Part 1- From Egg to Fluff: A photo journey of hatching Coturnix Quail. Picking Eggs and Prepping the Incubator.

Hey there, future quail farmer!

Ready to dive into the egg-citing world of hatching Coturnix quail? Before those adorable fluffballs start pipping their way into your life, let’s talk about two big steps: picking the perfect eggs and getting that incubator ready to roll. Buckle up—it’s about to get fun!

Step 1: Egg Hunting Like a Pro

Not all eggs are destined for greatness (or hatching, at least). You’re on a mission to find the VIPs—Very Incubatable Preciouses! Here’s how to spot ‘em:

• Freshness is Key: Grab eggs less than 7–10 days old. The fresher, the better—think of it like choosing ripe fruit at the market. Any older, and they might just be duds.

  
  

• Goldilocks Vibes: Look for eggs that are just right. No cracks, no weird shapes, no funky smells. Smooth, clean, and medium-sized is the quail egg sweet spot.

  
  

  

  Sometimes the cracks are easy to spot - Do not use!

  
  

  

  Sometimes those cracks can be VERY hard to spot - Do not use!

  
  

• Storage Smarts: If you’re not tossing them straight into the incubator, store them pointed-end down at a cool 55–60°F (think basement vibes, not fridge). They’re waiting for their big moment!

  
  

Imagine you’re picking a team for the quail Olympics—these eggs need to be ready to go the distance. Got your lineup? Awesome, let’s move on!

Step 2: Incubator Glow-Up

Your incubator is the VIP suite where the magic happens, so let’s make it five-star ready. Here’s the prep party plan:

• Clean Sweep: Give that incubator a spa day—scrub it down and disinfect it with a mild solution (vinegar works wonders). No leftover germs allowed; we’re not hatching science experiments here!

  
  

• Location, Location, Location: Set it up somewhere stable—no wobbly tables or sunny windowsills. Think of it like placing a throne for your quail royalty, away from drafts or heat spikes.

  
  

• Test Run: Plug it in, crank it to 99.5–100°F (forced-air style), and let it hum for a few hours. Check the temp with a trusty thermometer—calibration is your BFF. Humidity? Aim for 45–55% to start. Toss in a water tray or damp sponge if it’s too dry. This is your dress rehearsal—get it perfect!

  
  

  

  Almost up to temp - humidity is perfect!

  
  
  
  

• Turner Time: If your incubator’s got an auto-turner (fancy!), test it out. Eggs need to roll 3–5 times a day, like little acrobats. No turner? Mark your eggs with an “X” and “O” in pencil—you’ll be their personal flipping crew later.

  Picture this: your incubator’s humming, the temp’s spot-on, and you’re basically a quail-hatching rockstar. You’ve picked the dreamiest eggs, and your setup’s primed for action. In just 17–18 days, those eggs will transform into tiny, chirping Coturnix cuties. Ready to pop those eggs in and kick off the countdown? Let’s hatch some fun—stay tuned for the next chapter of this quail tale!

As you can see - I use the Nuture Right 360 Incubator which makes this process so easy!