Natural Quail Incubation. How many days?

[Griffin Nest]

For the past 9 days by button quail has been sitting on 10 fertile eggs. I was shocked when I noticed it because button quail don't usually go broody but I guess I was lucky!

Anyways, I've hatched many button quail before in an incubator and they always hatch on days 16 and 17, but is it the same with natural incubation? Will it take a day longer?

I'm leaving for a trip and coming back on day 18 for the eggs and I really don't want to miss their hatch so I can be ready with food and water for them.

 

[Griffin Nest]

anyone know??

 

[GrandmaBird]

Who is watching the parent birds while you are gone? They could be shown how to place the water dish and food in the cage in case they do hatch. It should take just 16 days but if your female is not sitting "tight" it can take a day or 2 longer. Mine goofs around for several days before really getting "tight" then she only moves to eat and poop. I still have not had a good hatch. Last time one egg hatched half way..poor little chick was half out and then died. I figured she just gave up like usual but I am glad I did not try to save it as none of the others hatched. anyway... show your bird sitter what to do and you just may have a few when you get home. good luck.

 

[Griffin Nest]

Thanks for the reply. Well I came back and she's still sitting. Today should be day 19. When she gets up can I just take them? I don't see any chicks yet.

 

[Peacerose]

I think if she's still sitting, you should leave her alone. She would not sit if eggs are all dead. Seems like she thinks there is something going to happen.