How to Put Eggs in an Incubator: A Guide to Successful Hatching
The process involves carefully preparing the incubator, selecting viable eggs, properly positioning them inside, and maintaining optimal conditions. In short, successful incubation requires consistent temperature and humidity control, correct egg turning, and maintaining cleanliness to ensure healthy chicks.
Why Incubate Eggs?
Incubating eggs offers a fascinating and rewarding experience, allowing you to witness the miracle of life firsthand. Whether you’re a farmer looking to increase your flock, an educator teaching about embryology, or simply a hobbyist interested in poultry, understanding how to properly incubate eggs is crucial for success. Natural incubation can be unpredictable, relying on the hen’s diligence and environmental factors. Incubators provide a controlled environment, significantly improving hatch rates and allowing for the incubation of a larger number of eggs simultaneously. Furthermore, certain breeds might have lost their instinct to brood, making artificial incubation the only viable option.
Selecting the Right Incubator
Choosing the appropriate incubator is the first crucial step. Several types are available, each with its pros and cons.
- Still-Air Incubators: These are the simplest and most affordable. Temperature regulation can be less precise, and manual egg turning is required.
- Forced-Air Incubators: Equipped with a fan, these incubators provide more consistent temperature and humidity distribution. They are generally more expensive but yield better hatch rates.
- Automatic Egg Turners: These can be retrofitted to some still-air incubators or come standard in many forced-air models. They automatically turn the eggs at pre-set intervals, saving you time and ensuring consistent turning.
Consider the number of eggs you plan to incubate, your budget, and the level of automation you desire when making your selection.
Preparing Your Incubator
Proper preparation is paramount for successful incubation.
- Cleaning and Disinfecting: Thoroughly clean the incubator with warm, soapy water and then disinfect it with a poultry-safe disinfectant. This prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that can infect the developing embryos.
- Setting the Temperature and Humidity: Consult your incubator’s manual for recommended temperature and humidity settings for the type of eggs you are incubating. Chicken eggs typically require a temperature of 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air incubators and slightly higher (around 100-102°F) for still-air models. Humidity levels should be around 50-60% for the first 18 days and increased to 65-75% during the last three days (lockdown period) to aid hatching.
- Calibrating Thermometer and Hygrometer: Ensure your thermometer and hygrometer are accurate. You can calibrate them using a calibrated reference thermometer or a wet-bulb hygrometer.
- Running the Incubator Before Use: Run the incubator for at least 24 hours to stabilize the temperature and humidity before placing the eggs inside. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal conditions.
Selecting Viable Eggs
Not all eggs are suitable for incubation. Selecting viable eggs is essential for maximizing your hatch rate.
- Fertility: Eggs should be collected from hens that have been properly mated with a rooster.
- Cleanliness: Choose eggs that are clean and free from cracks or deformities. Dirty eggs can introduce bacteria into the incubator, while cracked eggs can dry out and fail to hatch. Gently clean soiled eggs with a dry cloth. Avoid washing them, as this can remove the protective bloom.
- Shape and Size: Select eggs that are of normal shape and size for the breed. Abnormally large or small eggs may have developmental problems.
- Storage: Store eggs at a cool temperature (55-65°F or 13-18°C) and high humidity (around 75%) for no more than 7-10 days before incubation. Turn the eggs at least once a day while in storage to prevent the yolk from sticking to the shell membrane.
Placing Eggs in the Incubator
The way you place the eggs in the incubator significantly impacts their development.
- Orientation: Place the eggs either horizontally or with the large end slightly elevated. This allows the air cell to remain at the top, providing the developing chick with necessary oxygen.
- Egg Turners: If using an automatic egg turner, place the eggs in the turner trays according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Manual Turning: If turning the eggs manually, mark each egg with an ‘X’ on one side and an ‘O’ on the other. This will help you keep track of which eggs have been turned.
Maintaining Optimal Conditions During Incubation
Consistency is key when incubating eggs. Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels is crucial for successful hatching.
- Temperature Monitoring: Check the temperature of the incubator at least twice a day and adjust as needed to maintain the recommended range.
- Humidity Monitoring: Monitor the humidity level and add water to the water reservoirs as needed.
