Incubator Hints for Chicken Hatching Stages

For chicken eggs, the hatching stage of incubation is one of the most critical. Chicken eggs take 21 days to incubate. The final three days constitute the hatching stage. By this stage of incubation the chicks are fully developed and positioning themselves to break through the shell. For these last few days a hands-off approach is best.

  1. Turning

    • Stop turning the chicken eggs three days before they are due to hatch. In this final stage of incubation the chicks are preparing to hatch by positioning themselves inside the egg. If the eggs are turned in the last three days the chicks could become disoriented and have difficulty hatching. If an automatic egg turner is being used the eggs need to be removed from the turner and placed on the incubator floor. You can place a piece of cheesecloth or a soft rag over the wire floor of the incubator. This will make it easier to clean the incubator after the eggs hatch.

    Opening the Incubator

    • Open the incubator in the final three days only if it is necessary. Opening the lid lets out a lot of moisture and the eggs need high humidity to hatch properly. If the humidity is decreased the shells may start to dry out and the chicks will not be able to break through.

    Ventilation

    • Ventilation is important throughout the incubation period. The chicks will need extra oxygen during the final hatching stage. Open all the ventilation holes. Do not prop up a corner of the incubator: this will let too much moisture out and will chill the eggs.

    Peeping

    • When the chicks start to peep avoid handling and moving them. Most chicks hatch within 24 hours of peeping. Do not attempt to help the chick out of the egg unless more than 48 hours have passed since it peeped. Chicks will push on the shell for a time then take rest breaks. Their movements during this time help to draw the yolk into their abdomens. If you help them out of the shell too early, the yolk may still be outside the body and the chick probably will not survive.

    Drying

    • Once the chicks have hatched, leave them in the incubator until they have dried off and fluffed out. It is standard practice to remove the chicks to a 95-degree brooder 24 hours after they hatch. You can leave the chicks in the incubator for up to 48 hours. They do not need food or water for three days after they hatch. The absorbed yolk gives them all the nutrients they need during these first few days. You can offer food and water as soon as they dry, to get them used to eating. It will not hurt them, but do not worry if they show little interest in eating for the first couple of days.