Have you ever dreamed of watching fluffy little chicks hatch right before your eyes? I certainly have! After several years of hatching my own chickens, I’ve learned that getting the temperature and humidity just right can make all the difference between a disappointing hatch and a brooder full of healthy peeping chicks.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the ideal temperature and humidity levels for hatching chicken eggs Whether you’re a first-time incubator or looking to improve your hatch rates, these tips will help you achieve better results
The Quick Answer: Temperature and Humidity Basics
For those who just want the straight facts here they are
For chicken eggs in a forced-air incubator:
- Temperature: 99.5°F (37.5°C)
- Humidity during first 18 days: 45-50% relative humidity
- Humidity during final 3 days (lockdown): 65-75% relative humidity
But as with anything related to hatching there’s more to understand if you want the best results!
Why Temperature Control Is Crucial
Temperature is by far the most critical factor in successful incubation. Even small deviations can have dramatic effects on your hatch:
- Too high: Embryos develop too quickly, leading to early hatches with weak chicks, deformities like twisted necks or crooked toes, and higher mortality rates
- Too low: Embryos develop too slowly, hatch late, and often struggle to break out of their shells due to excessive moisture loss
Your target temperature should be 99.5°F (37.5°C) for the entire 21-day incubation period. This temperature setting is specifically for forced-air incubators (ones with fans that circulate the air). Still-air incubators typically require slightly higher settings, but we’ll focus on forced-air as they’re more common and provide more consistent results.
Understanding Humidity Requirements
Humidity control is probably the most confusing aspect of incubation for beginners. Let me break it down:
What Humidity Actually Does
An eggshell is porous, allowing oxygen to reach the developing embryo and moisture to evaporate from the egg. As moisture evaporates, the egg loses weight, and the air sac at the broad end increases in size.
The humidity level in your incubator directly affects how quickly moisture evaporates from the eggs. Higher humidity = slower evaporation. Lower humidity = faster evaporation.
For a successful hatch, chicken eggs need to lose approximately 13-14% of their initial weight over the 21-day incubation period. The humidity levels we target are designed to achieve this ideal weight loss.
Recommended Humidity Levels
For chicken eggs:
- Days 1-18: 45-50% relative humidity
- Days 19-21 (lockdown): 65-75% relative humidity
The higher humidity during lockdown is crucial because it helps keep the membrane soft enough for chicks to break through during hatching. If the membrane dries out too much, chicks can get stuck and die in the shell.
Setting Up Your Incubator Correctly
Before you place any eggs in your incubator, you should:
- Run your incubator empty for at least 24 hours to stabilize temperature
- Place thermometer at egg level (not touching the bottom of the incubator)
- Adjust temperature until it consistently stays at 99.5°F
- Add water to the water channels or reservoirs to achieve 45-50% humidity
Remember, the more eggs you have in your incubator, the longer it will take for the temperature to stabilize when you first start it up. This is normal and just requires patience.
Measuring Temperature and Humidity Accurately
Temperature Measurement
For measuring temperature, I strongly recommend a digital thermometer. The simple glass bulb thermometers that come with many incubators can work but are harder to read accurately.
Place your thermometer at egg level, not touching any surfaces, for the most accurate reading. Remember that the temperature near the heating element at the top of the incubator will be higher than at egg level.
Humidity Measurement
There are three main ways to measure humidity:
- Digital hygrometer: The easiest method, though cheaper models can be inaccurate
- Wet bulb thermometer: More accurate but requires more work
- Egg weight loss tracking: The most accurate but also most complex method
For beginners, I recommend a decent digital thermometer/hygrometer combo. They’re easy to use and give reasonably accurate readings.
If you’re serious about hatching, consider monitoring egg weight loss. Weigh your eggs at the start of incubation and then periodically throughout. They should lose 13-14% of their weight by day 18.
The Lockdown Period (Last 3 Days)
The final three days of incubation are critical! During this time:
- Stop turning the eggs – Chicks are moving into final hatching position
- Increase humidity to 65-75% – This keeps the membrane soft so chicks can break through
- Keep the incubator closed – Opening it releases moisture and drops temperature
- Be patient! – Hatching is a process that can take 24-48 hours from first pip to emergence
I remember my first batch – I was so excited I kept opening the incubator to check, and my hatch rate suffered. Learn from my mistake!
