Using Chicken Incubator

Chicken incubators ensure healthy eggs. You can build your own or purchase a commercial product. Whatever method you prefer, the important thing is to know the basic of hatching chicken eggs. Chicken incubator may be the best poultry supplies you will ever invest – only if it is used in the right ways.

1.     The rule of six. It is good to not settle hatching less than six eggs, especially when these eggs are only shipped. Chances are, you will only be hatching one egg – even none. Be sure to increase the chance of hatching a good number of eggs by making sure that you put more than six eggs in the incubator.

2.     Remember 21. All poultry owners know that it takes 21-days before the eggs are hatched. That is, when the eggs are kept in an ideal environment. There are cases wherein the eggs get older as the temperature is set at a lower degree.  This should not impose a problem, just wait for the few days and these eggs will eventually hatch. When controlling temperature, the commercial chicken incubator has the advantage of maintaining a stable heat. It will ensure healthy eggs with high probability of hatching right after 21 days.

3.    Still-Air vs. Turbo-Air. There are two kinds of incubator and each has its own requirements to ensure a healthy egg. The still-air incubator should be maintained at 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit while Forced air should be only up to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The still-air requires higher temperature as the air inside does not circulate. With that, the air is usually cooler at the bottom than at the top.

4.    Turning Constantly Until 18. It is important to turn the eggs at a regular interval to allow the heat to penetrate inside substantially. However, it is ideal to stop turning the eggs after 18 days so that the eggs are allowed for proper hatching. When doing this manually, be sure to use clean hands and tools to avoid any contamination.

5.   Proper humidity. In the first 18 days, be sure to keep the humidity steady so as to increase the chances of achieving healthy chicken embryos. After this, raise to humidity of 70 percent to allow successful hatching. You can use a hygrometer to accurately measure the temperature.

Being able to produce more eggs means having good chances of earning profits. Be sure to know the best poultry supplies needed for successful business at http://poultrysupplies.org/.