Incubation Period for Quail Eggs: What You Need to Know
Quail eggs are fast to hatch and easy to incubate, making them a great option for beginner and experienced poultry keepers. If you’re planning to hatch your own quail chicks, it’s essential to understand the exact incubation time, temperature, humidity, and turning requirements. This guide covers everything you need to know about incubating quail eggs successfully.
📆 How Long Do Quail Eggs Take to Hatch?
The typical incubation period for quail eggs is 17 to 18 days. Some may start hatching as early as day 16, while others may take up to day 19 depending on temperature consistency and egg viability.
🕰 Quail Incubation Timeline
| Day | Stage |
|---|---|
| Days 1–14 | Development phase – eggs are turned regularly to avoid embryo sticking |
| Day 15 | Stop turning – place eggs in hatching tray (lockdown begins) |
| Days 16–18 | Hatching window – chicks begin to pip and emerge |
🌡 Temperature and Humidity Settings
To achieve a good hatch rate, proper environmental control is crucial:
- Temperature: 37.5°C (99.5°F) for forced-air incubators
- Humidity (Days 1–14): 45–50%
- Humidity (Days 15–18): 65–70% (increase during lockdown to soften shells)
Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer for best results. Regular calibration ensures accuracy throughout the hatch.
🔄 Turning Quail Eggs
Turn the eggs at least 3 times a day until day 14. Automatic turners are helpful but not required. If turning by hand, mark each egg with an “X” and “O” to keep track of rotations.
On day 15, stop turning and move the eggs to the hatching tray to allow chicks to position themselves correctly for hatching.
🥚 Types of Quail and Their Hatch Times
| Quail Breed | Average Incubation Period |
|---|---|
| Coturnix (Japanese) | 17–18 days |
| Button Quail | 16 days |
| Bobwhite Quail | 23–24 days |
| California Quail | 22–23 days |
Note: Coturnix quail are the most common for backyard breeders due to their fast growth and reliable hatch rate.
🧪 Candling Quail Eggs
To check embryo development, candle the eggs around day 8. You should see veins and a dark spot (the developing chick). Clear eggs with no signs of development should be removed to prevent bacterial issues.
🐣 Hatching Tips
- Do not open the incubator during the final 3 days
- Let chicks dry and fluff inside before moving them to the brooder
- Remove unhatched eggs after 24–36 hours post-hatch window
🏡 Planning Ahead for Housing?
Once those chicks hatch, you’ll need space! Use the Chicken Coop Calculator to plan brooder size and long-term housing for your growing quail. This tool is perfect for mapping out space, feeders, drinkers, and ventilation needs.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The ideal incubation period for most quail eggs is 17–18 days, with precise control over temperature, humidity, and egg turning playing a key role in hatch success. With a good incubator and a little patience, you can enjoy a rewarding hatch and raise your own quail right at home.
Don’t forget to prep for housing—use the Chicken Coop Calculator to get a head start on planning your quail’s perfect home.