Troubleshooting Humidity Problems
Humidity Too Low?
If you struggle to maintain adequate humidity:
- Add more water containers or wet sponges to increase surface area for evaporation
- Use a spray bottle with warm water to mist the inside walls (not the eggs directly)
- Place a damp cloth near (not touching) the eggs
- Check that ventilation isn’t set too high
Humidity Too High?
If your humidity is consistently too high:
- Reduce the water surface area in your incubator
- Increase ventilation slightly
- Consider the location of your incubator (bathrooms and kitchens tend to be more humid)
- In extreme cases, you might need a dehumidifier in the room
Monitoring Air Sac Development
A great way to check if your humidity levels are correct is by candling eggs to observe the air sac development.
The air sac should grow gradually larger as incubation progresses. By day 18, it should occupy roughly 1/3 of the egg volume at the broad end.
- Air sac too small: Humidity is too high, reduce it
- Air sac too large: Humidity is too low, increase it
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequent temperature fluctuations – Each time you open the incubator, the temperature drops
- Incorrect thermometer placement – Always measure at egg level
- Not increasing humidity during lockdown – This is one of the most common causes of chicks dying in the shell
- Turning eggs during lockdown – This can prevent chicks from positioning correctly
- Helping chicks hatch too early – Most chicks that need help won’t survive anyway; patience is key
My Personal Experience
I’ll never forget my first successful hatch. After struggling with humidity levels in my first two attempts, I finally got it right on the third try. The joy of seeing those first pips, hearing the peeping inside the shells, and then watching the chicks emerge was absolutely worth all the effort!
For my incubator, I found that using colored water in the channels (just a drop of food coloring) makes it much easier to see when I need to refill. It’s a simple trick that has helped me maintain consistent humidity levels.
Final Thoughts
Hatching chicken eggs is both a science and an art. While the temperature should always be kept at 99.5°F, humidity might need small adjustments based on your specific conditions and eggs.
Don’t be discouraged if your first hatch isn’t perfect. Even experienced hatchers rarely achieve 100% success rates. Each batch teaches you something new, and you’ll improve with practice.
Remember that mother nature has been doing this successfully for millions of years without thermometers or hygrometers! With a little patience and attention to detail, you can enjoy the miracle of hatching your own chicks too.
Have you tried hatching eggs before? What challenges did you face with temperature and humidity control? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Quick Reference Chart: Chicken Egg Incubation Parameters
| Incubation Stage | Temperature | Humidity | Turning | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setting to Day 18 | 99.5°F (37.5°C) | 45-50% | Yes, at least 3-5x daily | 1-18 |
| Lockdown (Day 19-21) | 99.5°F (37.5°C) | 65-75% | No turning | 19-21 |
| Hatching | 99.5°F (37.5°C) | 65-75% | No turning | 21-22 |
Happy hatching!
Factors Affecting Egg Incubation Temperature
Several factors can affect the temperature during the incubation of chicken eggs, and understanding these factors is key to achieving successful hatching rates. One of the most significant influences is the type of incubator used. Different incubators have varying success based on designs, insulation properties, and heating mechanisms. These all contribute to temperature regulation. Farmers need to choose an incubator that is known for its reliability and efficiency in maintaining a stable temperature. Its worth spending a bit more to make sure you have a successful hatch.
Another crucial factor is the environmental conditions surrounding the incubator. Ambient temperature can significantly affect the internal temperature of the incubator. For instance, if the incubator is placed in a drafty or unconditioned space, external temperature fluctuations can impact the incubators ability to maintain a consistent internal temperature. Its wise to place incubators in a controlled environment where the temperature is stable.
Additionally, the number of eggs being incubated can affect temperature stability. A fully loaded incubator may retain heat better than one that is only partially filled. The eggs work to provide insulation and help to maintain a more stable temperature. On the other hand, if the incubator isnt filled, it may experience temperature swings and a low hatch rate. Understanding these factors allows you to take the necessary steps to ensure that the conditions are optimal for successful egg incubation and hatching rates.
