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Hatching chicken eggs artificially using an incubator is a rewarding experience. Fertile eggs from your own flock can be used if you have a rooster. If not, you can buy fertile chicken eggs from a neighbor or hatchery.
Hatching chicken eggs is an incredibly rewarding and educational experience. Little chicks coming out of their shells is a miracle of life that you can see if you pay close attention. But it’s not as simple as putting eggs in an incubator and hoping for the best. A successful hatch requires planning preparation and vigilance.
As a beginner, it’s normal to have questions about the process. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to hatch healthy chicks from start to finish. With these tips, even first-timers can achieve great hatch rates. Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Eggs
The first step is sourcing good quality fertile eggs from reputable suppliers. Consider the following:
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Breed – Select breeds known for good egg production and hatchability like Rhode Island Reds or Plymouth Rocks. Avoid extremely large or small eggs.
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Freshness: Eggs should be no more than 7 to 10 days old. Very old eggs have lower fertility rates.
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Appearance – Choose clean, uniform eggs free of cracks, thin spots, or shell abnormalities.
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Storage – Store eggs tip-pointed end down at 55°F until ready to incubate, Bring to room temperature before setting
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Health – Source eggs from flocks raised on balanced feed in clean environments for optimal vitality.
It’s better for egg hatch rates if you buy eggs locally instead of having them shipped. This is because temperature changes during shipping can affect hatch rates. Set 12-24 eggs at a time for best results.
Preparing for Incubation
Before setting your eggs, ensure your incubator or broody hen setup meets the necessary conditions for hatching success:
If Using an Incubator:
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Set the temperature between 99-100°F. Fluctuations beyond 1-2 degrees can be detrimental.
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Maintain 40-50% humidity for the first 18 days, then increase to 60-70% humidity until hatching.
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Ensure good ventilation without drafts.
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Allow the incubator to run for at least 24 hours before setting eggs to stabilize conditions.
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Be prepared with a reliable power source. Avoid accidental unplugging.
If Using a Broody Hen:
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Select a dedicated broody breed like Silkies or Cochins. Test her dedication before entrusting valuable eggs.
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Provide a draft-free nesting box filled with soft bedding material.
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Ensure she has ample food, water, and room for exercise near the nest.
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Monitor but don’t disturb her frequently once eggs are set. Let nature take its course.
Setting and Turning the Eggs
Once you have set up your incubator or broody hen, it’s time to lay the eggs! Here are some tips for this important step:
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Arrange eggs lying on their sides with the pointed end slightly lowered. This prevents embryo displacement.
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Mark eggs with pencil so you can track their orientation between turns.
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Turn eggs at least 3-5 times per day before day 18. This prevents embryos from sticking. Turning is crucial!
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Stop turning eggs on day 18 and do not rotate them after this point. Let embryos get into hatching position.
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Resist the urge to open the incubator. Stable conditions are vital, especially in the last days before hatching.
What to Expect During Incubation
While your eggs incubate, be observant for signs of progress:
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Candle eggs at day 7 and 14 to monitor growth. Look for healthy veins and embryo size. Remove any eggs that don’t develop.
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Listen for peeping and scratching on the eggshell around day 19-21 as the chick pips its way out.
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Expect hatching to take 24-48 hours from the first pip until the last chick fully emerges. Don’t rush to assist.
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Not every egg may hatch. Aim for a minimum 50% hatch rate for first attempts. Experience will improve your success over time.
Caring for Newly Hatched Chicks
Your work isn’t done after the hatch! Newborn chicks require diligent post-hatch care:
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Maintain a brooder temperature of 90-95°F for the first week, then decrease by 5°F per week. Drafts can be fatal.
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Provide easy access to clean water and a 20-24% protein chick starter feed specifically formulated for chicks.
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Look for signs of pasty butt, dehydration, or illness and take steps to remedy any problems detected promptly.
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Avoid sudden noises, movements, or handling as much as possible to prevent stressing the new chicks.
With attentive incubation and conscientious post-hatch rearing, you’ll be rewarded with a lively flock of happy, healthy chicks exploring their new world. It’s an amazing journey every time.
Troubleshooting Common Hatching Problems
Incubation doesn’t always go perfectly. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Early or late hatches – Temperature too high or low. Adjust incubator accordingly.
Low hatch rates – Old, stored, or shipped eggs. Source fresher eggs. Improve incubation technique.
Malformed/weak chicks – Incorrect humidity. Provide 40-50% until day 18, then increase to 65%.
Dead chicks in shell – Insufficient turning, contaminants, or temperature swings. Turn eggs at least 3x daily until day 18. Improve sanitation. Stabilize temperature.
Chicks stuck in shell – Low humidity, incorrect positioning, or egg too large. Increase humidity days 18-21. Set eggs lying down, pointed end lower. Choose medium sized eggs.
Don’t get discouraged if you experience some setbacks at first. Over time, you’ll get the hang of hatching and have great success rates. Enjoy this rewarding journey into raising chicks from eggs!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hatching Eggs
What is the best temperature for incubating chicken eggs?
99.5°F is ideal. Maintain the temperature between 99-100°F throughout. Even small deviations of 1-2 degrees can impact hatch rates.
How often should I turn the eggs while incubating?
Turn the eggs at least 3-5 times per day before day 18 of incubation. Stop turning on day 18 to allow embryos to get into hatching position.
What humidity level is best for hatching eggs?
40-50% humidity is recommended for the first 18 days, then increase to 65-70% humidity until hatching to help chicks pip out of their shells.
What happens if some chicks hatch earlier than others?
It’s normal for chicks to hatch over a 24-48 hour period. Resist opening the incubator prematurely. The already hatched chicks will be fine while the stragglers finish pipping.
Can shipped eggs be successfully hatched?
Yes, but locally sourced fresh eggs have much higher hatch rates. If shipping eggs, take care to minimize temperature fluctuations and improper positioning during transit.
Final Thoughts
Keep the Eggs Warm
Throughout the incubation period the eggs should be kept at a still-air temperature of 101. 5°F, measured at the top of the egg. If your egg incubator uses forced air keep the temperature at 99. 5°F.
Hatching Chicken Eggs Takes 21 Days
This is true if the eggs were fresh and kept at the right temperature for chicken eggs to hatch the whole time. If Day 21 passes hold on to your eggs for a few more days just in case they hatch late.