TL;DR: Lockdown in egg incubation means you stop turning eggs, raise humidity to around 65–75% (about 99–102°F / 37–39°C), and keep the incubator closed. For chicken eggs, lockdown starts on Day 18. This timing matches the chick’s final growth stage, when the air cell gets bigger and the chick prepares to hatch.

Key Takeaways

• Lockdown begins on Day 18 of incubation. Stop turning the eggs now. Raise humidity to between 65 and 75 percent. Keep the incubator closed. This helps chicks get ready to hatch.

• Keep temperature and humidity steady. The temperature should be about 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity needs to stay between 65 and 75 percent. This helps chicks hatch well.

• Put eggs with the large end facing up. This helps the chick breathe. It also helps the chick move into the right spot for hatching.

• Do not open the incubator during lockdown. Opening it can lower humidity and temperature. This makes it harder for chicks to hatch.

• Use good gauges to check conditions. Look at humidity and temperature often. This helps make sure chicks hatch successfully.

Lockdown Definition

What Is Lockdown?

Lockdown is the final stage of egg incubation. You start lockdown about three days before chicks hatch. During this time, you stop turning the eggs, raise the humidity in the incubator, and keep the lid closed. These steps help the chicks get ready for hatching.

Here is what happens during lockdown:

• You stop turning the eggs.

• You increase humidity to 65–75% (about 18–23°C dew point).

• You keep the incubator closed to hold steady temperature and humidity.

• Chicks move into position for hatching.

• The air cell inside each egg gets larger.

Lockdown helps the chicks break through the shell. High humidity softens the shell and keeps the chicks from drying out. If you want to learn more about how an incubator works, see ※How an incubator works.

Tip: Lockdown is important for hatching eggs because it creates the best conditions for chicks to hatch safely.

When Does Lockdown Start?

For chicken eggs, lockdown starts on Day 18 of the incubation period. At this point, you should:

• Remove the automatic egg turner if you use one.

• Place eggs on their sides so chicks can move freely.

• Lower the temperature slightly to about 98°F (37°C).

• Raise humidity to 65–75%.

• Avoid opening the incubator once pipping (the first crack in the shell) begins.

Here is a simple table to help you remember the main settings for chicken egg lockdown:

If you want to check the air cell size, you can use ※Candling before lockdown. For more details on temperature and humidity, see ※Temperature for Chicken Eggs and ※Humidity for Chicken Eggs.

Lockdown for Other Poultry

Lockdown for duck eggs is similar to chicken eggs. You stop turning the eggs and raise humidity during the last days before hatching. For quail and turkey eggs, the exact lockdown timing may differ. Most hatchers follow the same steps: stop turning, raise humidity, and keep the incubator closed. Always check the recommended settings for your species.

Note: Lockdown steps may change for different types of poultry. Always follow the guidelines for your specific eggs.

Why Lockdown Matters

Hatch Rate Impact

Lockdown plays a big role in your hatch rate. When you reach the final 3 days of the incubation period, you need to stop turning the eggs and set the incubator to the right conditions. If you follow these steps, you give your chicks the best chance for a successful hatch.

• Keep the incubator closed during lockdown.

• Only open it if you must fix a big drop in humidity.

• Make sure the temperature stays steady.

If you open the incubator too often, you risk losing moisture and heat. This can lower your hatch rate and make hatching eggs harder for the chicks.

Stable Incubator Conditions

Stable temperature and humidity are key for healthy chicks. You should keep the temperature close to 99.5°F (37.5°C) and raise humidity to 65–75%. This higher humidity softens the egg membranes and helps chicks break out of their shells. If humidity drops, the inner membrane can dry out and trap the chick.

Here is a quick table to show what you need during lockdown:

Consistent conditions help prevent stress and support a successful hatch. For more on these settings, see ※Temperature for Chicken Eggs and ※Humidity for Chicken Eggs.

Air Cell and Chick Position

The air cell inside each egg is very important. It lets the chick breathe and get ready for hatching. If humidity is too low, the air cell grows too large, and the chick may become weak. If humidity is too high, the chick may not rotate or hatch well.

