A Guide to Incubating and Hatching Eggs
Hatch Stage:
The hatch stage refers to the final 2 days to 3 days of incubation. Chicks hatch out of the shell during this stage. Do not turn the eggs during the last 3 days to 4 days of incubation. Transfer eggs to a dedicated hatcher at this time. If a hatcher is unavailable, remove the eggs from the turner and lay the eggs in the hatching basket or place on cloth or rough paper (not newspaper) in the incubator. Make sure that the paper does not obstruct airflow, contact the water, or contact the heating element. Temperature should remain at 99.5 degrees F and increase the humidity to at least 90 degrees F wet bulb. Humidity can be increased by adding either a wet sponge or wet paper towels to increase the evaporative surface in the incubator.
When Chicks Hatch:
The hatching process requires great exertion by the chick. The chick progresses through periods of activity followed by lengthy periods of rest. The entire hatching process requires 10 hours to 20 hours. Do not be concerned about the time a specific chick requires to hatch unless the process exceeds 20 hours.
Once chicks successfully leave the shell they should remain in the incubator until their feathers are dry. Ventilation should be increased. When more than 90 percent of the chicks are dry they should be removed from the hatcher. Excessive time in the incubator can dehydrate chicks. Remove chicks to a warm brooder and provide them with water and feed.
Eggs that remain unhatched for 1 day beyond the predicted incubation period should be discarded. Attempts to help a chick free itself from the shell often are unsuccessful. Chicks too weak to hatch themselves usually do not live. If they live, they usually will not thrive. Dispose of weak or deformed chicks humanely. These chicks should never be used for breeding purposes because these traits could be transmitted genetically to their young.
Temperature and humidity during storage
Positioning and turning eggs during storage
Temperature, humidity and ventilation of incubator
Signs of Deficiency in the Embryo