The following tips are simply to help guide you on techniques that have worked best for us. Please use these tips at your discretion as they just suggestions. You are encouraged to read the instruction manual for your specific incubator and do your own research. We do not guarantee hatch rates.
· Have your incubator running and maintaining consistent levels for at least 24 hours before setting your eggs. We let our shipped eggs rest for at least 24 hours, pointed side down. This allows any disrupted air cells to reattach.
· It is good practice to use a backup thermometer and hygrometer in case one malfunctions.
Day 1-17
· Keep Incubator in acceptable range of 99-100 degrees
· Keep humidity between 40-50%
· Set eggs into incubator with pointed side down, and air cell at the top.
· Eggs need to be turned throughout incubation. An automatic turner is recommended, but they can be turned by hand every 4-6 hours.
· You can begin candling eggs between day 7-10. Discard eggs that did not develop or have stopped developing.
Day 18-21
· Start the “lock down” process! Candle the eggs and remove any that did not develop or stopped developing.
· Stop turning the eggs
· If desired, increase the humidity slightly. We recommend that you don’t exceed 60% (especially with dark colored eggs!)
· Leave the eggs alone and try not to open the incubator!
Day 21
· DO NOT OPEN THE INCUBATOR! This is the hardest and most important step. Do not remove hatched chicks until all of the eggs have had an opportunity to hatch. Opening the incubator early causes a sudden and dramatic dip in humidity that can cause hatching chicks to get stuck, or shrink wrapped. Once all hatched chicks are completely dry and fluffy, they can be moved into their brooder!