Buzz
An incubator is a man-made apparatus designed for the hatching of eggs. Essentially, it allows you to hatch eggs without the need for hens. Incubators replicate the conditions and experiences of a brooding hen for fertilized eggs, ensuring the right temperature, humidity, and ventilation levels. To achieve successful egg hatching in an incubator, it's crucial to calibrate it correctly and maintain stable settings throughout the incubation period.
Steps
Preparing to Use the Incubator
Locate or purchase an incubator. You'll need the instructions specific to the type and model you're using. The following directions are tailored for a basic, affordable incubator suitable for most enthusiasts.
- As there are various types of incubators, having the correct instructions for your particular model is crucial.
- Note that lower-cost incubators typically feature manual controls, necessitating frequent monitoring of temperature, turning, and humidity throughout the day. Higher-end models offer automatic controls for these processes, reducing the monitoring needed to a daily basis.
- If your incubator lacks written instructions, check for the serial number and manufacturer's name. Visit the manufacturer's website for instructions or contact their customer service via phone or email to obtain guidance.
Ensure the incubator is spotless. Gently remove any visible dust or debris from all surfaces of the incubator. Next, wipe down all surfaces using a clean cloth or sponge dipped in a diluted bleach solution (mix 20 drops of household bleach in 1 quart of water.) Wear gloves while handling bleach and ensure the cloth or sponge is thoroughly wrung out before wiping the incubator. Let the incubator air dry completely before plugging it in.
- This cleaning step is crucial, especially if you acquired the incubator second-hand or if it was stored in a dusty environment.
- Remember, maintaining cleanliness is vital as diseases can be transmitted through the eggshell to the developing embryo.
Select an area for the incubator with minimal temperature fluctuations. Optimal room temperature ranges between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing the incubator near windows, vents, or areas with air drafts.
Connect the incubator's cord to a stable electrical outlet. Ensure the outlet is secure and inaccessible to children. Also, verify that the outlet is functioning properly.
Fill the incubator's humidity pan with warm water. Refer to the incubator's manual for the appropriate water quantity to add.
Adjust the incubator's temperature settings. Calibration is essential to maintain the correct and stable temperature in the incubator at least 24 hours before starting the incubation process.
- Ensure the thermometer inside the incubator is accurately positioned to measure the temperature where the center of an egg would be located.
- Modify the heat source until the temperature gauge reads between 99 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 and 38.9 degrees Celsius). Correct temperature control is crucial; low temperatures can hinder embryo development, while excessively high temperatures can harm embryos and lead to abnormalities.
Wait for 24 hours to reevaluate the temperature. Ensure the temperature remains within the desired range. Do not introduce eggs if the temperature has deviated from the target range, as this may affect successful hatching.
Acquire fertile eggs for incubation. It's recommended to incubate eggs within 7 to 10 days of being laid as their viability decreases over time. Avoid using eggs from supermarkets as they are infertile and won't hatch.
- Find local hatcheries or farmers selling hatching eggs from fertile hens. Contact your local agricultural extension office for assistance in locating a reliable egg source.
- Consider the number of eggs to incubate, keeping in mind that not all eggs will hatch and viability varies by species.
- Store eggs in cartons at 40 to 70 degrees F (4.5 to 21.1 degrees C) until ready to incubate, rotating them daily for optimal positioning.
Egg Incubation Process
Sanitize your hands before handling eggs for incubation. Always wash your hands before touching eggs or the incubator to prevent bacterial transfer.
Allow fertile eggs to reach room temperature. This helps minimize temperature fluctuations in the incubator once the eggs are added.
Use a pencil to mark both sides of the eggs. Lightly draw different symbols on each side to remember the egg turning sequence, such as X and O.
- This method helps with keeping track of egg rotation.
Place the eggs gently inside the incubator. Ensure they are positioned horizontally with the larger end slightly elevated. This positioning prevents embryo misalignment and facilitates hatching.
- Space the eggs evenly within the incubator, avoiding edges and heat sources.
Allow the incubator's temperature to stabilize after egg placement. Expect a temporary drop in temperature that should normalize if the incubator is properly calibrated.
- Do not adjust the temperature to compensate for this change, as it may harm the embryos.
Record the date and number of eggs incubated on a calendar. Estimate the hatch date based on typical incubation periods for your bird species, like 21 days for chicken eggs or 28 days for certain ducks and peafowl.
Rotate the eggs at least thrice daily. Regular turning helps counter temperature fluctuations and mimics a brooding hen's behavior.
- Turn eggs an odd number of times daily to change their position visibly.
- Check for cracks or spoilage during turns and remove any damaged eggs promptly.
- Vary egg positions within the incubator.
- Stop turning eggs in the final three days of incubation as hatching nears and turning becomes unnecessary.
Adjust the humidity levels in the incubator. Maintain humidity at 45-50% during incubation, increasing to 65% in the final three days. Humidity adjustments may vary based on egg type; refer to hatchery or literature for specific guidance.
- Monitor humidity using a wet bulb thermometer or hygrometer, alongside temperature with a dry bulb thermometer. Use a psychrometric chart to determine relative humidity.
- Regularly refill the water pan to sustain desired humidity levels.
- Always use warm water and consider adding a sponge for increased humidity.
Ensure the incubator is well-ventilated. Maintain openings on the sides and top for airflow, adjusting ventilation as chicks hatch.
Evaluating Egg Development
Candle eggs after 7-10 days. Use a light source to assess embryo development and remove non-viable eggs.
Prepare a tin can or box to candle eggs. Create a hole smaller than an egg's diameter for candling purposes.
Activate the light bulb. Hold an incubated egg over the hole to observe embryo development, indicated by a cloudy mass. Clear appearance suggests lack of development or infertility.
- Eggs without visible embryo development should be removed from the incubator as they won't hatch.
Discard eggs lacking embryo development from the incubator. These eggs are non-viable and will not hatch.
Facilitating Egg Hatching
Prepare for hatching. Cease egg turning three days before the expected hatch date. Most eggs will hatch within 24 hours of each other.
Line the egg tray with cheesecloth before hatching. The cheesecloth aids in catching eggshell fragments and debris during and after hatching.
Raise the humidity level in the incubator. Aim for a humidity level of 65%. Add water or a sponge to the water pan to increase humidity.
Keep the incubator closed until after the chicks hatch. Avoid opening it when the chicks are three days away from hatching.
Transfer dry chicks to a prepared area. Wait until the chicks are fully dry, which may take four to six hours. Optionally, keep them in the incubator for an extra 1 to 2 days but lower the temperature to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).
Clean the incubator by removing empty shells. Once clean, the incubation process can restart!
Helpful Tips
Essential Supplies
- Still air incubator with instructions
- Fertile eggs
- Warm water
- Sponge
- Wet bulb thermometer
- Calendar
- Pencil
- Light bulb and container with a hole
- Cheesecloth
