Choosing the Right Fertile Eggs

The journey begins with high-quality fertile eggs. These should come from healthy, well-nourished hens and roosters. Always source your hatching eggs from a reputable breeder. Eggs should be clean (but not washed), uncracked, and ideally less than seven days old for the best hatch rate. Store them in a cool area around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit with the pointed end down until you're ready to begin incubation.

Selecting the Right Incubator

There are several types of incubators, from fully automatic models to basic still-air designs. A forced-air incubator with automatic turners and digital temperature and humidity controls offers the highest convenience and consistency, especially for beginners. Regardless of which model you choose, make sure it has been thoroughly cleaned and tested before setting your eggs.

Setting Up the Incubator

Before placing your eggs, run the incubator for at least 24 hours to stabilize temperature and humidity levels. The ideal temperature for hatching chicken eggs is 99.5°F in a forced-air incubator and 101.5°F in a still-air model. Humidity should start at 40 to 50 percent for the first 18 days. Place a hygrometer and thermometer inside to monitor these levels accurately.

The Incubation Process: Days 1–18

Once the incubator is stable, gently place the eggs inside with the larger end slightly elevated. If your incubator doesn’t have an automatic turner, you'll need to manually turn the eggs three to five times a day to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell. Keep the incubator closed as much as possible to avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Candling the eggs around day 7 and again at day 14 helps you track development. A small flashlight or dedicated egg candler will allow you to see the embryo forming and moving inside. Remove any eggs that show no signs of development to prevent bacterial contamination.

Lockdown: Days 18–21

On day 18, stop turning the eggs and increase humidity to around 65 to 70 percent. This is known as "lockdown." The eggs should remain undisturbed as the chicks begin to position themselves for hatching. Internal pipping (when a chick breaks into the air cell) usually begins on day 20, followed by external pipping (cracking the shell from the outside) shortly after.

Avoid the temptation to open the incubator during this stage. A drop in humidity can cause the membrane to dry out and trap the chick inside the shell, a condition known as shrink-wrapping.

The Hatch

Chicks often take up to 24 hours to fully emerge after pipping. This slow process is normal. Let them work through it on their own unless it's clear they are in distress and need assistance, which is rare for properly incubated eggs.

Once they’ve hatched, allow the chicks to dry and fluff up in the incubator for several hours before transferring them to a pre-warmed brooder. Early exposure to cooler air can chill newly hatched chicks, so make sure they’re warm, dry, and active before moving.

Post-Hatch Care

After the hatch is complete, clean the incubator thoroughly before storing it for future use. Keep a record of your hatch rate and conditions to improve future attempts. Most importantly, enjoy your new flock and the satisfaction of having successfully hatched your own chicks.

Final Thoughts

Hatching chicken eggs in an incubator is a fascinating and educational experience that can deepen your appreciation for poultry keeping. With careful attention to detail and a bit of patience, you’ll be rewarded with healthy, vibrant chicks ready to grow into productive members of your backyard flock.