Optimizing Quail Egg Incubation: The Critical Role of Turning and Misting


Successful quail egg incubation requires a deep understanding of the processes involved and attention to detail. For both beginner and advanced breeders, one essential practice is turning eggs, while misting eggs is an advanced technique suited for specific conditions and only the most experienced breeders. Here’s a closer look at these two practices and how they can affect hatch rates.
Turning Quail Eggs: A Non-Negotiable Practice
Turning eggs during incubation is an essential practice that ensures the healthy development of quail embryos. In nature, a mother quail turns her eggs several times a day, and replicating this in an incubator is crucial for several reasons:
1. Prevents Embryo Sticking:
Without regular turning, the developing embryo can stick to the inner membrane of the eggshell, which can lead to deformities or prevent hatching altogether.
2. Encourages Even Development:
Turning ensures that all parts of the egg receive equal warmth, promoting uniform growth of the embryo.
3. Replicates Natural Conditions:
Mother quails instinctively turn their eggs to ensure successful hatching. This natural process should always be imitated in artificial incubation.
How to Turn Quail Eggs
It’s recommended to turn quail eggs at least 3–5 times a day during the first 14 days of incubation. During the final days (referred to as the “lockdown” period), turning should stop to allow the chick to position itself for hatching.
For consistent and accurate results, an automatic egg turner is highly recommended. Manual turning can also work but requires precision and dedication.
Misting Quail Eggs: For Advanced Breeders Only
While turning is universally required, misting eggs during incubation is a niche technique and should only be practiced by very advanced breeders. The primary goal of misting is to replicate the natural cooling and moistening that occurs when a parent bird returns to the nest with damp feathers. However, this technique is only beneficial under specific circumstances and, if done incorrectly, can harm the eggs.

When Misting Is Rarely Necessary ?
• Quail eggs generally thrive in consistent humidity levels (45–55% during incubation, increasing to 65–70% during the hatching phase).
• Excessive misting can disrupt these conditions, leading to bacterial growth or improper development !
We do not recommend misting, unless you have hatched quail for several years and more than once a year…
When Advanced Breeders Use Misting
• Extreme Dry Environments: In very low-humidity conditions, misting may help maintain appropriate moisture levels within the eggs.
• Advanced Techniques: Some advanced breeders may experiment with specialized methods. For instance, a patented technique involves treating quail eggs with a 1.5% alcohol solution of propolis tincture to enhance hatch rates and chick health. (Source: Google Patents – RU2807702C1)
It’s critical to note that this method is experimental and patented. If you’re in the U.S. or other regions, you should confirm the patent status before attempting this technique for commercial purposes.
Practical Tips for Incubation Success
• Turning Eggs: Use an automatic egg turner for consistency, or mark eggs with a pencil to track manual turns. Always stop turning three days before hatching.
• Humidity Management: Focus on maintaining stable humidity levels rather than relying on misting. A well-calibrated incubator can achieve this without intervention.
• Avoid Mist Unless Highly Skilled: Misting should only be performed by experienced breeders who have a thorough understanding of their incubator’s conditions and egg requirements.
Our opinion
For most quail breeders, mastering the basics—like turning eggs and managing humidity—is enough to achieve excellent hatch rates. Misting, on the other hand, is an advanced technique that requires in-depth knowledge, precise control, and often serves specific environmental or experimental purposes. Beginners and intermediate breeders are encouraged to focus on foundational practices, leaving misting to only the most advanced and experienced professionals.
At Undique, we are dedicated to providing expert insights to support every stage of your quail farming journey. For more tips, resources, and advanced techniques, visit us at Undique.us.
Remember, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. Happy hatching!