Fertile eggs can be hatched by using an egg incubator. An incubator is an enclosed structure with a fan and heater to keep eggs warm during the 21-day incubation period. When determining which incubator to purchase, we recommend using an incubator with some automatic features, such as egg turning (which is critical to chick development and to keep the chick from sticking to the inside surface of the shell) and a fan to facilitate even heat distribution.
Temperature and humidity inside the incubator are critical factors for successfully hatching eggs. Suggested guidelines are as follows:
- Optimum temperature: 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit
- Temperature range: 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Don’t let temperature drop below 99 degrees Fahrenheit
- Do not allow temps of 102 degrees Fahrenheit to last more than a few hours
- Double-check the incubator’s thermometer with a medical thermometer placed nearby to ensure the gauge is working properly.
- Relative humidity, day 1-17: 50-55 percent
- Equivalent to a wet bulb temperature of 85-87 degrees Fahrenheit
- Keep water channels in the incubator full to facilitate proper humidity
- Relative humidity, day 18-21: On day 18, raise the relative humidity to 70 percent
- Use a hygrometer to ensure humidity levels are correct throughout the incubation period
- Only open the incubator when necessary – doing so can let heat and humidity escape and can affect the
