How Long Does It Take to Incubate Chicken Eggs?
allchickenfeeder.com
- posted on
- No Comment
I recall the time when I first started raising backyard chickens. Initially, the thought of “how long does it take to incubate chicken eggs” didn’t even cross my mind. But a few years ago, I decided to start deep into it.
I had always fancied Silkies, so I ordered a dozen hatching eggs. Before this, I had thoroughly researched all the necessary equipment for How Long Does It Take to Incubate Chicken Eggs. Consequently, I invested in an incubator and gathered all the required supplies.
Setting up the incubator before putting the eggs in is essential. This ensures that the temperature and humidity levels are ideal for the chicks’ growth and hatching.
I ran our incubator for 24 hours to verify that the temperature and humidity remained stableh
Factors Affecting Incubation Time
There are five main steps involved in incubating and hatching eggs. They are:
1. Temperature
Temperature is an important factor when it comes about “How Long Does It Take to Incubate Chicken Eggs?”. Because the developing embryo inside the egg can stand with only small temperature changes.
The embryo inside the egg begin to develop Only when the physiological temperature rises above freezing does.
Physiological temperature is the temperature below which fetal growth ceases and above which fetal growth begins. The physiological optimum temperature for chicken eggs is 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 C).
The temperature of chicken eggs in the incubator is 99.50 to 99.75 o F for the first 18 days of incubation, and 98.5 o F for the last three days of incubation in the hatcher.
2. Humidity
Maintaining the right humidity level in the incubator is crucial for “How Long Does It Take to Incubate Chicken Eggs successfully?” of chicken eggs.
This level is determined by the moisture released from the eggs during the incubation process.
Humidity is typically measured using wet-bulb and dry-bulb thermometers, with the difference in readings indicating the humidity level.
During the initial 18 days of incubation, the recommended humidity range is between 55% and 60%.
However, for the final three days before hatching, it’s essential to increase the humidity to a range of 65% to 75%.
Excessive humidity in the incubator can lead to dehydration in the chicks, as they lose water too quickly.
3. Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for egg incubators and hatchers to ensure the supply of fresh, and oxygen-rich air throughout of “How Long Does It Take to Incubate Chicken Eggs?” process.
From the moment the embryos start developing until they hatch. A consistent and sufficient supply of oxygen is vital for their growth and development.
Ventilation Process.....
Proper ventilation is essential for egg incubators and hatchers to ensure the supply of fresh, oxygen-rich air throughout of “How Long Does It Take to Incubate Chicken Eggs?” process.
From the moment the embryos start developing until they hatch. A consistent and sufficient supply of oxygen is vital for their growth and development.
During the later stages of development, the demand for oxygen increases significantly compared to the earlier stages.
The normal oxygen content in the air at sea level is approximately 21%, and this should be maintained within the incubator environment.
Even a slight decrease in oxygen levels can have a detrimental effect on egg hatchability. with every 1% decrease resulting in a 5% reduction in hatchability.
As embryos develop, they produce carbon dioxide as a metabolic byproduct. This carbon dioxide needs to be released from the egg through the shell to maintain a healthy environment for development.
The optimal carbon dioxide level for embryo survival within the incubator is around 0.3%. However, if the carbon dioxide levels rise above 0.5%, it can negatively impact egg hatchability.
Levels exceeding 5% can lead to the death of developing embryos. Maintaining proper ventilation helps regulate carbon dioxide levels and ensures a conducive environment for successful incubation.
When artificially incubating eggs, it’s important to place them with their wider end facing upwards. This mimics the natural position of eggs and chick’s head rests near the air sac located at the broad top of the egg. {https://allchickenfeeder.com/how-chicken-egg-fertilized-everything-you-need-to-know/}
Research suggests that around 60% of chicks may develop with shorter heads if eggs are hatched with the narrow end facing up.
It can effectively break the eggshell and begin its respiration process. Eggs laid horizontally undergo normal development as they are regularly turned.
During the initial 18 days of incubation, eggs should be positioned with their broader tops facing up, while for the final three days, they should be laid horizontally.
5. Turning egg
In both natural and artificial incubation settings, eggs need to be turned regularly to prevent the developing embryo from adhering to one side of the eggshell, which could result in embryo mortality.
For optimal results, eggs should be turned approximately 8 times a day during artificial incubation. Larger hatcheries often employ automated systems that turn the eggs once every hour.
The recommended turning angle for eggs is 45 degrees to the vertical and followed by an equal rotation in the opposite direction.
Turning the eggs below a 45-degree angle doesn’t enhance hatchability. Once the eggs are transferred to the hatcher, there’s no need for further rotation.
Recommended degrees...
Factor | Incubator | Hatcher |
Temperature | 99.50 to 99.75 o F | 98.5 oF |
Humidity | 55-60 % | 65-70 % |
Setup | The wider part should be facing upwards | |
Handling and storage of hatching eggs
Once hens lay hatching eggs, their quality remains constant. However, you can ensure their hatching potential is not compromised by following these methods.
