Free Egg Incubation Calculator: Hatch Date & Lockdown Calendar
Use this free egg incubation calculator to find expected hatch, lockdown, and stop-turning dates for chicken, quail, duck, goose, turkey, and other poultry eggs
How to Use the Egg Incubation Calculator
Select the date you placed your eggs in the incubator.
Choose the bird species you are hatching.
Click Calculate Dates to see your expected hatch date, lockdown date, stop-turning date, and important reminders.
Select Add to My Calendar to save the schedule and set notifications on your phone.
Opening this page inside Facebook or Messenger? Open it in Safari or Chrome before adding the dates to your calendar. In-app browsers may not open the calendar file correctly.
Poultry Egg Incubation Times
Use these typical incubation periods as a quick reference. Actual hatch times may vary slightly.
| Bird | Hatch Time | Stop Turning / Hatch Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 21 days | Day 18 |
| Coturnix quail | 17–18 days | Day 15 |
| Button quail | 16–18 days | Day 14 |
| Bobwhite quail | 23–24 days | Day 20 |
| Duck | 28 days | Day 25 |
| Muscovy duck | 35–37 days | Day 31* |
| Turkey | 28 days | Day 25 |
| Goose | 28–34 days | Day 25* |
| Pheasant | 23–28 days | Day 21* |
| Emu | 46–56 days | 3–5 days before breeder’s expected hatch |
| Ostrich | 36–45 days | 3–5 days before breeder’s expected hatch |
Set date = Day 0. Hatch dates are estimates, not a deadline for discarding eggs. *General stop-turning guidance; follow your species/breed and supplier’s protocol. Ratite transfer dates require a breeder-specific expected hatch day. References: Mississippi State Extension, University of Maine, button-quail breeder guide, and Oregon State Extension.
Egg Incubation Calculator FAQ’s
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Chicken eggs typically hatch after about 21 days. Most chicken eggs enter lockdown on day 18, when turning stops and humidity is raised.
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For most poultry, stop turning the eggs and begin lockdown about three days before the expected hatch date. Use the calculator above to find the correct date for your species and set date.
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The calculated hatch date is an estimate. Incubator temperature, temperature fluctuations, egg storage time, species differences, and individual development can cause eggs to hatch slightly early or late.
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Yes. Enter the date the eggs are actually placed in the incubator—not the shipping or delivery date. Allow shipped eggs to settle as recommended before setting, and follow any handling instructions provided by the breeder.
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