Introduction
Quail eggs are a popular choice among backyard farmers, educators, and hobby breeders across the U.S. and Europe. Thanks to their short incubation time, small size, and ease of care, hatching quail eggs is a great starting point for anyone interested in poultry incubation. Whether you're raising Coturnix (Japanese quail), Button quail, or Bobwhite quail, this beginner-friendly guide—based on proven incubation practices—will walk you through everything you need to know for a successful hatch.
Quail Egg Incubation Parameters
| Factor | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Incubation Period | 16–18 days |
| Temperature | 37.5°C / 99.5°F |
| Humidity (Days 1–14) | 45–55% |
| Humidity (Days 15–18) | 65–70% (lockdown period) |
| Egg Turning | 3–5 times per day, stop turning after Day 14 |
| Ventilation | Good airflow required, especially during hatch |
🐣 Note: Due to their thin shells and small size, quail eggs are sensitive to humidity fluctuations. If you're in a dry climate, monitor humidity carefully.
Step-by-Step Quail Egg Incubation Process
Pre-Incubation Preparation
Choose viable eggs: Select clean, uncracked, fertilized eggs from healthy parent birds. Avoid washing the eggs as this removes the protective bloom.
Test your incubator: Run the incubator for 24 hours before use to stabilize temperature and humidity.
Label the eggs: Use a pencil to mark both sides ("X" and "O") if turning manually. Automatic turners are highly recommended for small eggs like quail.
Place eggs small end down for best orientation.
Days 1–14: Incubation Period
Maintain temperature at 37.5°C (99.5°F).
Humidity should be kept at 45–55%. This range allows proper moisture loss and prevents chicks from drowning in the shell.
Turn eggs 3–5 times daily or use an automatic turner set to rotate every few hours.
Candle the eggs on Day 7 to check for development. Due to the speckled shells, a strong candler or dark room is helpful.
⚠️ Avoid large temperature swings. If you're in a region with cold nights or AC systems, place your incubator in a temperature-stable room.
Days 15–18: Lockdown & Hatching
Stop turning the eggs on Day 14.
Raise humidity to 65–70% to soften the inner membrane and assist hatching.
Do not open the incubator during lockdown, as sudden humidity loss can shrink-wrap the chicks in the membrane.
Ensure proper airflow by opening ventilation holes or ports.
Chicks will start pipping (breaking the shell) on Day 16 or 17. Most will hatch within a 12-hour window once they begin. Let them dry completely before moving them to the brooder.
🐥 Quail chicks are tiny—use fine mesh or paper towels in the brooder to prevent slipping through grates or drowning in water dishes.
Pre-Incubation Preparation
Choose viable eggs: Select clean, uncracked, fertilized eggs from healthy parent birds. Avoid washing the eggs as this removes the protective bloom.
Test your incubator: Run the incubator for 24 hours before use to stabilize temperature and humidity.
Label the eggs: Use a pencil to mark both sides ("X" and "O") if turning manually. Automatic turners are highly recommended for small eggs like quail.
Place eggs small end down for best orientation.
Days 1–14: Incubation Period
Maintain temperature at 37.5°C (99.5°F).
Humidity should be kept at 45–55%. This range allows proper moisture loss and prevents chicks from drowning in the shell.
Turn eggs 3–5 times daily or use an automatic turner set to rotate every few hours.
Candle the eggs on Day 7 to check for development. Due to the speckled shells, a strong candler or dark room is helpful.
⚠️ Avoid large temperature swings. If you're in a region with cold nights or AC systems, place your incubator in a temperature-stable room.
Days 15–18: Lockdown & Hatching
Stop turning the eggs on Day 14.
Raise humidity to 65–70% to soften the inner membrane and assist hatching.
Do not open the incubator during lockdown, as sudden humidity loss can shrink-wrap the chicks in the membrane.
Ensure proper airflow by opening ventilation holes or ports.
Chicks will start pipping (breaking the shell) on Day 16 or 17. Most will hatch within a 12-hour window once they begin. Let them dry completely before moving them to the brooder.
🐥 Quail chicks are tiny—use fine mesh or paper towels in the brooder to prevent slipping through grates or drowning in water dishes.
Common Questions About Quail Egg Incubation
Q1: My quail eggs haven’t hatched on Day 18. What should I do?
A: Wait until Day 19 before intervening. Late hatches can occur if your temperature was slightly low during incubation.
Q2: Can I use a chicken incubator for quail eggs?
A: Yes, as long as it has precise temperature and humidity control. Add a mesh insert or liner to hold smaller eggs securely.
Q3: I live in a dry climate. How do I increase humidity?
A: Use a sponge, water trays, or a damp cloth. Keep the incubator away from windows, heaters, or air vents.
Q4: Do quail chicks need help hatching?
A: Usually not. They tend to hatch quickly and in groups. Only assist if absolutely necessary and you're sure the chick is struggling after more than 24 hours of pipping.
Final Tips for Successful Quail Hatching
Keep a daily log of temperature and humidity.
In cold European winters, use a secondary heat source in the room if needed.
Avoid overcrowding in the incubator—too many eggs can lead to poor airflow.
Prepare a low-profile water dish with marbles or stones to prevent drowning.
A: Wait until Day 19 before intervening. Late hatches can occur if your temperature was slightly low during incubation.
Q2: Can I use a chicken incubator for quail eggs?
A: Yes, as long as it has precise temperature and humidity control. Add a mesh insert or liner to hold smaller eggs securely.
Q3: I live in a dry climate. How do I increase humidity?
A: Use a sponge, water trays, or a damp cloth. Keep the incubator away from windows, heaters, or air vents.
Q4: Do quail chicks need help hatching?
A: Usually not. They tend to hatch quickly and in groups. Only assist if absolutely necessary and you're sure the chick is struggling after more than 24 hours of pipping.
Final Tips for Successful Quail Hatching
Keep a daily log of temperature and humidity.
In cold European winters, use a secondary heat source in the room if needed.
Avoid overcrowding in the incubator—too many eggs can lead to poor airflow.
Prepare a low-profile water dish with marbles or stones to prevent drowning.
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