The exact temperature required for a bird egg to successfully hatch depends on the species. However, most bird eggs need to be kept at a temperature between 99-105°F (37-40°C) in order to develop properly and hatch.
Overview of Bird Egg Incubation
Bird eggs must be incubated at the right temperature for the duration of the incubation period in order for the embryo inside to survive and develop. The incubation temperature provides the warmth needed for the embryo’s development while the shell protects it and allows gas exchange.
The incubation period, or the amount of time from when the egg is laid until it hatches, varies considerably among species. Small songbirds may hatch in 11-15 days whereas larger birds like swans may take 35-45 days to hatch. The incubation temperature must remain steady for the entirety of this period.
If the temperature drops too low for too long, the embryo can die. If the temperature gets too high, it can cause developmental abnormalities. Minor fluctuations in temperature over the course of incubation are usually well-tolerated, but optimal hatching success requires the temperature to be stable within the suitable range.
Ideal Incubation Temperature Range
Most bird species incubate best in the range of 99-105°F (37-40°C). Temperatures nearing the lower and upper ends of this range are more risky.
Species that incubate in the lower end of this range around 99°F include:
- Chickens
- Pheasants
- Quail
- Pigeons
Species that prefer temperatures more in the middle around 102°F include:
- Finches
- Canaries
- Parakeets
- Cockatiels
And species that do best at the higher end around 105°F include:
- Lovebirds
- Parrots
- Macaws
- African greys
Of course, these ranges are not absolute. A degree or two in either direction is usually fine. But temperatures approaching 95°F or 108°F can put the embryo at risk.
Consequences of Low Incubation Temperature
If the incubation temperature drops too low for an extended period, it can have several detrimental effects on the developing embryo including:
- Slowed development
- Physical abnormalities and deformities
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of disease
- Death
Development may completely arrest if the temperature drops below 95°F. Prolonged chilling is especially damaging in the first week of development, but can impact the embryo at any stage.
Consequences of High Incubation Temperature
Conversely, an incubation temperature that is too high can also cause problems including:
- Accelerated development
- Dehydration
- Overheating
- Physical abnormalities
- Increased risk of early hatching
Temperatures approaching 108°F are considered lethal and will kill the developing embryo. Excessive heat early in development may be tolerated better than later on.
Monitoring Incubation Temperature
When incubating eggs artificially, the temperature must be monitored to ensure it stays at the optimal level.
Incubators may overshoot or undershoot the set temperature. The temperature inside the incubator should be measured with a separate thermometer to verify accuracy.
The temperature should be checked two to three times per day at minimum and adjusted as needed. Keeping a log can help identify patterns.
The incubator should pre-heat for several hours before adding eggs to allow the temperature to stabilize and the moisture level to equilibrate.
Tips for Regulating Incubation Temperature
Here are some tips for maintaining proper incubation temperature:
- Use an incubator designed for incubating bird eggs.
- Select a location away from windows, vents, radiators and other heat sources.
- Check the temperature frequently with a separate thermometer.
- Only adjust temperature by 1-2 degrees at a time.
- Add water to increase humidity if eggs are losing too much moisture.
- Don’t open incubator unless necessary to maintain stable conditions.
When Temperature Fluctuations Occur
Even in the best incubated eggs, some temperature fluctuations are inevitable. Minor variations generally won’t harm the developing embryo as long as they are temporary.
Brief drops to 95°F or spikes to 108°F probably won’t have ill effects on most healthy embryos. However, frequent or prolonged fluctuations outside the optimal range put the embryo at increasing risk.
If dramatic temperature swings occur, it may be best to discard the eggs and start over to maximize hatching success. An embryo weakened by improper incubation often will not hatch or will hatch with issues.
Importance of Humidity
In addition to temperature, humidity plays a key role during incubation. The developing embryo gets oxygen through pores in the shell, which must remain open. Low humidity can cause the egg and embryo to lose dangerous amounts of moisture.
Ideally, relative humidity should be 40-50% in the first 18 days of incubation, and increase to 60% in the final days to aid the hatching process. Adding a water reservoir to the incubator helps provide a moist environment.
When the Eggs Hatch
Once the incubation period has successfully passed, the embryos will begin to hatch. Specialized muscles and egg teeth aid the hatching process. It may take 12-72 hours from the start of hatching until the chick fully emerges.
The chick should not be helped from its shell unless it appears to be struggling after being given adequate time. Assisting prematurely can harm the hatchling.
Once hatched, the chicks require proper brooding temperatures, nutrition and protection to survive and thrive.
Conclusion
In summary, bird eggs require quite specific conditions in order to incubate successfully. An temperature between 99-105°F must be steadily maintained for the duration of incubation. Temperatures outside this range can negatively impact development or even kill the embryo. Proper humidity is also essential to prevent fatal dehydration. When these conditions are properly met, the fragile embryo will be able to fully develop and ultimately hatch from its shell, bringing new life.
