Our little urban homestead is getting new babies to join our flock! We’ve got an adorable little black chick and a couple of sweet little tuxedos. Our new babes were shipped from Manitoba, Canada from a cute little aviary called Breezy Bird Farm.

Raising Coturnix quail can be a really exciting and rewarding experience, especially when it comes to expanding your flock through hatching your own eggs from the quail you have watched grow up. Incubating and hatching Coturnix quail eggs is a fascinating process that, with the right knowledge and preparation, can be quite straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk through each step of the process of how to incubate and hatch coturnix quail eggs, from selecting an incubator to caring for your newly hatched chicks.

Choosing an Incubator

The first step in successfully hatching Coturnix quail eggs is selecting the right incubator. There are a few key factors to consider:

1. Size and Capacity: Choose an incubator that can accommodate the number of eggs you plan to hatch. For hobbyists, a smaller incubator may suffice, but for those looking to hatch larger batches, a bigger model with higher capacity is ideal. I personally have an incubator that can accommodate approximately 24 quail eggs.
2. Automatic vs. Manual Turning: Coturnix quail eggs need to be turned several times a day to ensure proper development. Some incubators have an automatic turning feature, which is highly recommended for the level of convenience and consistency in how many times the eggs are turned. However, if you choose a manual model, be prepared to turn the eggs by hand 3-5 times a day.
3. Temperature and Humidity Control: Look for an incubator with reliable temperature and humidity controls, as these factors are crucial for successful hatching. I also highly recommend using a separate temperature and humidity gauge to keep track as some incubators are notoriously off by a few degrees,

For a fairly inexpensive option, I use this incubator.

Setting the Right Temperature and Humidity

Once you’ve selected your incubator, the next step is to set the correct temperature and humidity levels:

1. Temperature: Coturnix quail eggs should be incubated at a steady temperature of 99.5°F (37.5°C). It’s vital to maintain this temperature consistently, as fluctuations can affect embryo development.
2. Humidity: For the first 14 days of incubation, aim for a humidity level of 45-50%. During the final three days (known as the “lockdown” period), increase the humidity to 65-70% to assist with hatching.

Regularly monitor these settings with a reliable thermometer and hygrometer to ensure the best environment for your eggs.

Candling the Eggs

Candling is the process of shining a light through the eggs to check the development of the embryo. This should be done at least twice during the incubation period:

1. First Candling (Day 7-10): At this stage, you should see veins and a developing embryo. If the egg is clear, it may be infertile or the embryo may have stopped developing.
2. Second Candling (Day 14): Before lockdown, candle the eggs again to check for continued development. Healthy eggs should have a large, dark mass (the embryo) taking up most of the egg.

Remove any eggs that are clear or show no signs of development to prevent them from contaminating the others.

Troubleshooting Common Hatching Problems

Despite your best efforts, sometimes issues arise during incubation. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:

1. Temperature Fluctuations: If the temperature drops or spikes, it can affect the hatch rate. If this happens, quickly adjust the incubator back to the correct temperature and avoid opening the incubator unnecessarily.
2. Low Humidity: If the humidity drops too low, the chicks may have difficulty hatching. Increase humidity by adding more water to the incubator or using a wet sponge or cloth.
3. Eggs Not Hatching on Time: Coturnix quail eggs typically hatch around day 18. If your eggs haven’t hatched by day 21, they may be infertile or the embryos may not have developed properly. However, give them a few extra days before concluding that they won’t hatch.

Caring for Newly Hatched Chicks

Once your Coturnix quail chicks have hatched, they’ll need immediate care to ensure they thrive:

1. Brooder Setup: Prepare a brooder with a heat lamp to maintain a temperature of 95°F (35°C) for the first week. Gradually reduce the temperature by 5°F each week until they’re ready for outdoor living.
2. Food and Water: Provide chick starter feed with at least 24% protein to support their rapid growth. Use a shallow water dish with marbles or small stones to prevent drowning.
3. Observation: Keep a close eye on the chicks during the first few days. Make sure they are eating, drinking, and moving around. Healthy chicks will be active and alert.

Incubating and hatching Coturnix quail eggs is a rewarding experience that can help you expand your flock and deepen your connection to these fascinating birds. By carefully selecting an incubator, maintaining the right conditions, and providing proper care for your chicks, you are now equipped with the knowledge of how to incubate and hatch corturnix quail eggs. Whether you’re a seasoned quail keeper or a beginner, following these steps will help ensure a successful hatch and a thriving flock.

To learn more about raising quail and housing them check out this post here.

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