Chicken eggs typically take about 21 days to hatch after incubation begins. During this period, eggs are usually turned several times daily for the first 18 days to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell, then turning is stopped to allow the chick to position itself for hatching
. The hatching process starts around day 18 when the chick prepares to break out of the shell. By day 21, chicks usually begin to pip (make a small hole in the shell) and hatch. The actual hatching can take from 5 to 24 hours, with 5-7 hours being more common. It is important not to assist the chick during hatching to avoid injury
. Factors such as initial egg temperature, flock age, and egg storage time can cause slight variations in incubation length, sometimes extending it by a few hours or even a couple of days
. If chicks have not hatched by day 23, they likely will not hatch
. In summary:
- Incubation period: about 21 days
- Egg turning: 3-5 times daily for first 18 days, then stop
- Hatching duration: 5-24 hours
- Possible variation: a day or two earlier or later depending on conditions
This timeline applies to chicken eggs specifically; other poultry species like ducks or geese have longer incubation periods
