Ostrich eggs have an incubation period of 39 to 59 days, with an average of 42 days. Incubation and hatching techniques are improving rapidly in the ratite industry, which helps reduce early mortality. Inadequate ventilation, improper humidity and ill- fitting egg racks have been major problems in the past. Eggs are turned through a 90-degree rotation four to six times per day and set air cell up. Suggested temperatures for incubation range from 90 to 98 degrees F, but a temperature range of 96 to 98 F is most common.
Humidity is also very important.
Humidity and airflow play important roles in the rate of water loss. Humidity settings will vary widely from one geographic region to the next, but usually range between 10 and 30 percent. Egg weight loss is determined by weekly weighing. Based on egg weight loss, humidity adjustments can be made in the incubator. Good record keeping is very important.