When attempting to begin hatching eggs using the incubation method, it is necessary to first be certain you have attained the highest quality eggs available. Some tips to consider when gathering the eggs desired for incubating are as follows:
do not use eggs that are either extremely large or small
dirty eggs should not be used
- check for thin or cracked shells, as these should be avoided as well.
- try to keep the eggs varied and non-related (sister, brother, etc.)
do not wipe or rub the eggs prior to incubation, this wipes germs into the shell through the pores.
- start with the cleanest eggs available
Once you have taken the advice listed above, you are ready to begin readying your eggs for the incubation period. Since the embryo is starting to develop at an early stage, the right care is necessary and important. Gathering your eggs on a regular daily basis is advised, beginning with three times daily unless the outside temperatures rise above 85 degrees. If this happens to occur, you should gather the eggs at least four times daily.
Choosing the best incubator is an imperative step in caring for the eggs, and knowing the basic types will aid you in your choice. The most common types of incubators are forced air and still air. The smaller of the two is the still air incubator and it has no fan for air circulation. An entry base allows for fresh air to come in once the rise and escape warmed air process is finished. The larger and better style incubator is the forced air style that will include a fan to circulate the air inside. These can vary in size from large to industrial and the proper temperatures for the best hatching conditions vary between the two models.
When using the forced air incubator the recommended temperature is 100 degrees F . If this temperature is not followed or rises and lowers during the incubation period, chances are the eggs will be ruined and will not hatch. The improper temperature is the most common cause of poor hatching. Some other common reasons for not hatching are poor sanitation, lack of ventilation and neglectful egg turning.
The still air incubator requires an internal temperature of 102 degrees F for good hatching conditions. Because this temperature is higher, it makes it necessary for frequent temperature checks, and the use of only the best thermometers. The control of the humidity is important during the incubation process, and is an extremely important factor in the eggs development. if the humidity is too high or too low, the proper forming of the shell and the embryo will not be possible and will also result in poor hatching.
Along with the temperature being an important factor, is the oxygen supply. Good amounts of oxygen for the embryo's growth and development will be necessary as well as turning of the eggs. A good flow of oxygen should be made available, especially in still air incubators without affecting the temperature. Following this is the turning habits. In the still air incubator, this is done manually and requires a gentle hand and is necessary 2 to 3 times a day. In a forced air incubator, this will be done automatically, but will still require monitoring.
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