan to hatch often or sell chicks, the CT series setter-hatchers give you more room.

Do quail eggs need a special tray?

Quail eggs are small, so a quail tray or rack keeps them upright and spaced. We carry quail setter trays and a quail egg rack for the Conturn turner.

How long do our hatching eggs take?

Coturnix usually hatch in about 17 to 18 days, Bobwhite in about 23 to 24 days, and chickens in about 21 days.

How fresh are the hatching eggs?

All our eggs ship within 24 hours of being laid.

How does shipping work for incubators and supplies?

Incubators and supplies ship directly from each vendor, and shipping is shown at checkout. Free shipping over $40 applies to egg orders only.

What do we need after the hatch?

A warm, draft-free brooder with a heat plate or heater, a floor mat, feed and water. Our Brooder Survival Handbook walks through the first 48 hours.

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Get The Best Incubator For your quail 

When it comes to incubating quail eggs, the type of incubator you use can make a big difference in your hatch results. We always recommend using a reliable incubator that keeps a steady temperature and humidity, because consistency is one of the most important factors for a successful hatch. Quail eggs are sensitive to temperature swings, so an incubator that holds around 99.5°F with minimal fluctuation helps ensure the embryos develop properly from the very start all the way through development.


Another important feature is automatic egg turning. Quail eggs need to be turned regularly during incubation to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell and to help them develop evenly. Incubators with automatic turners make this much easier and reduce the chance of human error. Good airflow and stable humidity control also help chicks hatch strong and healthy.


One issue we sometimes see is eggs being incubated horizontally style incubators. While these machines can work for some types of poultry, horizontal incubation is generally not recommended for quail eggs. When eggs lay flat and roll side-to-side, the air cell is not consistently kept in the correct position. The developing chick naturally orients itself toward the air cell, which needs to remain at the top of the egg. If the egg is rolling horizontally, the embryo can struggle to position itself properly as it develops.


For best results, quail eggs should be incubated vertically with the pointed end down and the air cell up. This allows the chick to develop in the proper orientation so it can internally pip into the air cell and then hatch normally. Vertical turning trays gently tilt the eggs side to side rather than rolling them completely over, which better mimics how eggs are positioned in a natural nest.


A quality incubator doesn’t guarantee a perfect hatch, but it greatly improves your chances by providing the stable environment that developing chicks need. That’s why we recommend using professional-grade incubators, such as the ones sold by Hatching Time, because they are designed to maintain steady temperatures, proper airflow, proper vertical egg positioning, and consistent turning, which helps give eggs the best possible conditions for a successful hatch.
Egg Incubators

Egg Incubators