Hatching Coturnix quail eggs is one of the most exciting parts of raising quail. Watching those tiny chicks pip their shells and enter the world never gets old. At Seal’s Family Farm, we hatch quail regularly and have learned a few simple steps that help improve hatch success.
If you’re new to hatching quail eggs, here is a straightforward guide to help get you started.
Start with Quality Hatching Eggs
Successful hatches begin with good eggs. Choose clean, well-shaped eggs from healthy breeding birds. Eggs should be fresh and ideally set within 7 days of being laid.
If eggs are shipped, allow them to rest 12–24 hours before placing them in the incubator so the air cells can settle after shipping.
Incubation Temperature
Coturnix quail eggs typically hatch in 17–18 days.
A good incubation temperature is:
99.5°F in a forced-air incubator
Keeping the temperature steady is one of the most important parts of a successful hatch. While incubators have built-in gauges, it is always a good idea to verify the readings with a second thermometer.
Here at Seal’s Family Farm, we like to double-check our incubator temperature using a Govee thermometer and hygrometer to make sure our readings stay accurate throughout the incubation process.
Humidity Levels
Humidity helps control moisture loss from the egg during incubation.
A general guideline is:
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Days 1–14: 40–50% humidity
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Lockdown (Days 15–18): 60–70% humidity
Increasing humidity during the final days helps chicks hatch more easily.
Maintaining proper humidity is just as important as temperature. Incubator humidity readings can sometimes vary, so having a second way to monitor humidity can make a big difference in hatch success.
At Seal’s Family Farm, we also use a Govee hygrometer to double-check humidity levels inside the incubator. Having a second source helps ensure the environment stays consistent for developing chicks.
Turning the Eggs
Eggs should be turned several times a day during the first two weeks. Most automatic incubators handle this for you.
Stop turning the eggs at day 14 and move them into lockdown so the chicks can position themselves for hatching.
Here at Seal’s Family Farm, we have experimented with hatching quail eggs without turning and have still had successful hatch rates. However, we do not recommend this approach for beginners, as consistent egg turning greatly improves the chances of a strong and healthy hatch.
Hatch Day
Around day 16–18, you may begin hearing tiny peeps from inside the eggs. Soon after, the chicks will start pipping and breaking their shells.
Once the hatch begins, try not to open the incubator unless necessary. Maintaining humidity is important while the chicks are hatching.
Brooder Ready
Before hatch day arrives, make sure your brooder is ready.
Your brooder should include:
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A heat source (around 95°F for newly hatched chicks)
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Quail starter feed
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Fresh water in shallow dishes
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Non-slip flooring such as paper towels
Coturnix chicks are tiny but incredibly active within just a few hours of hatching.
A Rewarding Experience
Hatching quail eggs is a fun and rewarding part of raising these amazing birds. Whether you are hatching for eggs, meat, or breeding projects, the process is always exciting.
Here at Seal’s Family Farm in Mount Hermon, Louisiana, hatch day never gets old.
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