During hatching, chicks need to move and turn inside the egg. If you open the incubator, humidity can drop fast. This may cause the inner membrane to dry out and "shrink-wrap" the chick, making it hard for the chick to hatch. Keeping eggs on their sides during lockdown helps chicks get into the right position for hatching. You can learn more about the air cell in our ※Air cell glossary.

Incubator Settings During Lockdown

Lockdown is the most important stage for hatching eggs. You need to set up your incubator carefully to give your chicks the best chance to hatch. Follow these steps to create the correct temperature and humidity for your eggs.

Stop Turning Eggs

You must stop turning eggs at Day 18. This lets the chicks move into the right position for hatching. If you use an automatic egg turner, remove it now. Lay a piece of plastic shelf liner on the incubator floor. This gives hatching chicks a safe, non-slip surface. If you have a separate hatcher, transfer the eggs to it and set the conditions for hatching.

Step-by-step:

1. Remove the automatic egg turner.

2. Place eggs on the liner, large end up or on their sides.

3. Do not turn the eggs again.

Tip: Stopping egg turning helps chicks settle with their head under the right wing at the large end of the egg. This position is key for a successful hatch. Learn more about turners at ※Automatic egg turner.

Raise Humidity

You need to increase humidity during lockdown. The best range is 65–75%. Some hatchers use 60–65%, but most experts agree that higher humidity helps keep the shell membrane soft. This prevents chicks from drying out and getting stuck.

• Raise humidity by adding warm water to the incubator trays.

• Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity.

• Adjust as needed to maintain humidity in the target range.

Note: Humidity matters most during the last three days. If you see condensation on the incubator window, check your gauges. For more on humidity, see ※Humidity for Chicken Eggs.

Keep Incubator Closed

Keep the incubator closed during lockdown. Opening the lid can cause temperature and humidity to drop quickly. This can dry out hatching chicks and lower your hatch rate.

• Only open the incubator if you must fix a big problem.

• Avoid drafts and sudden changes in temperature.

Alert: Stable conditions help hatching chicks break out of their shells. For more on how an incubator works, see ※How an incubator works.

Position Eggs

Egg position matters for hatch success. Place each egg with the large end up, where the air cell is. The chick’s head should be under its right wing, near the air cell. This helps the chick pip and hatch easily.

• Lay eggs on their sides if you do not know the head position.

• Make sure eggs are not crowded.

Tip: Correct positioning prevents malpositioned embryos. This increases your hatch rate.

Check Air Cell

Before lockdown, check the air cell by candling. Candling means shining a light through the egg to see inside. Wash your hands, set up in a dark room, and use a bright candling light. Hold the egg with the large end against the light. Look for a clear, large air cell and a chick that fills most of the shell.

• Record your observations.

• Return eggs to the incubator in the same position.

Note: The air cell should be well defined and ready for hatching. For more on candling, see ※Candling and ※Air cell.

Verify Gauges

You need to monitor the humidity and temperature with reliable gauges. Use a round hygrometer monitor or a wireless digital hygrometer. These tools help you maintain humidity and keep the incubator at the correct temperature.

• Place two gauges in different spots inside the incubator.

• Check readings often, especially during lockdown.

Tip: Accurate gauges help you spot problems early. For more on temperature, see ※Temperature for Chicken Eggs.

Mistakes During Lockdown

Mistakes can happen easily during lockdown, but you can fix most of them with simple steps. Here are the most common problems and how you can solve them.

Opening Incubator

You might feel tempted to open the incubator to check on your eggs. Opening the incubator during lockdown can cause the humidity to drop quickly. Chicks need high humidity (about 65–75%) in the last three days so their membranes stay soft. If you open the lid, chicks may stick to the shell or have trouble hatching.

Quick Fixes:

• Keep the incubator closed as much as possible.

• Only open it if you must fix a major problem.

• If you need to add water, do it fast and close the lid right away.

