How to Hatch Your Own Eggs

How to Hatch Your Own Eggs

Deciding to hatch your own chicks can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you're using eggs from your own flock or ones you've purchased, the key to success lies in proper preparation and care. This guide will walk you through the essentials, from selecting an incubator to the hatching process itself.

Supplies Needed

  1. Incubator
    We recommend the Chickcozy incubator, which keeps eggs upright for the first 18 days, ensuring a strong air sac and is easy to clean.

  2. Egg Candling Light
    This tool is necessary for checking the development of the eggs and ensuring they are progressing as they should.

  3. Paper Towels
    Essential for the lockdown period. If your incubator lacks a rubber mat, placing paper towels at the bottom can help chicks maintain balance and prevent splay leg.

  4. Thermometer
    While most incubators include temperature and humidity gauges, they may not always be accurate. A Govee thermometer is recommended to ensure precise monitoring inside the incubator.

Recommended Temperature and Humidity

  • Day 1 to Day 17
    Maintain an ideal temperature of 99.5°F to 100°F with a humidity level of 45-50%.

  • Day 18 to Hatch Day
    Keep the temperature consistent, but increase humidity to 55-60% to aid the hatching process.

Egg Candling

Candling your eggs is crucial as it allows you to monitor their development. Remove any that are not developing to prevent them from spoiling and causing unpleasant odors. The recommended days for candling are:

  • Day 7 - Should see veins and maybe a dark round circle which is their eye. Not always super visible, but sometimes is.

  • Day 12 - You have a tiny chick growing! You should have lots of movement and a nice air sac. 

  • Day 17

Incubator Setup

  • Rotation (Day 1-17)
    Eggs need to be rotated regularly. If your incubator has an auto-rotate feature, ensure it is activated.

  • Lockdown (Day 18 to Hatch)
    Entering lockdown means you should not open the incubator until the chicks have hatched. During this period, remove the egg tray and place a paper towel or cabinet rubber mat at the bottom to provide a stable surface for hatching chicks. It is very important that you do not open the incubator. Chicks know what to do and how to get out. If they can't, there is likely something not right or they are ready yet.

Chicks may not all hatch on exactly day 21, and some may take a little longer, which is completely normal. Patience and careful monitoring will help ensure a successful hatch. Enjoy the wonder of watching your chicks come to life!

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