Peafowl, commonly known as peacocks, begin their reproductive cycle when the peahen lays eggs. These eggs require a specific period of incubation to develop into peachicks. Understanding this timeline is important for anyone managing the eggs, whether naturally under a hen or artificially in an incubator. This article details the typical duration for an egg to hatch and the environmental factors that influence this timeline.
The Typical Incubation Duration
The time required for a peafowl egg to hatch is consistent across common species, such as the Indian Blue Peafowl. The standard incubation period is approximately 28 days. The typical range is between 28 and 30 days, making the expected hatch date predictable under consistent incubation conditions. Minor delays or accelerations are usually related to slight fluctuations in the incubation environment.
Critical Environmental Factors for Success
Temperature
Maintaining correct environmental conditions is necessary to achieve the 28-day schedule, especially in an incubator. The temperature inside the chamber should be kept consistently around 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 degrees Celsius). High temperatures cause early hatching, while lower temperatures delay the process.
Humidity
Humidity prevents the egg from drying out and is maintained at 50 to 55 percent relative humidity for most of the incubation period. This level ensures the proper rate of moisture loss, allowing the air cell inside the egg to grow. Low humidity can result in the chick getting “shrink-wrapped” to the membrane, making emergence difficult.
Turning and Lockdown
The eggs must be turned regularly, three to five times a day, to prevent the developing embryo from sticking to the shell. Turning stops around day 25, marking the start of “lockdown,” where the egg is left stationary. Humidity is then increased to about 70 percent to soften the shell membranes for the upcoming hatch.
The Final Stages of Hatching
Once the main incubation period is complete, the final phase of hatching begins. The chick first performs an internal pip, breaking through the membrane separating it from the air cell within the egg. The peachick begins to breathe the air inside the cell, often accompanied by chirping sounds. The next step is the external pip, the first visible crack the chick makes in the outer shell, usually near the air cell at the blunt end. This initial hole allows the chick to breathe the outside air.
Following the external pip, the chick enters a resting period to recover from physical exertion and absorb the remaining yolk sac. After this rest, the chick begins the “zipping” process, slowly rotating its body and chipping away at the shell in a line around the egg’s circumference. Zipping can take 12 to 24 hours, and it is important to allow the chick to emerge naturally without assistance to prevent injury or blood loss.