Discover the magical process of hatching your own chicken eggs using an incubator. Get ready to experience one of nature’s most rewarding events!

Introduction To Hatching Eggs At Home

Make sure your incubator is functioning by testing its temperature and humidity. You'll need a steady 99.5°F with about 50% humidity. Have a backup power source ready just in case.

Preparing Your Equipment

Place fertile eggs on their sides with the narrow ends pointing towards the center to ensure they roll properly. This setup promotes even development during incubation.

Setting Up The Incubator

Patience is key! Avoid handling the eggs too much. Keep an eye on temperature and humidity and adjust as needed to maintain the perfect environment for the embryos.

The Early Days (Days 1-7)

Use a candling light to check the eggs for development. Look for visible veins and movement. This is akin to an ultrasound for your eggs!

Monitoring Development (Candling on Days 7, 10, and 18)

Stop turning the eggs and increase the humidity to 65%-75%. Place grippy shelf liner in the incubator to prevent the chicks from slipping once they start hatching.

Preparing For Lockdown (Day 18)

Watch for pipping, where chicks start to break the eggshell. It’s crucial not to help them hatch, as this process is vital for their development.

The Hatching Begins (Day 21)

Once hatched, transfer the chicks to a prepared bin with a heat lamp, ensuring a steady temperature, and provide chick feed and water. They'll need plenty of rest after their big journey!

Caring For Newborn Chicks

Hatching chicks is not just a fascinating experience but also an educational one. Enjoy the chirps and fluff of your new feathered friends!

Reflections On The Hatching Process

SWIPE UP TO LEARN MORE