- Egg Turning: Turn the eggs at least three times a day, but ideally every two to four hours. Stop turning the eggs three days before hatching (lockdown period).
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation within the incubator to provide fresh air for the developing embryos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can greatly improve your hatch rate.
- Inconsistent Temperature: Fluctuations in temperature can be detrimental to embryo development.
- Incorrect Humidity: Too little or too much humidity can affect the egg’s ability to lose moisture, leading to either dehydration or drowning of the chick.
- Failure to Turn Eggs: Insufficient turning can cause the embryo to stick to the shell membrane, preventing it from developing properly.
- Contaminated Incubator: Bacteria and mold can kill developing embryos.
- Opening the Incubator Too Often: Opening the incubator too often can disrupt the temperature and humidity levels.
Incubation Timeline (Chicken Eggs)
| Day | Key Events |
|---|---|
| 1-7 | Development of the circulatory system, nervous system |
| 8-14 | Formation of feathers, beak, and skeletal structure |
| 15-18 | Rapid growth of the chick, internal organs develop |
| 19-21 | Chick positions itself for hatching, pips the shell |
| 21 | Hatching occurs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “lockdown” period, and why is it important?
The “lockdown” period refers to the final three days of incubation, during which you stop turning the eggs and increase the humidity. This allows the chick to position itself for hatching and prevents the egg from sticking to the incubator walls once it starts to pip. Increasing humidity helps soften the shell, making it easier for the chick to hatch.
How do I candle eggs to check for fertility?
Candling involves shining a bright light through the egg to observe its contents. After about 7-10 days of incubation, you should be able to see veins developing in fertile eggs. Infertile eggs will appear clear or have a faint yolk shadow. Remove infertile eggs to prevent them from rotting and contaminating the incubator.
What if my incubator temperature fluctuates?
Minor temperature fluctuations are normal, but large or frequent fluctuations can be harmful. Check your incubator’s thermostat and heating element. Ensure the incubator is located in a stable environment, away from drafts or direct sunlight. Consider using a back-up power source in case of power outages.
How often should I add water to the incubator?
The frequency of adding water depends on the incubator type, humidity levels, and the surrounding environment. Monitor the humidity levels and add water as needed to maintain the recommended range. Generally, you’ll add water more frequently during the last three days of incubation.
What do I do if an egg cracks during incubation?
Small cracks can sometimes be sealed with melted wax or egg glue. However, severely cracked eggs should be removed to prevent contamination. The risk of bacterial infection is simply too high.
What causes chicks to “pip” but not hatch?
This can be caused by several factors, including low humidity during lockdown, improper egg turning, or a genetic weakness in the chick. Ensure humidity is sufficiently high and that the chick has adequate time to hatch. Avoid assisting the chick unless absolutely necessary, as premature assistance can be fatal.
How long can chicks survive after hatching without food and water?
Newly hatched chicks can typically survive for 24-72 hours without food and water, as they absorb the remaining yolk sac. It’s best to provide them with food and water as soon as they are dry and fluffy.
What type of food and water should I give newly hatched chicks?
Provide chick starter feed and fresh, clean water in shallow dishes to prevent drowning. Add marbles or pebbles to the water dish to further reduce the risk of chicks falling in and drowning.
How do I maintain good hygiene in the incubator?
Regularly clean and disinfect the incubator between batches of eggs. Remove any dead embryos or exploded eggs immediately. Proper hygiene is critical for preventing the spread of disease.
What if I have a power outage during incubation?
Try to keep the incubator as warm as possible during a power outage. Wrap it in blankets or place it near a heat source. A generator is the best solution for extended outages. Eggs can usually survive a few hours without power, but prolonged outages can significantly reduce hatch rates.
What are some signs of a problem with the eggs during incubation?
Unpleasant odors emanating from the incubator, or signs of bacterial contamination on the eggshells can signal a problem. Clear eggs after candling indicate infertility. Failing to maintain consistent conditions can also lead to poor results.
How can I increase my hatch rate?
Start with high-quality, fertile eggs. Maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels. Turn eggs regularly. Ensure good hygiene within the incubator. Candle eggs regularly and remove infertile ones. And, most importantly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific incubator model.