Tips for Incubating Shipped Eggs
Before your eggs arrive, make sure to test if your incubator can maintain proper temperature and humidity parameters, making sure to test proper humidity parameters for lockdown as well. We don't recommend using the built-in incubator readings; instead, we suggest using the Govee brand for a separate temperature and humidity reader.
For quail, we suggest a temp of 99-100 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity around 40-50%, aiming for 45% the first 14 days, and around 50-60%, aiming for 55% with an open vent for Lockdown; the remaining days 14-18. The vent does not need to be fully opened, just enough for air exchange. It is normal for the humidity to rise 10-20% when they start hatching.
When your eggs arrive, be sure to rest them pointy side down for at least 24 hours. If you haven't tested your incubator yet, this would be the time to do it. Make sure your incubator is set to the proper temperature and humidity before loading your eggs. If you have an incubator that stores eggs pointy side down, you can load your eggs when you get them, making sure to keep your turner off for at least 24 hours.
Shipping can be very rough on eggs; it's very common for shipment to cause the air cells to become detached. Letting them rest will allow the air cells to settle at the round end of the egg. This aircell will be where the chick will “pip” internally and take its first breath. It will then externally pip, and after 24 to 48 hours it will “zip” open the shell and hatch. It is vital that you do NOT open the incubator during this time. We also don't advise “assisting” as this can do more harm than good.
Lockdown. You can lockdown on or after day 14. Track your days of Incubation with an App or mark it on your Calendar. Candling is not necessary but it is up to you. Remove egg turners, and place something for grip to prevent splay leg. We do not recommend using anything that can wick or hold moisture such as paper towels, towels, cloth, etc. Most use cabinet liner that is cut to size.
Normal hatch days are days 17 and 18, with external pips appearing as soon as day 15. If your eggs hatch before day 17 or 18, it is possible your incubator may be running on the hotter side, or they began developing in transit if the weather was warm enough. If they hatch after day 18, it is likely your incubator is running on the colder side.
After the first one hatches, wait 48 hours (2 days) before opening the incubator. If they all hatch before the 48 hours are over, it is best for the chicks if the last one to hatch has about 24 hours to gain leg strength inside the incubator. Taking them out too soon after hatch can do more harm than good.