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Learning How to Properly Incubate Eggs for Hatching

emcoug | Oct 5, 2010 |

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There are several considerations for incubating eggs for hatching. Let's take a look at a few. For the sake of discussion, we will be focusing on duck hatching eggs as these are among the most popular and the easiest to start with.

Temperature

Experts' opinions vary about this environmental factor but it should be safe to keep it at 100 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Should you wish to start with a big batch of eggs for hatching, it will be advisable to keep the temperature high; otherwise, keep it within the above recommended reading.

Humidity

Admittedly, it is quite a challenge to measure this in small incubators, particularly those used often with duck hatching eggs. This is therefore one area when you will have to rely on your best estimate. If possible, have an experienced producer walk you through the first project. If not, then it may be best for you to start with just a few eggs for hatching and work your way up as your confidence builds.

Turning

If the poultry incubator you have purchased does not have an auto-turning feature, then you will have to do it manually. Experts recommend doing so at odd times per day, say four to six times. To help you remember which side you turned last, mark one side with an X while the other with an O.

Following are general conditions recommended for hatching eggs & egg incubators:

	Incubation Period	Hatching Period
No. Of Days	Days 1 through 25	Days 26 through 28
Temperature	99.5° Fahrenheit	98.5° Fahrenheit
Humidity	86%	94%
Turns Per Day	3, 5, or 7	Stop Turning

If your incubator does not include a fan, measure the temperature along the side of the eggs without actually touching them. Keep in mind that in the absence of a fan, warm air will rise. Getting a reading directly on top of the eggs for hatching will not only be misleading but a serious mistake as well, with grave consequences for your chicks.

Apart from the above factors, some experts suggest keeping the eggs well surrounded with moisture and flowing air. The former is to ensure that the embryos are not dehydrated and the latter is for normal air exchange to occur. Eggs for hatching require a lot of oxygen, especially during the last three days of incubation. Make sure that the ventilation holes are properly working and unobstructed. For moisture, spray your eggs with slightly warm water. Do not drench them as this may lower the temperature down and arrest development of the embryo.

A lot of people are eager for their chicks to hatch and may want to "help" along their coming out. While this is done with the best of intentions, in this instance it is helpful to just leave them alone. Should you find them stuck in a hole, however, you can very gently ease them out of the position. If blood appears, stop and wait several hours. Do not be impatient. Your eggs for hatching will reward you in time.