I just hatched my first batch of 250 silkies. It took exactly 7 days. It was quite simple. I put the petri dish on a large plate, put something similar height as the dish for the lid to be propped up. So it has better air flow than the lid being completely closed. Then I put a piece of small paper towel and I wet it once a day. I kept the entire operation on top of my media center above my cable box compartment. The temp is around 80 degrees. I feed them baby mulberry leaves after they all hatched. Will be buying silkies eggs from now on. Much better deal! I ordered mine from Coastal.