Tips on Incubating Chicks

The best method of incubating eggs is in the way that nature intended -- by having a brood hen sit on them and care for them until they hatch. This is not always possible, however, and sometimes Mother Nature needs a hand from the use of artificial incubators. The successful incubation of chicks is not difficult, but it does require that certain conditions are maintained.

  1. Quality of the Eggs

    • Make sure that the eggs are good quality. Choose eggs that have been laid by hens that are kept in a healthy, clean environment from a flock that is regularly serviced by a fertile rooster. Choose the cleanest eggs; if they require washing, the protective layer is removed and reduces the viability of the eggs. Source eggs from a reputable breeder who keeps his hens in good condition, feeds them a healthy, natural diet and collects the eggs that have been laid on a regular basis.

    Storage

    • Store the eggs at room temperature, sitting in an incubator tray with their pointy end down. Place trays on damp vermiculite to create a humid atmosphere. Allow the eggs to settle at room temperature for 24 hours before putting in the incubator.

    Temperature

    • Locate the incubator in a place where it is out of direct sunlight and protected from drafts. Regulating the temperature is an important part of the incubation process; protect eggs from extreme cold or heat. Make sure that the temperature inside the incubator is stable before inserting the eggs. Ideally, run the incubator for about a week to stabilize the temperature. Every incubator comes with a thermometer, but use an independent thermometer to confirm the accuracy of the reading.

    Humidity

    • Maintain the humidity inside the incubator. Every model is different; follow the accompanying instructions regarding how much to fill up the trays at each stage of the incubation process. If the incubator is kept in a very dry environment, introduce a damp sponge to the unit to increase humidity.

    Ventilation

    • Make sure the incubator has adequate ventilation, and ensure that the ventilation holes in the incubator are not blocked. As the eggs develop, increase the ventilation by opening the holes up a little further each day so that the eggs get all of the oxygen that they need.

    Turning

    • Turn the eggs three times a day during the incubation period. To keep track of which eggs have been turned, mark one end of each egg with an "X" to use as a reference point during the turning process.