Step-by-Step: How to Use a Poultry Incubator for Maximum Hatch Rates

Business Feb 27, 2025 31 Add to Reading List

Hatching eggs successfully requires precision, patience, and the right poultry equipment. A well-maintained incubator can significantly increase your hatch rates, leading to healthier chicks and a more productive poultry operation. However, using an incubator is not just about placing eggs inside and waiting. There are crucial steps, from preparation to post-hatch care, that can impact your success.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the step-by-step process of using a poultry incubator, essential hatching supplies, and expert tips to achieve maximum hatch rates.

Choosing the Right Poultry Incubator

Selecting the correct incubator is crucial for a successful hatch. Different types of poultry equipment are available, each with its own advantages.

Types of Incubators

Still Air Incubators – Do not have fans; temperature varies inside, requiring careful monitoring.
Forced Air Incubators – Have built-in fans for even temperature distribution.
Cabinet Incubators – Larger, automated models ideal for commercial hatching.
Manual vs. Automatic Turners – Automatic turners save time by rotating eggs, ensuring even heat distribution.

Key Features to Consider

Temperature control – Consistent temperature is critical for embryonic development.
Humidity control – Proper humidity levels prevent dehydration or drowning of embryos.
Ventilation system – Ensures fresh air circulation for oxygen exchange.
Capacity – Choose an incubator that matches your hatching needs.

Preparing the Incubator for Egg Placement

Before placing eggs, your incubator must be clean and fully operational.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Use a disinfectant suitable for poultry use to eliminate bacteria.
Rinse thoroughly and allow the incubator to dry completely.
Replace any worn-out parts, such as hatching trays or humidity sponges.

Setting the Ideal Conditions

Temperature: Maintain at 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced air incubators.
Humidity: Keep at 50-55% for the first 18 days, then increase to 65-75% for hatching.
Ventilation: Ensure vents are open for oxygen flow.

Testing the Incubator

Run the incubator for 24 hours before placing eggs.
Use thermometers and hygrometers to verify accuracy.
Adjust settings based on climate conditions.

Selecting and Storing Fertile Eggs

Not all eggs are suitable for incubation. Proper selection ensures higher hatch rates.

How to Choose the Best Eggs

Collect fresh eggs from healthy breeders.
Avoid cracked, misshapen, or overly large/small eggs.
Prefer medium-sized, clean eggs with strong shells.

Storing Eggs Before Incubation

Store at 50-60°F (10-15°C) with 70-80% humidity.
Keep eggs pointed end down to maintain air cell integrity.
Turn eggs twice daily if storing for more than 3 days.

Loading Eggs into the Incubator

Once eggs are ready, carefully load them into the incubator.

Proper Egg Positioning

Place eggs horizontally or pointed end down.
Maintain space between eggs for air circulation.

Setting Up Automatic Turners

If using an automatic turner, ensure eggs are securely placed.
For manual turning, rotate eggs at least 3 times a day.

Managing Temperature and Humidity Throughout Incubation

The right environmental conditions are crucial for embryo development.

Temperature Guidelines

Keep the temperature at 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced air incubators.
Avoid fluctuations exceeding 1°F, as it can impact hatch rates.

Humidity Control

Maintain 50-55% humidity during incubation.
Increase to 65-75% humidity during the last 3 days before hatching.
Use water trays or sponges to adjust humidity levels.

Turning Eggs for Even Development

Egg turning prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell.

How Often to Turn

Automatic turners: Check functionality daily.
Manual turning: Rotate eggs at least 3-5 times daily, marking one side for consistency.

Candle Testing: Monitoring Embryo Development

Candling allows you to check embryo progress without opening the incubator excessively.

How to Candle Eggs

Use a bright flashlight or candling lamp in a dark room.
Hold the egg against the light to observe the embryo's growth.

Candling Timeline

Day 7: Look for vein networks.
Day 14: Check for movement and darkened embryo areas.
Day 18: Ensure the chick has developed and occupies most of the egg.

The Lockdown Period (Final 3 Days)

The last 3 days before hatching require extra precautions.

Lockdown Process

Stop turning eggs to allow chicks to position for hatching.
Increase humidity to 65-75%.
Avoid opening the incubator unnecessarily.

Hatching Process: What to Expect

Chicks begin hatching between day 19-21.

Signs of Hatching

Small cracks or "pipping" on the shell.
Peeping sounds inside the egg.
Chicks breaking through with their egg tooth.

Assisting a Chick (Only When Necessary)

If a chick struggles for more than 24 hours, consider intervention.
Gently remove small shell pieces but avoid pulling too much.

Caring for Newly Hatched Chicks

After hatching, proper poultry equipment is essential for chick survival.

Drying and Resting

Leave chicks in the incubator for 12-24 hours to dry.
Ensure temperature stays at 99°F until transfer.

Moving Chicks to a Brooder

Transfer to a pre-heated brooder at 95°F (35°C).
Provide clean water and starter feed.
Monitor chicks for signs of distress.

Common Incubation Problems and How to Fix Them

Even with careful planning, issues may arise.

Poor Hatch Rates

Cause: Temperature fluctuations, poor egg quality.
Solution: Maintain consistent incubator conditions.

Chicks Not Pipping

Cause: Low humidity or improper positioning.
Solution: Ensure lockdown conditions are met.

Sticky or Shrink-Wrapped Chicks

Cause: Low humidity during hatch.
Solution: Increase humidity with warm, damp cloths.

Conclusion

Using a poultry incubator correctly can maximize hatch rates and produce healthy chicks. By selecting the right hatching supplies, maintaining stable temperature and humidity, and providing proper post-hatch care, you’ll improve your hatching success. With experience, you’ll master the art of incubation and enjoy the rewards of raising healthy poultry.