Supplies to Hatch Fertilized Chicken Eggs

When a hen incubates and hatches her own nest full of eggs, she naturally control temperature, humidity, ventilation and the turning of the eggs. If you are hatching fertilized eggs, you'll need to keep these same important factors in mind. A few pieces of equipment will allow you to create the ideal environment for hatching fertilized chicken eggs.

  1. Incubation Needs

    • During incubation, the fertilized eggs must be kept at a steady 99.5 degrees. Any temperature fluctuations may cause damage to the developing embryo. The eggs also need about 50 percent humidity the first 18 days and 70 to 80 percent humidity for the last couple of days before hatching. Developing embryos also need oxygen and good air circulation. Lastly, the eggs must be turned three times a day.

    Incubators

    • Incubators are available in many types and sizes. Large commercial incubators usually have completely automated features including controls to regulate temperature and humidity, an internal fan for air circulation and the ability to automatically turn the eggs. Small or homemade incubators may require more personal attention such as hand turning the eggs or manually checking and adjusting temperature and humidity.

    Temperature and Humidity

    • Whether you have a fully automated incubator or a small manual one, you will want to invest in a thermometer and a hygrometer. Temperature fluctuations of 2 degrees can cause chicks to hatch crippled or weak, or it can even kill them. A hygrometer, which can be purchased at a cigar shop, measures relative humidity. Improper humidity levels can cause shells to stick to the hatching chicks and cripple them.

    Turning

    • In an automated incubator, the eggs are turned three times a day for the first 18 days. For manual turning, use a pencil to mark one side of the egg with and "X" and the other side with an "O." Making the markings and writing down your turning schedule will help you keep track of your egg turning.

    Brooder

    • Once the eggs have hatched, the baby chicks need warmth, food, water and a clean environment. A brooder provides these necessities. A brooder is box or bin outfitted with something that distributes water, a feeder, clean litter or shavings, and a heat source -- usually a lamp. The chicks don't need food or water for the first 48 hours. However, both should be provided immediately when the chicks are moved from the incubator to the brooder.