For daily wit & wisdom, get the Almanac newsletter.

Setting Chicken Eggs by the Moon's Sign 2026

Chicken sitting on eggs in a straw nest
Image Credit:
Shutterstock
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Here are the best days to set eggs. Farmers swear that this age-old practice produces healthier chickens that mature faster. Learn more about calculating the best days to set chicken hatching eggs.

What is Setting Eggs?

Setting the eggs involves placing chicken eggs inside an incubator or under a hen. An incubator is an enclosed structure set to 100.5°F with 50 to 55% humidity. It keeps eggs warm during the 21-day incubation period. When using an incubator, you set a minimum of six eggs at one time in the egg tray.

Why Are There Best Days to Set Eggs?

According to tradition, farmers swear that there are more fruitful times of the month to set eggs. Chickens hatched just before a full Moon (during the waxing moon phase) were said to be stronger and have a better chance of survival. Conversely, chicks that hatched during a waning moon would be weaker.

Rather than picking any random date to set your eggs, try setting the dates by the Moon!

2026 Best Days to Set Eggs

  • January:  1, 9, 10, 27-29
  • February: 5, 6, 25
  • March: 4, 5
  • April: 1, 2, 10, 28, 29
  • May: 7, 8, 25, 26
  • June: 3-5, 23, 30
  • July: 1, 2, 28, 29
  • August: 7, 24, 25
  • September: 3, 4, 20-22, 30
  • October: 1, 3, 19, 28, 29
  • November: 24, 25
  • December: 21-23, 30, 31

Chicks hatching from eggs

How to Calculate Dates to Set Eggs

We’ve found the best dates to lay eggs for this calendar year above. But if you want to know how it’s done, here’s the process: 

  • Chicks take about 21 days to hatch.
  • Those born under a waxing Moon are healthier and mature faster. Further, those born in the fruitful signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are healthier.
  • To ensure that chicks are born during these times, set eggs (place eggs in an incubator or under a hen) 21 days before the desired hatching time.

EXAMPLE:

  1. The Moon is new on March 21 and full on April 6 (EDT). (See Moon phases for your area.)
  2. Between these dates, the Moon is in the sign of Cancer on March 28 through 30. (Reference the Moon’s Astrological Place calendar in The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
  3. To have chicks born on March 28, count back 21 days.
  4. Set eggs on March 7!

Read more about Raising Chickens, our six-part beginner series.

Chickens

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the digital home of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. She leads digital editorial strategy and publishing across a wide range of Almanac sub...

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

More Like This

Comments

<span>Susan Stalker</span> Sat, 12/28/2013 - 10:51
I have a hen setting and it is December 28th. She has been setting for a week now. Isn't it too cold to hatch eggs. I live in KY. Thanks for your advice. Susan
<span>Georgewilson</span> Wed, 01/08/2014 - 12:41
Chicken eggs take about 21 days to hatch.
<span>Jose Maldonado</span> Mon, 04/01/2013 - 13:48
I had chickens set to hatch in the full moon last week.(not on purpose) we got one the day before the full moon and none others. when check the eggs we had some chicks in them but none them hatched! Could the full moon affect chicks from hatching if so does it delays them or just stop them completely?
<span>Kathryn Bellan…</span> Tue, 02/26/2013 - 14:56
the best time to trim furit trees
<span>Justasking</span> Tue, 10/23/2012 - 16:02
Where do you keep the eggs until you set them?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 10/23/2012 - 17:03
Keep the fertile eggs in a cool and humid place in the open (temperature between 40 and 60 degrees F). The fertility is shortened by high temperature. The earlier the eggs are set, the better.
<span>Ingrid Beier</span> Tue, 09/25/2012 - 11:21
Wonderful information. Loved the 2012 chart. Keep up the good work.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 07/30/2012 - 11:05
According to our Best Days timetable, we recommend waiting until August 20 or 21.
<span>Emsaint</span> Thu, 07/26/2012 - 21:06
When to cut my hair so it will grow more quickly?