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How long does it take for a fertilized chicken egg to hatch?
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Poultry farming
Young chickens in an organic poultry farm.
A fertilized chicken egg typically takes about 21 days to hatch.1
During this incubation period, the embryo develops from a cluster of cells into a fully formed chick. In the context of poultry farming, this process is often managed using incubators, which provide the precise temperature and humidity required for successful development. To ensure proper growth, the eggs are turned regularly, mimicking the natural behavior of a brooding hen. By the end of the 21 days, the chick uses a temporary structure called an egg tooth to break through the shell.1