Humidity and Temperature Errors

Managing humidity and temperature is tricky. If humidity is too low, chicks may dry out and struggle to hatch. If humidity is too high, chicks can grow too large or even drown. Chasing exact numbers can make you worry, but small changes are normal.

Quick Fixes:

• Use a reliable hygrometer and thermometer.

• Aim for 65–75% humidity and 98–99°F (37–37.5°C).

• Adjust water trays or sponges to change humidity.

• For more on settings, see ※Temperature for Chicken Eggs and ※Humidity for Chicken Eggs.

Probe Placement

Sensor placement matters for accurate readings. If you put probes near hot or cold spots, you may get wrong numbers. Drafts or outside air can also affect readings.

Quick Fixes:

• Place sensors near the eggs, away from heating elements or vents.

• Check readings in two spots for better accuracy.

• Make sure probes are not touching the shell or water.

Power Outage

A power outage can happen anytime. If the incubator loses power, heat drops fast. You need a plan to keep eggs warm and safe.

Quick Fixes:

• Keep the incubator closed to hold heat.

• Cover the incubator with towels or blankets.

• Use battery-powered heaters or a generator if the outage lasts long.

• Consider backup power for future hatches.

Here is a table to help you spot problems and find quick fixes:

Tip: Small changes are normal. Focus on steady conditions and quick fixes. For more on candling and air cells, see ※Candling and ※Air cell.

Tips and FAQ

Home and Classroom Tips

• Use an automatic incubator to keep temperature and humidity steady. This reduces your workload and helps chicks develop well.

• Mark your calendar for Day 18. This helps you remember when to start lockdown and stop turning eggs.

• Plan your egg setting so hatching does not happen on weekends. This way, students or family can watch the chicks hatch.

Tip: Candle eggs before lockdown to check air cell size and chick growth. For a step-by-step guide, see ※Candling.

Mini-FAQ

Q1: Can I candle eggs during lockdown?
You should avoid candling eggs once lockdown starts. Opening the incubator can cause humidity to drop. If you must check, do it quickly and close the lid right away.

Q2: What should I do if humidity spikes or drops during lockdown?
Small changes in humidity are normal. If it drops too low, add warm water to the incubator trays. If it gets too high, open a vent slightly for a short time. Always check your gauges to keep conditions stable.

Q3: Should I help a chick that is struggling to hatch?
Most chicks need time to rest after pipping. Do not help unless the chick has been stuck for many hours and looks weak. Helping too soon can harm the chick. Only assist if you are sure it cannot finish hatching on its own.

See ※Chicken egg incubators for stable temperature and humidity.

Lockdown in the last 3 days helps chicks hatch well. You keep the right humidity and temperature. This helps chicks hatch and stops problems like shrink wrapping.

• Keeping the incubator steady protects the embryos and keeps membranes wet.

• Doing each step—stop turning, raise humidity, and keep the incubator closed—really helps.

You can use these tips and guides to get better hatches and learn about each stage.

FAQ

What does “lockdown” mean for chicken eggs?

Lockdown means you stop turning eggs, raise humidity to 65–75%, and keep the incubator closed. You start lockdown on Day 18. These steps help chicks get ready to hatch. See ※Humidity for Chicken Eggs for more details.

What happens if you open the incubator during lockdown?

Opening the incubator can cause humidity and temperature to drop. Chicks may dry out or get stuck in the shell. You should only open the incubator if you must fix a problem.

What is the best humidity level during lockdown?

You should keep humidity between 65–75% RH. This range helps chicks hatch easily and prevents membranes from drying out. Use a hygrometer to check levels. For more tips, see ※Temperature for Chicken Eggs.

What should you do if a chick struggles to hatch?

Most chicks need time to rest after pipping. You should wait and watch. Only help if the chick looks weak or has not made progress for many hours.

What is candling and when should you do it?

Candling means shining a light through the egg to check growth and air cell size. You should candle before lockdown, not during. For a step-by-step guide, see ※Candling.

Tip: Mark your calendar for Day 18 so you remember when to start lockdown.