Claire Thompson
Incubating chicken eggs is a 21-day process that requires an egg incubator to help control temperature, humidity, and egg turning. While it is not necessary to turn eggs every single day, it is important to turn them regularly during the first 18 days of incubation. After 18 days, the embryo has developed into a chick and will take up most of the space in the egg, preparing to hatch. At this point, egg turning can be stopped, and the larger end of the egg should face up. The actual hatching process can take up to 12 hours or more, and the chick will need to rest in between periods of activity. After the chick has hatched, it should be left in the incubator until it is dry and fluffed up before being moved to a brooder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for a chick to hatch | 5-7 hours, but can take up to 24 hours or even 30 hours |
| Time taken for eggs to develop | 21 days |
| Time to wait for unhatched eggs | 2-3 days after the hatch day, up to 23-26 days |
| Ideal temperature for eggs in a forced air machine | 37.5ºC (99ºF) |
| Ideal temperature for eggs in still air | 38º - 39ºC (102ºF) |
| Humidity levels | 45% to 65% |
| Ideal temperature for hatched chicks | 90-95o Fahrenheit |
| Storage of fertilized eggs | Maximum of 7 days in a cool room at 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Broody hen's isolation period | 21 days and at least a week after the chicks hatch |
| Brooder food for newly hatched chicks | Purina® chick starter feed |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of candling eggs
The process of candling eggs is an important step in the incubation process. It involves examining eggs to determine their viability and identify any cracks, which can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection, leading to premature embryo death. By removing non-viable eggs, candling helps prevent the risk of rotten eggs exploding and contaminating other eggs in the incubator.
Candling eggs is a straightforward process that can be done with a household torch. It is typically done after a week of incubation in a darkened room. By observing shadows and specific indicators, such as a dark dot, spider-like blood veins, and embryo movement, one can identify fertile eggs. After 14 days of incubation, candling helps remove non-viable eggs, freeing up space in the incubator and reducing the risk of rotten eggs.
Additionally, candling eggs is essential during the "lockdown" period, which refers to the last three days of the incubation process. During lockdown, eggs are candled for the final time to ensure no non-viable eggs remain in the incubator. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the risk of exploding eggs, which can contaminate the entire incubator.
Candling is also useful after the expected hatching date. If some eggs have not hatched by day 21, candling can be used to determine if they are still alive before discarding them. This process ensures that no viable chicks are accidentally removed from the incubator, giving them a chance to hatch successfully.
Overall, candling eggs is a vital aspect of the incubation process. It helps identify viable eggs, remove non-viable or rotten eggs, and ensure the safety and success of the hatching process. By mastering this skill, individuals can improve their chances of successfully hatching healthy chicks and maintaining a clean and functional incubator.
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Optimal incubator temperature
The optimal temperature for an incubator depends on the stage of incubation. Before incubation, fertilized eggs can be stored for up to 7 days in a cool room at a steady temperature of 55–60°F (12.7–15.5°C).
During the 21-day incubation period, the temperature should be maintained between 37 and 38°C (98.6–100.4°F), with the ideal range being 37.5–37.8°C (99.5–100.04°F). Even small fluctuations can result in delayed hatches, deformities, or embryo death.
On day 18, the embryo has developed into a chick and will take up most of the space in the egg. At this point, the egg turning should be stopped, with the larger end of the egg facing up, and the incubator should not be opened. This period, from days 18 to 21, is known as "lockdown".
Once the chicks have hatched, the incubator temperature can be lowered to 95°F (35°C). After the chicks have dried, they can be moved to a brooder, which should be maintained at a temperature of 90–95°F (32–35°C).
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Humidity levels
During the first 18 days of incubation, most sources recommend a humidity level between 45% and 55%. Some sources suggest a narrower range of 50% to 55%, while others advise a lower range of 35% to 40%. It is important to monitor the humidity during this period, as low humidity can cause the eggs to lose too much weight, resulting in smaller chicks that may struggle to hatch independently.
In the final days of incubation, when the chicks are preparing to hatch, humidity levels should be increased to around 60% to 70%. This higher humidity is necessary to prevent the membrane that the chicks must break through from drying out and becoming too tough for the chicks to tear. Some sources recommend even higher humidity levels of 70% to 80% during this critical stage.
