Goose Egg Incubation Schedule
Goose eggs hatch 33 days after setting — candle on day 7 and day 14 and day 25, start lockdown on day 30.
Figures reviewed against university extension guidance · Last reviewed July 2026
- Schedule
- —
- pick a set date to see your hatch schedule
The goose schedule, day by day
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0 | Set eggs in a pre-warmed, running incubator. Turning starts now. |
| 7 | Candle: pull clear (infertile) eggs and any showing a blood ring or stopped development. |
| 14 | Candle: pull clear (infertile) eggs and any showing a blood ring or stopped development. |
| 25 | Candle: pull clear (infertile) eggs and any showing a blood ring or stopped development. |
| 30 | Lockdown: stop turning, raise humidity to 65–70%, keep the lid closed. |
| 33 | Hatch day. Leave chicks in until fully dry and active. |
Incubation period per Mississippi State University Extension. Real hatches spread a day either side of the calendar — temperature is the usual reason.
What to know about hatching goose eggs
Goose incubation runs about 33 days, but breed matters: lighter breeds like Chinese can finish closer to 28–30 while heavyweights like Embden and Toulouse stretch toward 35. Goose eggs benefit from daily cooling and misting after the first week, and their size makes a reliable turner essential.
Whatever the species, lockdown is always the last three days: turning stops so the embryo can position for hatch, humidity goes up so shell membranes stay pliable, and the incubator stays shut — every peek drops the humidity your hatch depends on. Use the calculator above for exact dates from your set date, or the full Egg Incubation Calculator to compare species.
Other species
Sources
- Mississippi State University Extension — Incubation Duration Periods