Incubation Basic (Bobwhite Quail)

1. Temperature

• Forced‑air incubator: 99.5°F
• Still‑air incubator: 101.5°F
• Keep temperature stable at all times
• Use a calibrated thermometer

2. Humidity

• Days 1–19: 56–60%
• Days 19–23 (lockdown): 65–75%
• Do not open the incubator during hatch

3. Turning

• Turn eggs 3–5 times per day
• Stop turning on day 19–20
• Pointed end down at all times

4. Ventilation

• Open vents slightly starting day 10
• Increase ventilation during lockdown
• Fresh air improves hatch rate

5. Candling (Optional)

• Candle on day 7 and day 14
• Remove clear or non‑developing eggs

6. Hatch Day

• Do NOT open the incubator
• Do NOT help chicks out of the shell
• Let them dry completely before moving

7. Common Problems

• Low humidity → chicks stuck in shell
• High humidity → weak chicks
• Temperature swings → high mortality
• Opening incubator → hatch failures

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