The barn was quieter than usual this morning as I made my way to the back corner where our big incubator had been sitting idle through the long Estonian winter. A fine layer of dust had settled on its surface, and yes—a few actual cobwebs stretched between the power cord and the wall. Time to bring this beauty back to life.
There’s something almost ceremonial about firing up the incubator for the first time each season. After months of cold and darkness, you’re essentially creating a pocket of spring warmth, a promise of new life to come. I plugged it in, listened to the familiar hum of the heating elements kicking in, and watched the digital display slowly climb toward that perfect 37.5°C.
170 Tiny Possibilities
Today marked the beginning of something special—170 quail eggs nestled into their spots, each one a tiny package of potential. That’s potentially 170 little quail chicks peeping and scrambling around in just 17 days if all goes well.
I’ve learned not to get too attached to the numbers at the start. Hatching is never a guarantee—some eggs won’t be fertile, others might not develop properly, and nature has her own plans. But there’s still that flutter of excitement as I close the incubator door, knowing that inside, if conditions are just right, cells are already beginning to divide and tiny hearts will soon start beating.
The Waiting Game Begins
Now comes the hardest part: patience. For the next two and a half weeks, my job is simple but crucial—monitor temperatures, check humidity levels, and resist the urge to peek too often. The eggs need consistent conditions, not an anxious farmer constantly opening the door to check on them.
There’s something meditative about this process. In our fast-paced world, incubation forces you to slow down and trust in the ancient rhythm of development. Day 1, day 7, day 14—each milestone brings us closer to that magical moment when the first tiny crack appears and a determined little beak starts working its way into the world.
The incubator is humming contentedly now, maintaining its steady warmth. Spring may still be weeks away outside, but in this corner of the barn, it’s already begun.
Follow along as we document this hatch journey—I’ll be sharing updates throughout the incubation period. Here’s to hoping for a successful hatch and healthy quail chicks!
What’s your experience with incubating eggs? Share your success stories (or learning moments) in the comments below!