Ostrich eggs set in an incubator. Note the size variation. Artificial incubation is an art, and success is correlated to the quality of the incubator and the knowledge of incubating ostrich/ratite eggs. The temperature to incubate ostrich chicks is 36.4°C (97.6°F). To achieve the most young birds from the fertilized eggs hatched, artificial incubation should be used. The internal environment of the incubator and environment of both the building in which it sits and the environment outside affect the development of the chicks in the eggs. Consequently, the quality of the incubator, to maintain an optimal condition for embryo development, is critical for successful hatching.