© by WilTec Wildanger Technik GmbH
Item 51185, 51186
Page 6
09 2021
-1
Chicken eggs:
Day 1
–18:
50
–55 % air humidity
From day 19: 70
–75 % air humidity
Quail eggs:
Day 1
–14:
55 % air humidity
From day 15: 75 % air humidity
The air humidity is increased towards the end of the breeding with poultry eggs, it softens the hard
membrane inside of the egg. Without the increased humidity, the chicks cannot break through the
membrane and therefore neither through the egg shell. Yet, the humidity should also not be increased
too much, as the chicks might drown.
Note:
The humidity is monitored with a so-called hygrometer. It is near enough impossible to keep the
humidity as exact as the temperature, especially in small incubators. Just try to keep it as exact as
possible.
The temperature is the significant criteria. Even a small deviation (e.g., a couple of degrees) can ruin
the breeding process or lead to a bad result.
Important:
The air humidity changes just like the season.
If the breeding is carried out in January and February, it is very difficult to keep the humidity at the
desired level, as the external humidity is rather low (depending on the location).
In June and July, the external humidity usually is higher, leading the humidity in the incubator to be
higher than desired. To avoid these problems, change the water surface in the incubator: To increase
the humidity and thus to enlarge the water surface place an additional container with water in the in-
cubator/a few small moist sponges. Alternatively, the eggs can be sprayed with fine water mist. To
reduce the humidity, decrease the water surface and use smaller containers.
Important:
Choose the shape and execution of the water containers keeping in mind, that they should
not become a fatal danger for the hatched chicks and reptiles.
6. How long is the incubation time?
Poultry type
Incubation time
(days) [normal deviation: 1
–2 days]
Chicken
20
–21
Duck
28
Pigeon
18
Goose
30
Quail
16
–18
7. Poultry eggs: When start to turn and how frequently? When do they not have to be turned
any longer?
The incubator does not have an automatic turning mechanism; thus, the eggs need to be
turned by hand.
The embryos are very sensitive in the first days, therefore shakes should be avoided.
This also means that the eggs should only be turned from the fourth day onward. The easiest method
of assistance is to carefully mark the egg on two opposite areas, to see to which area the egg needs to
be turned to. It is recommended to turn the eggs 5 times a day with a minimum of 90°.
Additionally, the incubator should stay closed within the first three days of breeding, if possible. This
allows for a better climate.
Important:
In the last two to three days of the breeding process the eggs must not be turned
any longer.
As the chicks are finding a hatching position, thus the position must not be changed any
more.