Bobwhite egg question

[Quailhoo]

I have my first batch of Bobwhite eggs in the incubator. I am seeing different information on how long it will take them to hatch. Some sites say around 18 days some say 23-25 days. Can someone tell me what I can expect to happen. Thanks

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, Welcome to BYC!

Bobwhites have an incubation period of 24 days, depending on the temperature of the incubator, it could be 23days if warmer than the normal 99.5°F setting and as long as 25 to 26 days if the setting is lower, say around 95 or 96°F.

I incubate my eggs at 100°F and at 43% humidity for the first 21 to 22 days, when I see the first pip, I'll increase the humidity to 55%, I do not let it go above 60% or issues will arise.

Do you have calibrated, reliable thermometer(s) and a 'salt tested' calibrated hygrometer in your incubator? Never, never, ever 'trust' the incubators readings, they are notorious for having inaccurate readings.
 HTH

 

[Quailhoo]

Thanks for your help 007 Sean. To be honest, I bought a cheap Chinese incubator. I can't figure out how to adjust the humidity. The owners manual is vague, doesn't cover the unit very well and is pretty much useless.

 

[CliftonQuail]

Thanks for your help 007 Sean. To be honest, I bought a cheap Chinese incubator. I can't figure out how to adjust the humidity. The owners manual is vague, doesn't cover the unit very well and is pretty much useless.

Generally speaking, there will be a reservoir of some kind to add water to increase humidity. It's highly recommended to get one, or more, accurate temperature/humidity sensors to put in the incubator because those on the incubators are frequently just plain wrong.

 

[Quailhoo]

Thank you