Hatching Chicken Eggs: A Comprehensive Guide from Start to Finish

The miracle of watching a chick emerge from an egg is a truly rewarding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned poultry keeper or a curious beginner, understanding the process of hatching chicken eggs is crucial for success. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from selecting fertile eggs to caring for your newly hatched chicks. We’ll cover everything you need to know to increase your hatch rates and enjoy the wonders of new life.

I. Preparing for Incubation: Setting the Stage for Success

A. Selecting Fertile Eggs: The Foundation of a Successful Hatch

The first, and arguably most important, step is choosing the right eggs. Not all eggs are fertile, and even fertile eggs can have issues that hinder hatching. Here’s what to look for:

1. Source Matters: Obtain your eggs from a reputable source. This could be your own healthy rooster and hens, a trusted breeder, or a reliable hatchery. Eggs from young or very old hens may have lower fertility rates. If you are buying eggs, choose eggs that are as fresh as possible, preferably within 7-10 days of laying.
2. Cleanliness: Choose eggs that are reasonably clean. Avoid washing eggs unless absolutely necessary as it removes the protective bloom, a natural antibacterial coating. If you must clean eggs, do so gently with a dry brush or a slightly damp cloth. Heavily soiled eggs are best discarded, as bacteria can penetrate the shell during incubation.
3. Shell Quality: Inspect each egg for cracks, thin spots, or irregularities. Avoid eggs with cracks, even hairline ones. The shell needs to be intact to properly protect the developing embryo and maintain humidity. Thin shells won’t offer proper protection, nor will they maintain the needed moisture within the egg.
4. Size and Shape: Choose eggs of a normal size and shape for your breed. Abnormally large or small eggs, or those that are unusually round or pointy, may have developmental problems.
5. Storage: Store eggs pointy end down in a cool, humid environment (around 55-65°F and 75% humidity) while waiting to start incubation. Turn the eggs 2-3 times per day if you have to wait a few days to start incubating. Proper storage is crucial to prevent degradation of the egg contents.

B. Choosing an Incubator: Your Embryo’s Home

The right incubator is essential for maintaining the stable environment necessary for successful hatching. There are several types of incubators available, each with its own pros and cons:

1. Still-Air Incubators: These are the simplest and generally the least expensive. They rely on natural convection for air circulation, which means the temperature is not uniform throughout the incubator. This can result in temperature differences between the top and bottom of the incubator, which might require careful placement of the eggs.
2. Forced-Air Incubators: These incubators use a fan to circulate air, creating a more uniform temperature throughout the incubator. This is the better option for beginners and is often easier to maintain consistently. They are usually more expensive than still-air incubators but yield higher hatch rates.
3. Automatic Egg Turners: Many incubators come with automatic egg turners, which are highly beneficial. They mimic the hen’s turning of the eggs and reduce the risk of the embryo sticking to the shell membrane. They are a great convenience that allows for consistent turning and less monitoring.
4. Temperature Control: Ensure your incubator has a reliable and accurate thermometer and thermostat. Temperature is crucial for the development of the chick and must be very tightly controlled. Consider investing in a digital thermostat and hygrometer for more precise monitoring.
5. Humidity Control: The incubator should have a way to regulate humidity, typically through water trays or reservoirs. Humidity is crucial during incubation. A good incubator will have a method to easily adjust and measure humidity.

Before placing eggs in the incubator, run it for at least 24 hours to ensure it’s maintaining a consistent and stable temperature and humidity. Monitor the incubator closely during this test period. Make sure all the equipment is functioning as expected.

II. The Incubation Process: A Journey of 21 Days

A. Setting the Temperature and Humidity

Maintaining consistent temperature and humidity is paramount for successful hatching. Here’s a general guideline, but always consult your incubator’s instructions:

• Temperature:
  • Forced-Air Incubators: 99.5-100°F (37.5-37.8°C)
  • Still-Air Incubators: 101-102°F (38.3-38.9°C). The temperature will be higher at the top of the incubator, so the egg-level temperature will average to around 100°F.
• Humidity:
  • Days 1-18: 50-55% relative humidity.
  • Days 19-21 (lockdown): 65-70% relative humidity.

Use a reliable thermometer and hygrometer to monitor these conditions and make adjustments as needed. Digital devices are often more accurate than analog versions. Ensure you calibrate the devices before use.

B. Positioning the Eggs

Place the eggs inside the incubator in a stable manner, ensuring they don’t roll around. If you don’t have an egg turner, mark one side of each egg with a pencil so you can easily keep track of your turning schedule. Set them with the pointed end facing down. This allows the air sac to develop properly and helps the chick to position itself correctly for hatching.

C. Turning the Eggs

Egg turning is critical during the first 18 days of incubation. It prevents the developing embryo from sticking to the shell membrane. There are two methods:

• Automatic Turning: If your incubator has an automatic turner, you don’t need to manually turn the eggs. They should rotate several times throughout the day.
• Manual Turning: If you need to turn the eggs manually, turn them at least three to five times per day, making sure to turn them an odd number of times. Ensure you turn each egg approximately 180 degrees. Try to space them out evenly throughout the day. Wash your hands before handling the eggs.

Stop turning the eggs on day 18, prior to ‘lockdown’, the final period of incubation.