To monitor humidity levels, it is advisable to use a hygrometer, a device that measures humidity. However, if a hygrometer is unavailable or unreliable, the weight of the eggs can be used as an indicator of humidity levels. By periodically weighing the eggs, it is possible to adjust the humidity to compensate for too much or too little weight loss. The ideal weight loss for most bird species is between 13% and 15% from the first day of incubation to the day of hatching.
After the chicks have hatched, humidity is no longer a critical factor, and the focus shifts to providing food and water. However, it is important to maintain a suitable temperature for the chicks, adjusting the lamp or bulb wattage as needed to ensure their comfort.
In summary, successful chick hatching requires careful control of humidity levels during incubation. By maintaining the recommended humidity ranges and closely monitoring the setup, hatchers can increase the chances of healthy and strong chicks.
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Broody hens vs incubators
Broody hens and incubators are two methods used to hatch chicks. Deciding between the two is not an easy decision to make, as both have their pros and cons.
Broody Hens
Broody hens are mother hens that sit on eggs to hatch them. This method is more natural and requires less work from the homesteader, as the mother hen does most of the work. The hen turns the eggs, ensuring they each spend equal amounts of time on each side and rotate from the centre to the edges of the nest for even warming. The hen also regulates the humidity in the nest. The chicks are also accepted as part of the flock from the start and have their mother's protection at all times.
However, broody hens can be unpredictable. They may abandon their nest halfway through incubation or lose interest in caring for the chicks once they hatch. They may even attack their young, though this is rare. Additionally, broody hens will only go broody in the spring and early to mid-summer, limiting the time of year when hatching is possible.
Incubators
Incubators provide more control over the hatching process and allow for year-round hatching. They can also hatch many more eggs at one time compared to a broody hen. The eggs and hatched chicks are also safe from predators and flock members inside the house.
However, using an incubator requires more hands-on work and can be more challenging to time as it requires coordinating the availability of fertile eggs with the incubator. It can also be more expensive, as you need to purchase the incubator and additional equipment, such as a thermometer and a candler.
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Broody hens offer a more natural and hands-off approach but are less predictable and have a smaller hatching capacity. Incubators provide more control and flexibility but require more work and equipment. Ultimately, the decision between using a broody hen or an incubator depends on the specific needs and preferences of the individual.
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Hatching times
The incubation period for chicken eggs is typically 21 days, although it can be up to 30 days for other poultry. The process requires an egg incubator to help control temperature, humidity, and egg turning. Before placing the eggs in the incubator, it is important to have the incubator up and running to ensure the proper temperature and humidity needed for the growth and hatching of the chicks. The temperature should be set to 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit and maintained. The humidity should be around 50%-55% for the first 18 days and then increased to 65%-70% for the last 3 days.
During the first 18 days, the eggs should be turned 3-5 times a day to prevent the chick from sticking to the side of the shell. After 18 days, the eggs should not be turned for the last 3 days, as the chick will position itself for hatching inside the egg. On day 18, the embryo has developed into a chick and will take up most of the space in the egg.
The actual hatching process can take up to 12 hours or more, and each time the chick(s) chirp loudly and move around, the mother hen will lift her body weight so as not to crush their delicate bodies as they emerge from their shells. The chick will first make an internal pip, breaking into the air cell of the egg, which is the first step in the hatching process. Once the chick starts to use up the oxygen in the air cell, it will make an external pip in the eggshell, typically towards the blunt end of the egg. After making the external pip, the chick will take a long break as breaking through the eggshell with its egg tooth is hard work. It can take a chick up to 24 hours to completely hatch, although 5-7 hours is more common.
If your eggs haven't started to hatch by day 23, they likely won't. However, it is important to candle any unhatched eggs to see if they are still alive before discarding them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, chicks will still hatch if you don't turn them every day, but it is recommended to turn them 2-5 times a day for the first 18 days. After 18 days, you should stop turning the eggs and prepare the incubator for when the eggs hatch.
The hatching process can take up to 12 hours or more, but 5-7 hours is more common. Some chicks can take up to 24 hours to hatch, and in rare cases, it can take over 30 hours.
A fertilized egg can be stored for a maximum of 7 days in a cool room kept at a steady 55-60°F (13-15.5°C).
