Place the eggs in an egg carton with the big end up, pointy end down. Allow them to rest at room temperature for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, place the eggs in the incubator in the same position they were in the egg carton at roughly a 45 degree angle.

Set the temperature to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit and 55% relative humidity. Automatic temperature and humidity controls are preferable.

Do not touch or start turning the eggs until the 7th day.

On the 7th or 8th day, gently turn the eggs 180 degrees along the vertical access. When you’re done, make sure the big end is still up and the eggs are tilted 45 degrees. Do this at least three times per day. 5 times per day is better, more frequently even better. Just be sure to turn them an odd number of times per day. An automatic turner is preferable for consistency.

Stop rotating the eggs on the 18th day.

On the 20th day, remove the eggs from the turning trays (or egg carton) and place them on a flat but rough surface (to prevent spraddle leg). Increase the relative humidity to 65%.

When the eggs start hatching, DO NOT open the incubator. Opening the incubator causes the humidity to drop and could shrink-wrap chicks that are still trying to hatch!

Let Mother Nature hatch the eggs as she sees fit. It usually takes about 5-7 hours, but could be as long as 24 hours. Do not try to help — let the chick hatch on its own.