Guide To Egg Incubation Using Incubator

---

2024-06-19

This is an egg incubation guide. What should we do when using incubators?

---

Selecting Eggs

When selecting eggs, choose those that meet the size and shape requirements for the breed. Eggs that are too large, too small, too long, too round, with overly thin shells, rough surfaces, or overly hard shells are not suitable for incubation. The ideal weight for eggs is 55-65 grams, typically 8-10 eggs per pound. The storage time for hatching eggs is short; it is best to use them within 7 days, with 3-5 days being the optimal storage period.

---

Double Disinfection

Before incubation, both the incubation equipment and the hatching eggs need to be disinfected. This is typically done using fumigation or ultraviolet (UV) light exposure to ensure a hygienic and safe incubation process.

---

Setting the Eggs

Before setting the eggs in the incubator, preheat them in an environment of 22-25℃ for about 2 hours. This wakes up the embryo development from a dormant state, reduces temperature fluctuations in the incubator, and removes surface condensation from the eggshells. Place the eggs in the incubator trays with the large end up. The optimal time to set the eggs is around 4-5 PM, ensuring that most chicks hatch during the daytime.

---

Incubation Management

Days 1-7: Temperature: 37.8℃, Humidity: 60-65%

Days 8-18: Temperature: 37.5℃, Humidity: 50-55%

The Days 19-21: Temperature: 37.2℃, Humidity: 65-70% Ensure good ventilation throughout the incubation process, keeping the carbon dioxide concentration inside the incubator below 0.5%.

Consult us

---

Turning and Cooling Eggs

Turning: The primary purpose of turning eggs is to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell membrane. Turn the eggs every 1.5 hours. After 17 days, turning is no longer needed, and the eggs should be moved to the hatching area.

Cooling: Cooling the eggs helps to dissipate excess physiological heat and provides sufficient oxygen to the embryos, preventing overheating and suffocation. No cooling is needed for the first 1-7 days. From days 8-12, cool the eggs once a day for 15 minutes. And From days 13-17, cool them twice a day for 20 minutes each. From days 18-21, cool every 4-6 hours for 15-20 minutes each time. Open the front door and back wall panels for cooling, turning the eggs once during this period.

---

Egg Candling

Candling is done three times during incubation:

First candling: On day 5 for white eggs and day 7 for brown eggs, remove infertile, dead, and spoiled eggs.

Second candling: On day 11.

Third candling: On day 18, adjust the incubator’s temperature and humidity based on the development of the eggs.

---

Hatching

On day 19 or when 1% of the eggs show slight pipping, transfer the eggs from the incubator trays to the hatching trays, maintaining a temperature of 36.7℃ and a humidity of 75%. After the bulk of the chicks hatch, collect the chicks every 4 hours. Move any unhatched eggs to the upper layers to facilitate hatching.

Following these steps ensures an efficient and successful egg incubation process.

Livi Machinery is a professional chicken equipment supplier. We provide all the equipment for chicken farmers, including incubators.
If you would like to know more about our incubator, please leave us a message.

---