Hens lay their eggs on nesting materials. Placing clean, dry, non-fungal material in the nest will prevent eggs from getting dirty or broken. https://allchickenfeeder.com/choosing-the-right-chicken-coop-feeder-for-your-flock/
Additionally, providing ample nests in the coop before hens start laying eggs encourages them to lay eggs in designated areas instead of on the floor. https://allchickenfeeder.com/how-much-space-do-chickens-need-in-a-coop/
Hens’ eggs must be regularly collected to preserve their quality. Eggs laid in the coop should be collected at least four times daily.
To prevent microbial contamination of fertilized eggs, we shoul follow every safety measure. Therefore, egg pickers should thoroughly clean their hands with disinfectant before collecting eggs from the coop.
Furthermore, egg cartons should be sterilized and kept free from organic matter to maintain hygiene standards.
Selecting eggs for hatching
Not every egg laid by breeding hens is suitable for hatching. Eggs that are broken, dirty, or oddly shaped are generally not chosen for incubation.
Additionally, very small or excessively large eggs have lower hatchability rates compared to medium-sized ones. Eggs with thin shells or excessive perforations also have difficulty hatching due to water loss.
Avoiding contamination of hatching eggs
Maintaining cleanliness during the incubation process of “How Long Does It Take to Incubate Chicken Eggs?” is crucial for achieving high hatch rates and producing healthy chicks.
While it’s impossible to have completely germ-free eggshells, steps can be taken to minimize contamination.
When eggs are laid, they naturally pick up bacteria from the surrounding environment, with around 300-500 microbes present on the shell.
As the egg cools, a negative pressure is formed inside and it could let bacteria in.
Eggs are naturally protected from bacteria...
However, eggs are naturally protected from bacterial invasion. The outer cuticle of the eggshell is highly resistant to bacteria, and the inner and outer membranes act as additional barriers.
The egg white (albumin) is acidic, making it hostile to bacteria, while the egg yolk contains lysozyme, an enzyme that combats bacteria.
However, improper cleaning methods such as covering eggs with sand can damage the eggshell’s protective cuticle.
Sanitizing process....
Fumigation with formaldehyde gas is the preferred method for sanitizing fertilized eggs, although chemical solutions like quaternary ammonium compounds, formalin, and hydrogen peroxide can also be effective.
Washing fertilized eggs should be avoided whenever possible. If washing is necessary, a clean cloth soaked in warm water slightly warmer than the eggs can be used to gently wipe away dirt, ensurin
g that the water temperature does not exceed that of the eggs.
it is important that the eggs not be soaked in water, as this may weaken their barrier of defense.
Storage of Fertilized Hatching Eggs
In hatcheries, eggs are typically not incubated immediately after being laid by the hens. Most hatcheries only incubate eggs twice a year.
Fertilized eggs should be kept in an egg storage room that has 75 percent relative humidity and 65 degrees Fahrenheit if they must be kept for up to a week.
When storing eggs for less than ten days, it’s best to position them with the wider end facing upwards.
However, if eggs need to be stored for more than ten days, storing them with the shorter end facing upwards can improve their hatchability.
What to Do After Newly Hatched Chicks?
History of Successfully hatched chick
When your chicks hatch successfully, they will emerge wet. Keep them in the incubator until they are completely dry. Despite being a bit noisy and clumsy, it’s best to leave them in the incubator initially.
This helps maintain the proper temperature and humidity for the remaining eggs yet to hatch.
Once the chicks are dry, transfer them to the prepared brooder. Since chicks absorb the yolk sac before hatching, they usually won’t eat much during the first day or two.
This is why chicks can be shipped in the mail and can go without food or water for up to three days. I wait for the first 24 hours after hatching before introducing food and water, although I don’t wait the full three days.
Hatching egg mostly end up with rooster.....
When hatching eggs yourself, there’s always a chance of getting roosters. I ended up with four roosters out of my dozen hatching eggs and had to find new homes for a couple of them.
It is important to know your rules and regulations for keeping a rooster in your city.
We thoroughly enjoyed bringing our newest little flock members into the world through learning “How Long Does It Take to Incubate Chicken Eggs?”
Sincierly,
Safrina
What happens if eggs don't hatch in 21 days?
Several issues may be at play if eggs don’t hatch within the standard 21-day incubation period.
Firstly, unfertilized eggs won’t develop viable embryos.
Secondly, incorrect temperature or humidity levels during incubation can lead to unsuccessful hatching.
Inadequate egg turning or poor ventilation can also impede hatching. Make necessary adjustments if they fail to hatch after 21 days.
How long does it take for a chicken egg to hatch naturally?
Chicken eggs usually hatch naturally in about 21 days, but this can vary. Some factors that influence it are breed, temperature, and humidity. Providing a suitable nesting habitat for broody hens is crucial.
