Coturnix Quail Egg Incubation Guide: Timeframe & Tips
Hatching Coturnix quail eggs is one of the most exciting—and slightly nerve-wracking—parts of raising these incredible little birds. Whether you’re new to quail or working to expand your existing covey, there’s nothing quite like seeing those first cracks in the shell. On my own homestead, I’ve hatched more Coturnix quail than I can count. Over the years, I’ve learned what works (and what definitely doesn’t), and developed a process that’s both beginner-friendly and reliable.
There’s a learning curve with incubation, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of Coturnix quail egg incubation—from choosing the right incubator and prepping your eggs, to managing humidity and troubleshooting common hatching issues—so you can hatch with confidence and raise healthy, thriving chicks.
Choosing the Right Incubator
Before you dive into incubation, your success starts with selecting the right equipment. Not all incubators are created equal, and choosing the right type can make a big difference in your hatch rates.
Types of Incubators
There are two main types: forced-air and still-air. I always recommend forced-air incubators because they maintain an even temperature throughout. Consistency is key when it comes to hatching success. Look for a model with an automatic turner and digital controls. I personally use the Hatching Time CT180, and they make larger cabinet models too if you’re planning bigger hatches. I have done a thorough review on my experience with Hatching Time Incubators.
Incubator Setup and Preparation
Set up your incubator 24 hours before adding eggs. This gives you time to dial in the correct settings. Aim for 99.5°F (37.5°C) and 45–50% humidity during the first 14 days. Getting the environment stable first helps avoid early incubation losses.
Selecting and Preparing the Eggs
Once your incubator is up and running, it’s time to focus on the eggs themselves. The condition and handling of your eggs directly impact hatch rates, so don’t skip this step. Starting with the best possible eggs increases your chances of a successful hatch.
Egg Quality Matters
Always choose clean, uncracked eggs. Skip any that are dirty or damaged—they’re less likely to hatch and can introduce bacteria. For best results, use eggs less than 7 days old.
Storing Eggs Before Incubation
If you need to wait before setting your eggs, store them around 55–60°F with the pointed end down. I rotate mine two or three times a day to keep the yolk centered.
Rest Shipped Eggs
Shipped eggs should rest for 24 hours before incubation. This helps air cells stabilize. Always store them pointed end down during this rest period.
Managing Temperature and Humidity
Once your eggs are safely in the incubator, it’s time to maintain the optimal environment for development. Stable temperature and humidity levels are crucial throughout the incubation process.
Temperature Requirements
Keep the incubator at a steady 99.5°F. Don’t trust the built-in thermometer alone—use an extra one to double-check. Even slight temperature swings can hurt your hatch rate.
Humidity Control
Keep humidity at 45–50% for the first 14 days. Then bump it up to 65–70% during the final 3 days (called “lockdown”) to help the chicks hatch more easily. Need help balancing humidity? Check out my post on Humidity and Temperature for Hatching Quail Eggs.
Turning the Eggs
Once your incubator is running steadily and your eggs are set, there’s another critical task that often gets overlooked by beginners: egg turning. Turning the eggs regularly helps ensure that the embryos develop properly and don’t stick to the shell, which is vital for a successful hatch.
How Often to Turn
Turn the eggs 3–5 times daily for the first 14 days. Automatic turners are a lifesaver, but if you’re turning by hand, mark the eggs with a pencil (‘X’ and ‘O’) and make sure to rotate an odd number of times daily to prevent overnight settling.
Stop Turning at Day 14
At day 14, stop turning the eggs and remove them from the turner. Lay them flat and increase the humidity to 65%. This is the lockdown period when the chicks prepare to hatch. It’s also the time we stop opening the incubator, allowing the humid air to escape.
The Hatch Day
By the time hatch day arrives, you’ve already done most of the heavy lifting—careful incubator setup, consistent temperature and humidity control, and proper egg turning. Now it’s time to let nature take over and watch the magic happen.
What to Expect During Hatching
Coturnix quail eggs typically hatch in 16–18 days. First, you’ll notice pipping—a small hole in the shell as the chick starts to break through. From there, the process can take several hours or even more than a day before the chick fully emerges. It’s important to be patient during this time. Chicks need time to absorb the yolk and fully develop their strength before hatching, and intervening too soon can do more harm than good.
Managing the Environment During Hatch
Keep the incubator closed as much as possible. Opening it drops humidity, which can dry out the membrane and trap chicks. Chicks should be dry and fluffy before you remove them from the incubator, and they can safely stay inside for up to 36 hours after hatching—though I prefer to pull mine after about 24 hours. If you’re removing chicks while others are still hatching, do it quickly and carefully to minimize the humidity drop. I only open mine once a day to remove dry chicks. I use Wi-Fi cameras to monitor progress without opening the incubator, since the windows on our cabinet model don’t give a clear view.
