How to Hatch Poultry Eggs in an Incubator

Successful hatching of poultry eggs depends on the proper care and incubation of the eggs. The incubators' function is to bring normal room temperature up to the correct temperature for hatching the eggs, which is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For a good hatch, fertililized poultry eggs should be of average size and shape with no cracks in them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose an incubator that comes equipped with an automatic egg turner and a temperature regulator. You need the egg turner so you don't have to handle the eggs and spread germs. With a temperature regulator, you won't have to open the incubator to check the temperature and let out the heat.

2. Place your incubator in a room that has a stable temperature and is away from drafts and direct sunlight; when the temperature fluctuates poultry hatching eggs don't develop right. The ideal room temperature is right around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Regulate your incubator by turning its heat control knob fully clockwise until the temperature reaches 99.5. Then turn the knob back and forth to adjust the temperature and let it run for six to eight hours before putting in your eggs.

4. Fill the moisture rings in the bottom of the incubator with water to maintain humidity; keep them full for the entire 21 days required to hatch most poultry eggs. Next remove one of the vent plugs in the top of your incubator for air circulation so the embryos can breathe while they develop.

5. Set your eggs in the automatic egg turner with the small end down because the embryo develops at the large end of the egg. Three days before hatching, take the eggs out of the egg turner and place them on the wire screen inside the incubator so they'll have room to hatch.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wash your hands before handling eggs or equipment; embryos are very susceptible to disease from bacteria.
• Keep the incubator closed until all the chicks hatch and are completely dry. Not all chicks will hatch at the same time, so keep the incubator running for a few days after the normal hatch time.