A Guide to Incubating and Hatching Eggs
Incubation:
When an adequate number of eggs are collected, move eggs from storage to incubation.
Incubators of several types and capacities with adapters for eggs from different species are available. Basically, an incubator is a box that holds and rotates eggs while maintaining appropriate temperature, humidity and oxygen levels. A well-designed incubator should maintain temperature within 1/4 degree F and humidity within 1 degree F wet bulb temperature.
Several features are standard in popular or larger incubator models. Automatic turners that turn eggs at least once every 2 hours to 4 hours are recommended. Humidifiers are of several types.
Some are actuated by wet bulb systems while others are designed to maintain humidity by a simple water reservoir surface area system. Either of these systems can be used effectively. Temperature can be controlled by the older wafer system or by newer microprocessor systems. Whatever the system chosen, an incubator with a backup controller set at less than 102 degrees F can save the hatch if the primary temperature controller ever malfunctions. Remember that temperature, humidity, ventilation and turning are the important factors during incubation.
Consider the differences between forced draft and still air incubators before choosing a system to use. Forced-draft incubators maintain more consistent temperature and humidity levels throughout the incubator, and recover temperature and humidity to regulated levels faster when doors are opened during the incubation period. In still air incubators, wet bulb readings are misleading and a water reservoir with a large surface area is needed. Temperatures in still air incubators must be monitored at the level of the eggs since temperature can vary considerably between locations within a still air incubator. Forced-draft incubators are preferred.
The temperature and humidity of the room housing the incubator should be controlled and stable. Place the incubator in a stable environment, free of drafts and away from direct sunlight.
Locate the incubator and hatcher away from growing facilities. The equipment and newly hatched chicks can be contaminated by older birds, and the dust that accompanies growing birds. Keep foot traffic to a minimum; personnel should limit trips between the growing area and the incubation area as much as possible. Do this by attending to the incubator and hatchlings before maintaining other areas.
Chicks can be hatched in the same unit in which they were incubated. However, hatching creates large amounts of dust and down. Hatching in a separate unit prevents contaminating and soiling the incubator. Temperature and humidity also can be managed more effectively if separate units are used for incubation and hatching. It is best to keep hatchers in a separate room from the incubator. The incubator and the hatchers should be constructed and coated with material that is easily sanitized. The incubation and hatcher rooms should also be constructed or coated with impermeable material that can be easily washed and sanitized.
Temperature and humidity during storage
Positioning and turning eggs during storage
Temperature, humidity and ventilation of incubator
Signs of Deficiency in the Embryo