How to incubate chicken eggs – a complete guide

by Melissa W. Content Writer

Not everyone can mother chicken. But for those who have the calling and believe they can do it, you will need a few tips.

A chicken has such instincts as a new mother. Once the hatch, the will constantly fuss over them. It is not an easy thing for them and any negligence will lead to some chicks not hatching.

Besides, it turns out modern chicken are not very effective at mothering. It could be genetic, or the changing culture, but there is always an issue with the hatching. For some, they get distracted. Other into fights and lose their nests, or a rooster comes in.

This is why modern farmers prefer incubation. They would rather take over the brood work themselves. If you think you cannot do it, then consider buying a day chicks.

This is one of life’s miracles you would not want to miss on. Whether you are doing it as a backyard keeper or a full time farmer, it is a great way to follow the hatching process.

So how do you go about it? This is where its gets tricky. Luckily we have shared the steps to your work.

Step 1:- picking and setting an incubator

How many eggs do you want to hatch? This is the first thing to determine when choosing the right incubator.

The modern incubators are automated. The price depends on the features of the item. But do you due diligent. Go online and check out some chicken incubators reviews. This way, you can find something befitting your needs.

Generally, incubators must accomplish the following:

The right temperature – about 99.5 degrees
Humidity of 40 to 50 percent for the first 18 day and 65 to 75 for the last days.
Proper ventilation to allow proper gaseous exchange.

Ensure your incubator is installed with a high-quality thermometer and hygrometer. In addition, consider a feature that rotates the eggs automatically.

Place the incubator in the right environment. There should be minimal fluctuations in temperature.

Step 2: - finding eggs

You need to find fertile eggs. If you have your own chicken, consider inclusion of a rooster. Ensure the eggs are incubated as early as possible.

If you are buying them, find those that are about 7 days old. They have a higher chance of hatching. The viability of the eggs is not affected. Always wash your hands when handling the eggs and avoid jostling them about. You need eggs that are clean, well-formed and full size.

This is a very important step you should consider very carefully. Ideally, you should transfer the eggs directly into the incubator. But there are times when this is not possible and you may have to store them in cartons.

The temperature in the boxes should stay between 50 to 60 degrees and 75 percent or humidity. This environment will delay development of the eggs for about 10 days.

Step 3: - Incubating

Eggs take about 21 days to hatch. Ensure the heat source is turned on before placing the eggs in the incubator. Measure the temperature and humidity after 24 hours and adjust if necessary. The temperature should read 99.5 degrees.

Keep these conditions in proper check during the hatching period. If the humidity goes too low or too high, you can use a sponge that has more or reduced surface area. Place the eggs on their side, close the door and keep an eye on them.

Use water in a pan to boost humidity. Add more water at day 18, using warm more than cold.

Mark the eggs on both sides with an X and O. This helps you keep track when turning the eggs yourself. You will need to turn the eggs at least three times a day, until the 18^th day.

Maintain an odd number of turns. For instance, turn them 3, 5, 7 e.t.c times. This is to ensure the eggs never rest on the same side for two consecutive nights. In addition, alternate the turning time as well, this is in order to vary the position of the embryo.

Step 4:- Hatching process

The eggs may start to seem shifting during the final hours. Eventually the chick will peck a hole in the larger end of the egg. This process may begin earlier. Do not help the hatching.

After the hatching, give your eggs time to rest. Let it dry off the warmth of the incubator before moving them. After about 12 hours, move it to the brooder. This however depends on the first weeks of its life.

Conclusion

Incubating chicken eggs can be a tiring process but quite exciting. Keep following up the process, changing and removing the eggs as necessary. Get rid of those that show signs of issues. Use direct light to view the development of the embryo.

Sources:

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F38tIGO5TFY

- https://morninghomestead.com/how-to-tell-if-my-chicken-is-a-rooster-or-hen/

- https://morninghomestead.com/best-chicken-egg-incubators-reviews/

- https://morninghomestead.com/what-feed-baby-chickens-hatching/

- https://www.fromscratchmag.com/warm-chickens-without-burning-coop/