Caring for Newly Hatched Chicks
Let the chicks dry and rest in the incubator for 12–24 hours before moving them to the brooder. The brooder should start at 95°F, with food and water available immediately. Shallow dishes with marbles help prevent drowning. After day 3, I switch to the automatic watering system in my Hatching Time Brooder.
For help with brooder setup and common issues, check out my guide to Common Brooding Problems and How to Solve Them.
Common Challenges When Hatching Quail Eggs
Even when you’ve done everything right—maintaining the right temperature, turning schedule, and humidity—things don’t always go perfectly. Here are some common issues you may run into and how to handle them.
Temperature Fluctuations
Even brief swings in temperature can lower hatch rates, so keeping conditions stable is critical. Use at least two reliable thermometers—one built-in and one independent—to verify the accuracy of your incubator’s readings. If your room temperature fluctuates, consider insulating your incubator or placing it in a climate-stable space like a closet or interior room. Avoid placing it near windows, vents, or appliances that may affect temperature.
If you’re still setting up your hatching system, make sure your incubator is well-placed and properly prepped to avoid these issues. You can find helpful advice on setup in this guide.
Power Outages
Unexpected power outages during incubation can be stressful and potentially harmful to developing embryos. If power is lost for a short time (less than 30 minutes), the eggs usually recover with no major impact—especially if the incubator was at the correct temperature beforehand. For longer outages, wrap the incubator in towels or blankets to retain heat and minimize temperature drop. You can also place warm rice socks or hot water bottles inside (safely wrapped) to help maintain warmth. If you live in an area prone to outages, consider using a battery backup system or generator for peace of mind during incubation.
And most importantly, don’t give up on a hatch—even if the power has been out for several hours. We’ve had a few miracle hatches on our homestead, including one that bounced back after more than 18 hours without power. Patience and hope can go a long way.
If you’re not sure your eggs are fertile to begin with, there are a few simple techniques that can help you find out. This fertility guide walks you through how to check.
Humidity Problems
Humidity can be tricky to manage, but it’s just as important as temperature. If humidity is too low during lockdown, chicks may become shrink-wrapped inside the membrane and fail to hatch. To fix low humidity, add warm water to internal trays, place a damp sponge inside, or use a wick system to increase moisture. If humidity is too high early in the incubation period, eggs may retain too much fluid, resulting in drowned or malformed chicks. Track weight loss if you’re hatching frequently—it can be a good indicator of moisture loss.
Chicks Failing to Hatch After Pipping
If a chick pips but doesn’t progress, it’s often due to dry membranes from low humidity or exposure to air caused by opening the incubator. To prevent this, increase humidity to 65–70% during lockdown and resist the urge to open the incubator until absolutely necessary. If you must assist a chick, wait at least 24 hours after pipping and make sure the blood vessels in the membrane are fully retracted. Only assist if the membrane has visibly dried out and the chick is clearly stuck—not just slow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coturnix quail eggs typically hatch in 16–18 days when kept at a stable 99.5°F and proper humidity levels. Some may hatch as early as day 15, while others may take until day 19.
While most Coturnix quail hatch between days 16–18, some late bloomers may emerge as late as day 19 or even 20. Keep the incubator closed, maintain proper humidity, and give the eggs at least 48 hours after the first signs of pipping before making any decisions.
Wait until chicks are dry and fluffy before moving them to the brooder. I prefer to remove chicks at the 24-hour mark, but they can safely stay in the incubator for up to 36 hours. If other eggs are still hatching, work quickly and gently to minimize heat and humidity loss.
After day 20, you can candle the egg to check for movement or use the float test as a last resort (with extreme care). If there are no signs of development and the egg feels cold or light, it’s likely a non-viable egg.
Only consider assisting if it’s been at least 24 hours since pipping, the membrane is clearly dried out, and the chick is making no progress. Even then, proceed slowly and only if you’re confident the blood vessels have retracted.
Hatching Coturnix quail eggs is a mix of science and patience. While temperature, humidity, and turning routines are important, it’s your consistency and attention to detail that will determine your success. Don’t be discouraged if every hatch isn’t perfect—each round teaches you something new and helps you improve.
On our homestead, hatching quail has been a joyful part of our routine, and every chick that breaks through its shell feels like a little victory. Whether you’re growing your own covey or building a small-scale breeding program, these tiny birds are well worth the effort. With the right setup, care, and perseverance, you’ll be rewarded with strong, healthy chicks and a better understanding of how to support them through every stage of life.
