Incubator Hatching: How Long Does It Take For Chicks To Hatch?

The incubation period for chicken eggs is typically 21 days, during which the eggs must be kept at a consistent temperature and humidity and turned regularly. In the final three days of incubation, the humidity level should be raised by 8-10% to prevent the shell membrane from drying out and trapping the chick inside the egg. However, it is important to not increase the humidity too much, as this will inhibit the hatchlings from fluffing out properly. Once the chicks have hatched, they should be transferred to a brooder and given access to food and water as soon as possible. While there is no hard-and-fast rule about when to transfer the chicks, they should be beginning to dry out within an hour or so of hatching and should not be left in the incubator for more than 24 hours.

Chicken eggs typically hatch after 21 days in an incubator

On day 18, the chick starts to orient itself into the hatching position, so it is important to stop turning the eggs. The humidity level should be raised 8-10% higher than during incubation to prevent the shell membrane from drying out and trapping the chick inside the egg. However, it is crucial not to increase the humidity too much, as this will inhibit the hatchlings from fluffing out properly. During days 19 to 20, the incubation process is finished at the same stable temperature and humidity levels.

On day 21, the fully formed chick should be completely hatched. However, it is important to note that incubation times can vary by a day or two depending on the breed, egg size, and incubation conditions. Additionally, the yolk of the egg, which the chick absorbs immediately before hatching, can nourish the chick for up to 72 hours. Therefore, it is safe to leave the chick in the incubator for a short period after hatching if necessary.

Once the chick has hatched and dried off, it is important to transfer it to a prepared brooder to ensure access to food, water, warmth, and proper housing. It is recommended to have the brooder set up close to the incubator so that the unhatched chicks can hear the cheeping of their hatched brethren.

Humidity levels should be raised 8-10% during the final 3 days

Chicken eggs typically hatch after 21 days of incubation. The final three days of this process are known as 'lockdown', during which the humidity level should be raised by 8-10% compared to the initial incubation period.

The humidity level during lockdown should be at least 60% RH. This is because the higher humidity prevents the shell membrane from drying out, which would otherwise make it too tough for the chicks to tear through and escape. This phenomenon is known as 'shrink wrapping'.

To increase the humidity, you can put water in both water pots or channels of the incubator and reduce the ventilation. However, do not block off all the holes in the incubator, as the chicks need oxygen to breathe. If you are struggling to achieve the correct humidity level, you can also use evaporating pads or blocks to help raise it.

It is important to monitor the humidity level with a hydrometer, which can be tested for accuracy using a 'salt test'. Maintaining the correct humidity level is crucial, as low humidity can cause the eggs to lose too much weight, resulting in smaller and weaker chicks that may die before or after hatching. On the other hand, high humidity can cause the chicks to become larger, inhibiting them from fluffing out properly, which could also lead to their death.

Eggs should not be turned after day 18

The process of incubating chicken eggs takes 21 days. The last three days of the incubation period are known as "lockdown", during which the humidity level should be raised by 8-10% compared to the previous days. This is crucial, as higher humidity prevents the shell membrane from drying out and trapping the chick inside the egg.

Turning the eggs is crucial during the first part of the incubation process. The eggs must be physically turned to prevent the developing chick from sticking to the shell. The yolk tends to float upward, toward the shell if the egg is not turned. As a result, the embryo can be squeezed between the yolk and the shell, causing potentially fatal damage. By turning the eggs, the yolk moves within the albumin, creating a safe space for the embryo on top until it is time to turn again.

However, it is important to note that turning the eggs too frequently can also be detrimental. Eggs should not be turned continuously, as this can rupture the yolk sac and result in embryonic mortality. The minimum amount of turning should be approximately once every four hours, which is around six times a day. Some incubators have automatic turning capabilities, which can be helpful if you don't have the time to manually turn the eggs regularly.

How to know when to transfer chicks to a brooder

Chicken eggs typically hatch after 21 days of being in an incubator. However, this process can sometimes take longer, and in rare cases, it can be up to 28 days.

Once the chicks have hatched, they should be left in the incubator for 30 hours to dry off and become more active. After this, they can be transferred to a brooder.

The brooder should be set up before the chicks hatch. It should be prepared with a heat source, such as a heater or a lamp, to keep the chicks warm. The temperature should be set to 90-95°F for the first week, and then reduced by 5°F each week until it reaches room temperature.

The chicks should be transferred to the brooder with their feeder and waterer, so they can drink and eat from something familiar. It is important to note that the transition from the brooder to the coop should be done slowly. The chicks should initially be allowed to spend one hour in the run, and this should be slowly increased to four or five hours. Once the chicks are happily spending this amount of time in the run, they can be introduced to the coop.

The ideal time to move chicks from the brooder to the coop is when they are fully feathered, which is usually between six to nine weeks of age. This is because chicks are able to withstand 5°F temperature drops each week from the moment they are born. Therefore, if the temperature is steadily 70-65°F or higher by the time the chicks are six weeks old, they can be moved to the coop without a heat source. If the temperature is lower than this, it is recommended to keep the chicks in the brooder until they are eight weeks old.

Preparing the incubator and eggs before incubation

The process of incubating chicken eggs typically takes 21 days. To prepare the incubator, it is recommended to start about a week before the arrival of the fertilized eggs. Here are the steps to prepare the incubator and eggs before the incubation process:

Prepare the Incubator

Start by cleaning the incubator with a 10% bleach solution, followed by warm soapy water, and finish with a thorough rinse. This process ensures that the incubator is sanitized before the eggs are placed inside. Once the incubator is clean and dry, turn it on to check that it can maintain a constant temperature and humidity level. Place the incubator in an area with steady ambient temperatures, away from drafts, to maintain a stable environment for the eggs.

Prepare the Eggs

Fertile eggs are required for successful hatching, and these can be obtained from poultry farmers with roosters or a hatchery. Ensure that the eggs come from a National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)-certified flock to minimize the risk of disease. Prior to incubation, fertilized eggs can be stored for up to 7 days in a cool room maintained at 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid refrigeration, as it is too cold for the eggs. Collect the freshest eggs possible, preferably within 7 days, to maximize the chances of a successful hatch.

When selecting eggs for incubation, choose those with the healthiest appearance. Look for eggs with no deformities, hairline cracks, or any other defects that may compromise their viability. Teardrop-shaped eggs are generally preferred due to their stronger structure, which can better support the developing chick during incubation.

Place the Eggs in the Incubator

Before placing the eggs in the incubator, lay a piece of plastic shelf liner on the incubator's floor. This provides a non-slip surface for the hatchlings, helping to prevent leg issues such as splay leg. With the shelf liner in place, you can now set the eggs inside the incubator. Place the eggs with the larger end facing up, as this orientation is beneficial for the developing embryo and prepares the chick for hatching.

Monitor and Maintain the Incubator

Throughout the incubation process, it is crucial to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels within the incubator. Use a hydrometer to monitor humidity levels, aiming for a slight increase in humidity during the final three days of incubation to prevent the shell membrane from drying out and trapping the chick inside the egg. Avoid excessive humidity, as this can inhibit the hatchlings from fluffing out properly.

Remember to minimize opening the incubator unnecessarily, as this can disrupt the temperature and humidity needed for successful hatching. During the first 18 days of incubation, ensure that the eggs are turned regularly, at least three times per day, and up to five times per day. Mark the eggs with an "X" on one side and an "O" on the opposite side to track their orientation during the turning process.

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