1. Preparation:
- Gather the fertile Cardinal eggs. Make sure they are clean and free from cracks.
- Prepare an incubator. Clean the incubator thoroughly to prevent any bacterial or fungal growth.
- Set the incubator temperature to 98-99°F (36.7-37.2°C). This is the optimal temperature for Cardinal eggs.
- Place a shallow tray filled with water inside the incubator to increase humidity.
2. Egg Placement:
- Place the Cardinal eggs in the egg tray of the incubator. Ensure enough space between them so that air can circulate freely.
- Mark each egg with a pencil to track any changes or development during incubation.
3. Incubation Process:
- Maintain the temperature and humidity levels throughout the incubation period.
- Check the water tray regularly and refill as needed to keep the humidity consistent.
- Rotate the eggs gently at least 3-4 times a day. This prevents the yolk from sticking to the shell.
4. Monitoring and Candling:
- After about 5 days, you can start candling the eggs to monitor the development of the embryo.
- Hold a flashlight or candling lamp behind the egg to see blood vessels, air cells, and the developing chick.
- Remove any infertile or dead eggs (those that do not show signs of development) from the incubator to prevent contamination.
5. Hatching:
- Cardinal eggs typically hatch after 12-13 days of incubation. However, the hatching process can take several hours or even up to a day.
- Provide fresh water in a shallow dish for the hatchlings.
- Keep the humidity levels high for the first few days to help the chicks dry properly and absorb their yolk sacs.
6. Post-Hatching Care:
- Once the chicks have hatched, move them to a brooder that maintains the appropriate temperature and humidity for growing chicks.
- Offer small, high-protein chick feed and a water source to the chicks.
- Gradually decrease the temperature in the brooder over the next few weeks to help the chicks adapt to room temperature.
Note:
- It's essential to maintain cleanliness throughout the incubation and brooding process to prevent any health issues for the developing chicks.
- Ensure the incubator is in a quiet and calm area to minimize stress for the eggs.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes or fluctuations during incubation as these can negatively affect the developing embryos.
- Always handle eggs with clean hands to prevent contamination.