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Setting Chicken Eggs by the Moon's Sign 2026

Chicken sitting on eggs in a straw nest
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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

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Comments

<span>Emsaint</span> Thu, 07/26/2012 - 21:10
Or do you have something on your site about that?
<span>Gloria Barrettt</span> Sun, 05/13/2012 - 14:51
when to take bottle from baby mother-inlaw always said when sign not in belly
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 05/14/2012 - 16:12
Hi, Gloria, It depends on the month. See our Best Days timetable and look under weaning: http://www.almanac.com/bestdays/timetable
<span>Linda C</span> Wed, 04/18/2012 - 23:09
It would be nice to have the dates to start eggs on here rather then to have to figure them out ourselves. GEEE
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Thu, 04/19/2012 - 16:09
Linda, What can we say? A very good point. Your wish is our command. We've added the dates for 2012 and will plan to update each year. --TOFA
<span>Linda C</span> Mon, 07/29/2013 - 17:13
Thank you very much. Not many days to set eggs by. The setting hen is determined to do it her time anyway. She is her own boss I guess. LOL
<span>Linda C</span> Sun, 03/27/2016 - 00:32
Been using this system for 3 years now and it works great for me. Glad you offer the help. I continue to check back every year now to see when to set my hens and the incubators.