Glossary
Plain-language incubation terms for beginners and hatch-log notes.
The translation layer, where technical words become usable decisions during a real hatch.
Open Hatch LogQuick Answer
The glossary explains common incubation terms in plain language so beginners can understand guides, tool results, candling notes, and hatch troubleshooting without guessing.
What matters most
Core hatch terms
Some terms describe timing, some describe what the user sees, and some describe hatch outcomes. Knowing the difference keeps troubleshooting clearer.
- Set day: the day eggs go into the incubator.
- Candling: shining light through an egg to check development.
- Lockdown: the final stage when turning stops and hatch conditions are prepared.
- Pip: the first break or hole a chick makes in the shell.
Result terms matter
Fertility rate, hatchability, and overall hatch rate are not the same. Separating them helps identify whether the issue started before incubation or during incubation.
Use glossary terms in notes
Clear notes make patterns easier to review later. A note like "day 14 air cell small on most eggs" is more useful than "humidity seemed weird."
Reviewed against extension and veterinary sources. Adjust to your incubator manual and local conditions.