D. Monitoring the Incubator

Regularly check the temperature and humidity levels. Keep the incubator in a stable location away from drafts and direct sunlight. Be prepared to make adjustments to maintain the ideal conditions. Refill the water trays as needed to maintain the required humidity. Avoid opening the incubator unless absolutely necessary, as this can cause fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

E. Candling Eggs

Candling is the process of using a bright light to view the interior of the egg. This is useful for assessing fertility and embryo development. It’s a helpful tool in identifying eggs that are not developing properly, which can then be removed.

• When to Candle: Candle the eggs after 7-10 days of incubation. You may want to candle again around day 14 to track further development. Avoid candling too often, as you want to minimize handling the eggs.
• How to Candle: Use a bright flashlight or a dedicated candler. Hold the egg against the light in a darkened room. Examine the egg closely.
• What to Look For:
  • Fertile Eggs: At day 7-10, you should see a network of blood vessels radiating from a dark spot – the developing embryo. By day 14, the chick should be taking up a lot of space and can be difficult to see clearly.
  • Infertile Eggs: These will appear clear or will have a yolk that appears to be floating freely.
  • Dead Embryo: A dead embryo can appear as a dark ring or a blood ring with no active vessels. Dead embryos should be removed immediately to avoid contamination.

III. Lockdown and Hatching: The Final Stretch

A. Preparing for Lockdown (Day 18)

Lockdown is the final phase of incubation. On day 18, prepare your incubator for the hatch:

1. Stop Turning: Remove the automatic turner if you have one or stop manually turning the eggs.
2. Increase Humidity: Increase the humidity to 65-70%. This is crucial for the chick to hatch easily, because the membrane should remain moist for the hatching chick to be able to move and exit the shell. Fill the water reservoirs as needed.
3. Don’t Open the Incubator: Avoid opening the incubator during lockdown unless absolutely necessary. Even a short opening can cause the humidity to drop rapidly.
4. Prepare the Brooder: Make sure you have your brooder setup ready with heat, water, food and bedding for the new chicks.

B. The Hatching Process (Days 20-22)

The chicks will begin to pip (make a small hole) through the shell and then will gradually zip open the shell to emerge completely. Be patient and allow them to hatch at their own pace. Avoid assisting them unless they are clearly having difficulty.

• Pipping: Once you notice the first pip, don’t interfere. The chick needs to rest between pipping and zipping. This can take a few hours.
• Zipping: The chick will start zipping around the circumference of the egg. Again, avoid interfering.
• Hatching: The chick will then emerge. It will be wet and exhausted. It’s important that they can rest and recover.
• Wait for Drying: Leave the newly hatched chicks in the incubator until they are fully dried and fluffy. This will give them time to rest, and also allow their down to dry and to be fully mobile.

C. Assisting a Hatch (Only as a Last Resort)

Intervention during hatching should only be a last resort, as it can cause more harm than good. However, if a chick seems stuck or is taking too long, you may very carefully help it:

1. Observe Carefully: Make sure the chick is truly struggling and not just taking its time.
2. Moisten the Shell: Moisten the membrane surrounding the pip with warm water. This can help prevent the membrane from drying out and sticking to the chick.
3. Carefully Chip Away: If necessary, carefully chip away small pieces of the shell around the pip using tweezers. Avoid injuring the chick.
4. Avoid Removing the Yolk Sac: If a chick is not ready to hatch, its yolk sac will still be attached. Avoid tearing this off.
5. Know when to stop: Sometimes, a chick will not be able to hatch properly. If intervention does not help, it’s best to accept the outcome and move on.

IV. Caring for Newly Hatched Chicks

A. Moving to the Brooder

Once the chicks are fully dry and fluffy, move them to a pre-warmed brooder. The brooder should have:

• Heat Source: A heat lamp or a brooder plate is essential to keep the chicks warm. The temperature should be 95°F (35°C) in the first week, then gradually reduced by 5°F each week until the chicks are fully feathered.
• Food and Water: Provide chick starter feed and fresh water in shallow dishes or chick waterers.
• Bedding: Use appropriate bedding such as pine shavings or paper towels, which are changed frequently.
• Space: Provide adequate space for the chicks to move around and avoid overcrowding.

B. Ongoing Care

Monitor your chicks closely. Ensure they have access to clean water and fresh food at all times. Keep the brooder clean, and provide a secure, draft-free environment. Watch for signs of illness or distress, and address any issues promptly. Gradually acclimate them to being outside when they are old enough.

V. Troubleshooting Common Problems

Here are some common problems you may encounter and how to address them:

• Low Hatch Rates: Check the temperature and humidity, egg fertility, and turning frequency.
• Chicks Pipping but Not Hatching: Increase humidity during lockdown. If this doesn’t help, carefully assist with hatching.
• Malformed Chicks: This could be due to incorrect incubation conditions or nutritional deficiencies in the hen.
• Weak Chicks: Ensure the brooder is at the correct temperature and that they have access to adequate water and food.
• Sticky Chicks: This is usually caused by inadequate humidity during incubation. Make sure that humidity is higher, especially during lockdown.

VI. Conclusion

Hatching chicken eggs can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By carefully following these steps and understanding the requirements of proper incubation, you can increase your chances of a successful hatch. Be patient, observant, and willing to learn, and you’ll soon be enjoying the wonderful sight of tiny chicks joining your flock. Remember, every hatch can bring new knowledge and skills to the chicken keeper. Enjoy the process!