Adding water into the pan in the incubator is a way to boost humidity. Most bought incubators adjust the temperature automatically, which is very handy for newbie hatchers. You will need to maintain the environment of the incubator throughout this period.

On average, it takes 21 days for a chicken egg to hatch from the start of incubation. Chicken Egg Incubation Processīefore placing your eggs into the incubator, make sure the equipment has had 24 hours to reach and settle at the correct temperature and humidity. However, with this option, there is more scope for the eggs not to hatch or break during transport. The eggs will arrive in no time at all, very safely packaged. A quick Google search and a read of reviews will also reveal the best places to buy fertile eggs online. Alternatively, many outdoor or country stores sell fertile eggs in the spring or have notices up containing the contact details of people who will be able to help. A great option is to ask a friend or local farmer if they have any potentially fertile eggs going spare. It goes without saying that purchasing eggs which are already fertile can put some barriers in the way. The eggs only need to leave the coop and enter your incubator as soon as possible. Undoubtedly, the eggs that come from your own garden will be of the best quality as you have witnessed the entire journey so far. Whether you have a cockerel on loan or he is your own, the majority of eggs laid by your hens will be fertile. Remember, incubators that do not turn the eggs automatically means you will need to do so manually.Many people use basements, utility rooms or spare bedrooms. The incubator must rest in a place that has as much of a constant temperature as possible.Ventilation is key to chick survival and incubators must have ample holes or vents to allow oxygen in and carbon dioxide out. Egg shells are actually porous and chicken foetuses breathe through the shell.For the remaining 3 days (eggs usually hatch in 21 days) the humidity should rise to between 65 and 75%. For the first 18 days of incubation, the humidity of the incubator must be between 40 and 50%.Even the smallest fluctuation in temperature can kill the embryo. It is imperative that the egg is kept at 37.5☌ (99.5☏) at all times.Regardless of your incubator set-up, they will need to be set up as follows: Some chicken enthusiasts even take the time to make their own from scratch. Incubators can be as affordable or expensive as you choose. Investing in the tools of the trade before you get your hands on some eggs is integral. So, if you want to act like mum and witness your chicks hatching in front of your very eyes, keep reading! Correct Incubator Set Up Things don’t always go to plan and there is no shame in incubating chicken eggs, farmers and small keepers tend to rely on it to ensure the safety of the chicks. However, some hens (particularly young mothers-to-be) can be neglectful, which will result in eggs never hatching. Keeping the eggs warm and turning them is her number one priority until they hatch. Many incubators have a built in fan to maintain ventilation, and depending on your incubation settings your may opt to purchase an incubator with this feature.Nature states that once a hen lays fertilised eggs, her instincts will take over and she will rarely leave the nest. Your hatching eggs will also need to be setup in an incubator that has adequate ventilation, as the embryos will need fresh air circulation at all times. Additionally, you will need to ensure adequate humidity within your egg incubator, roughly fifty (50) percent humidity for the first seventeen (17) days, and about seventy (70) percent humidity the last three (3) days before hatching.Humidity set too high during the first seventeen (17) days, and set too low during the last three (3) days is one of the most common causes of a poor hatch rate.

Even small fluctuations in temperature can decrease your chances for successfully hatching your eggs. It will help if your incubator is setup in a well insulated area, so that short changes in temperature won't affect the viability of your hatching eggs. This temperature change will need to occur slowly over the course of a few hours, as immediate change in temperature can cause humidity problems that will reduce hatch-ability. Next, slowly raise your incubator temperature to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. First, allow your hatching eggs to set to room temperature before placing them in your incubator.

Temperature for hatching chicken eggs