Lockdown Procedure (Last 3 Days)

On day 15 for Coturnix quail, stop turning eggs, raise humidity to 65-75%, and do not open the incubator until hatching is complete. Place eggs on a non-slip liner with the blunt end slightly elevated or eggs lying on their sides.

Why It Works

During the final 3 days, chicks move into hatching position with their beak near the air cell at the blunt end. Opening the incubator drops humidity rapidly, which dries and toughens the inner membrane, trapping chicks that have already pipped. Stable high humidity keeps the membrane pliable so chicks can push through.

Tips

• Ensure incubator ventilation holes are open -- chicks need oxygen during pipping and hatching.
• Place a non-slip shelf liner under eggs so newly hatched chicks can gain footing and avoid spraddle leg.
• Resist opening the incubator even after the first chicks hatch; they survive 24-48 hours on absorbed yolk.