Agri Gossip

Pre-Hatch Check List--Equipment

When you receive your incubator: 

• Wash it thoroughly with a damp cloth using a diluted bleach solution; then let dry.

• Set it up away from drafts, direct sunlight, and traffic path.

• Regulate the temperature between 99 degrees - 103 degrees F for two to seven days before you begin incubation of fertile eggs. Maintain room temperature between 70 degrees and 75 degrees F.

• Make sure you have a reliable and accurate thermometer.

• Be sure the thermometer is placed at egg level.

• Fill water rings in bottom of incubator with distilled water and keep full.

Incubation Check List

• Wash your hands thoroughly before setting eggs in the incubator. Wash your hands after setting eggs in the incubator.

• Be sure the incubator water channels are full of water. Refill with water that is at room temperature.

• Mark an "x" on one side and an "o" on the other side of each egg with a pencil.

• Best day of week to set your fertile eggs is on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

• Regulate temperature between 99 degrees F. and 103 degrees F., most preferably at 100.5 degrees F., if using a still air incubator.

• Turn your fertile eggs three times a day beginning on day two until the 18th day of incubation.

• Wash your hands thourougly before and after handling the eggs. Keep records on turning the eggs.

• Candle eggs on day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and after 21. Do not candle after day 18 until you are sure that hatching is complete.
• At the End of Day 18

• Place a thin layer of cheese cloth over the wire rack, then place the eggs on the cheese cloth.

• Add wet sponges to bottom channels to increase moisture, and if your incubator has vent plugs, remove them as appropriate.

• When chicks hatch, lower incubator temperature to 95 degrees F. Do not remove chicks from incubator until they are dry and fluffy.

When Hatching Begins -- Day 21

• Set up a brooder box.

• Get out feeder and waterer.

• Place wood shavings or other suitable class="smaller" litter in the bottom of the brooder box.

• Regulate the temperature around 95 degrees F.

• Provide water and feed for chicks after they are placed in the brooder box. Place marbles or rocks in the waterer to keep chicks from drowning.

• Return hatched chicks to the Extension Office or take them to the farm at the agreed upon time.

After Hatch

• Clean your incubator with a diluted bleach solution.

• Allow to dry.

• Wash and dry feeder and waterer.

• Put incubator and other equipment away for next year.

• Return evaluation.