Tools and Equipment for Precise Temperature Regulation
There are a variety of tools and equipment available to help you achieve temperature regulation during the incubation of chicken eggs. A high-quality incubator with accurate temperature control is one of your best friends in this process. Modern incubators often come with features such as digital displays, automatic temperature adjustments, built-in alarms to notify users of any fluctuations, and a turning mechanism. Investing in a reliable incubator can make a significant difference in maintaining the ideal conditions for egg hatching.
In addition to incubators, using external thermometers can provide an extra layer of assurance. Digital thermometers with probes can be placed within the incubator to measure temperature at various locations. This practice helps identify hotspots or cold spots within the incubator, allowing for adjustments to be made to ensure even heat distribution. Furthermore, utilizing hygrometers to monitor humidity levels alongside temperature is essential, as both factors work in tandem to support embryo development.
Having a backup power source, such as a generator or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), can help mitigate the risk of temperature fluctuations during power outages. Sudden drops in temperature can be detrimental to developing embryos, and a backup power solution ensures that the incubator can continue operating smoothly in case of an emergency.
The quality of eggs that you incubate is another very important factor in a successful egg hatch. Make sure that the hatchery where you source your eggs is keeping healthy chickens with well-fed and cared-for hens, and that the genetics of the chicks are given attention. If the eggs you try to hatch are of poor quality, old, kept in suboptimal environments, dirty, or from chickens that have poor nutrition, or the eggs have been jostled or washed/bloom removed, there is a good chance they will not hatch.
By equipping yourself with the right tools and equipment, you can achieve the right temperature regulation and improve your hatch.
Choosing Eggs, Storing Them, Temp, Humidity & More! Hatching Chicks Step By Step! | Hal’s Hatchlings
FAQ
What is the best temperature for chicken egg hatching?
Maintaining the optimal temperature and humidity levels is crucial for successful chicken egg hatching. By providing a consistent temperature range of 99.5 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 to 37.8 degrees Celsius) and a relative humidity of 40-50% during incubation, we can maximize our chances of a high hatch rate.
What temperature should chicken eggs be incubated at?
In conclusion, maintaining the proper temperature and humidity when hatching chicken eggs is crucial for successful incubation. By adhering to the recommended temperature of 99.5°F and appropriate humidity levels throughout the incubation period, poultry enthusiasts can increase the chances of producing healthy and vibrant chicks.
What if humidity is too high when hatching chicken eggs?
If humidity levels are too high, reduce the surface area of the water in the incubator. Conversely, if humidity is too low, increase the surface area or add water to raise the humidity levels. In conclusion, maintaining the proper temperature and humidity when hatching chicken eggs is crucial for successful incubation.
Does temperature affect hatchability of chicken eggs?
A high temperature can result in faster embryonic development, increasing the risk of early hatching and potentially producing weaker chicks. 4. Can humidity levels affect the hatchability of chicken eggs? Yes, humidity levels are essential for optimal hatchability.
How much humidity do you need for hatching eggs?
For a successful hatch, moisture must evaporate from your eggs at just the right rate so that your eggs lose the correct weight (water) over the incubation period. What humidity do we need for hatching eggs? Chickens: 99.5°F/37.5°C for 21 days. Geese: 99.5°F/37.5°C for 28 to 32 days depending on the species/breed.
How much humidity should a chick eat during egg incubation?
During egg incubation, the relative humidity should be around 50 to 55% during the initial 18 days, and then increased to 65 to 70% during the final 3 days. This increase in humidity helps create a suitable environment for the chick to break through the shell during the hatching process. Steps to Ensure Optimal Hatching Conditions
Is 75% of humidity too high for hatching?
What are the mistakes for incubation eggs?
| Symptoms | Probable cause |
|---|---|
| Embryos sticking or adhering to shell | Excessive ventilation rate |
| Crippled and malformed chicks | Improper incubation temperatures (usually too high) |
| Low incubation humidity | |
| Improper egg setting position or turning during incubation |
What temperature kills a fertilized egg?
Fertile eggs should be stored between 55 and 65°F. If fertile eggs reach temperatures above 72°F, embryos will begin to develop abnormally, weaken, and die.
How much humidity is good for chicken eggs?
Many experts agree that 50% humidity is the magic number when it comes to humidity and the level of comfort within a coop.