Hatching and Brooding

Hatching and Brooding Small Numbers of Chicks

An incubator is an enclosure having controlled temperature, humidity, and ventilation.

The information in this extension folder is a guide for the general operation of a small, still-air incubator.

Small incubators can be purchased, or you can make your own. If you have a commercial model, follow the instructions supplied with the unit.

If the instructions have been lost, write to the manufacturer for a new set giving the model number and a complete description of the incubator.

Obtaining Hatching Eggs

Most eggs sold in stores are not fertile and cannot be hatched. Fertile eggs must be ordered from hatcheries or from poultry farmers having roosters in their flocks. Check with potential suppliers well in advance. Your county extension agent or extension poultry specialist may be able to suggest a source.

Hatching eggs should be incubated within 1 week to 10 days after they are laid. Hatchability declines rapidly when incubation is postponed for more than 10 days. Until they are incubated, hatching eggs should be stored in cartons or cases—large end up—at 40 to 70° F. (50-60° F. is best) with a relative humidity of about 75 percent. If the eggs are to be stored for more than 2 to 3 days before they are incubated, their positions should be changed each day to reduce the tendency for the yolks to stick to the shells. Begin by propping up one end of the case or carton; each day, change the position of the block, or turn the container end for end. If you can have your eggs supplied within 1 or 2 days before you incubate, you eliminate these procedures.
Begin by propping up one end of the case or carton; each day, change the position of the block, or turn the container end for end. If you can have your eggs supplied within 1 or 2 days before you incubate, you eliminate these procedures.

Location of Incubator

To help your incubator maintain a constant temperature, place it where it will receive as little temperature fluctuation as possible. Do not place it near a window where it will be exposed to direct sunlight. The sun's heat can raise the temperature high enough to kill the developing embryos. Connect the unit to a dependable electrical source, and made sure the plug cannot be accidentally detached from the outlet.

Hatching Eggs in the Classroom:

Preparing the Incubator

Before you incubate, be sure the incubator is working properly and that you know how to operate it. Place warm water into the humidity pan, and adjust the heat source until the incubator temperature stays between 99° and 102° F. Check the thermometer frequently for at least 24 hours before you incubate to be sure it will stay at the correct temperature.

Heat sources having a thermostat are most reliable. Light bulb units without a thermostat can be difficult to control unless the room temperature is relatively constant.

Occasionally, people attempt to incubate eggs in ovens or other unconventional facilities. They are nearly always disappointed because temperature and humidity requirements are within a quite narrow range.

Even with good equipment, incubation is not always successful, so make every attempt to provide the proper environment—using a reliable incubator.

When eggs are placed into an incubator operating at the proper temperature, the temperature will drop. Do not adjust the thermostat upward during this warmup period. The time that the temperature in the unit will remain below normal depends upon the temperature of the eggs and the capacity of the heating unit. This temperature lag period can be reduced by warming the eggs to room temperature before they are placed into the incubator.

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