Have you ever been excited about a batch of eggs in your incubator, only to find that the hatch wasn’t as successful as you’d hoped? Maybe you’re new to the hatching game and you’re trying to avoid such pitfalls. Either way, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re going to explore common egg incubation problems and their solutions.
Understanding Egg Incubation
Egg incubation is a delicate, often intricate, process that nature has honed to perfection. Hens instinctively know that in order to have chickies, they have to sit on their eggs keeping them warm and humid for 21 days.
Even after the hatch, the hen has to keep the chicks warm and protected. Protected from predators both within and from outside the flock. When we take on the task ourselves, we have a responsibility to mirror that as closely as possible.
Knowing what can go wrong during incubation is the first step to avoiding or rectifying such issues.
Common Egg Incubation Problems
Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature is arguably the most critical factor in the incubation process. Generally, the ideal incubation temperature for chicken eggs is around 99.5°F. Fluctuations, either too high or too low, can delay hatching times, halt embryonic growth, or even cause mortality.
What can cause these fluctuations? Curiosity for one thing. Yup… too much peeking under the incubator cover can cause drafts and a lowering of temperature in the incubator, then the heater kicks on and it gets hot again. Up and down and up and down goes the temperature… not good for the embryo in the egg.
The only time you would want to open the incubator is to quickly turn the eggs in a manual incubator or to candle the eggs to assure fertility. Candling should really only be done a couple of times. Once to assure an egg is fertile, and once to see if the chick is forming properly.
Inadequate Humidity Levels
Next up on our egg incubation problems list is humidity. Humidity levels play a significant role in determining the amount of moisture lost from the egg during incubation. Too much or too little can lead to dire consequences.
One way to solve the problem of fluctuating humidity and temperature is with a high-quality automatic incubator.
The ideal humidity range for most of the incubation period is between 40% and 60% for the first 18 days and 75% for the last few days. The higher humidity helps the chicks exit the shell more easily.
Poor Egg Turning
Turning eggs simulates the natural behavior of a broody hen and is crucial for preventing the embryo from sticking to the shell membrane. Not turning the eggs enough or incorrect turning angles can negatively impact embryo development. The illustration shows proper angling.
Turning means rotating eggs back and forth by forty-five degrees a minimum of three times per day. This can be done by hand in a manual incubator, or automatically using automatic turners. This mimics the action of a broody hen moving back and forth in a nest.
Infertile Eggs
Finding a high percentage of infertile eggs can be disappointing, and if not identified early, can cause a mess in your incubator. It’s important to understand why this might happen and how to prevent it. Some possible reasons are:`
- No Rooster: Perhaps the most straightforward reason for infertile chicken eggs is the absence of a rooster. Hens can lay eggs without a rooster, but these will be infertile and will not hatch.
- Age of the Chicken: Both very young and very old hens or roosters can have lower fertility rates. Hens are most fertile from about 1 to 3 years of age, although this can vary depending on the breed. Similarly, rooster fertility starts declining after about a year.
- Health and Nutrition: Both hens and roosters need to be in good health for optimal fertility. Illness, parasites, or poor nutrition can all impact fertility. Hens, in particular, need a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to produce healthy eggs.
- Stress: Chickens are sensitive to stress, which can result from changes in their environment, predator threats, bullying within the flock, or even changes in the weather. Stress can lead to decreased egg production and lower fertility.
- Environmental Factors: Conditions that are too hot, cold, wet, or dry can negatively affect fertility. So can sudden changes in light and dark periods, or lack of appropriate nesting sites.
- Breeding Issues: If a rooster is unable to mate effectively with hens, perhaps due to physical problems or competition from other roosters, then the eggs may not be fertilized.
- Genetics and Breed: Some breeds of chickens have lower fertility rates than others. Also, genetic issues, such as inbreeding, can decrease fertility over time.
- Improper Egg Handling or Storage: Even if an egg is fertilized, it may not develop properly if it’s not stored and handled correctly. Eggs should be collected frequently, kept relatively cool, and not washed until just before use to maintain the protective “bloom” on the shell.
Proven Solutions to Egg Incubation Problems
Maintaining Ideal Temperature and Humidity
Invest in a reliable incubator with accurate temperature and humidity controls. Digital models often offer superior precision. Consider using a separate thermometer and hygrometer for double-checking readings. Adjust settings as needed to maintain ideal conditions.
Ensuring Proper Egg Turning
Most modern incubators come with automatic turning features. If you’re turning eggs manually, aim for a minimum of three times daily, and ensure you change the eggs’ resting position each time. Remember, consistency is key.
Managing Infertility
Improve egg fertility by maintaining a proper hen-to-rooster ratio, ensuring the birds are of optimal breeding age, and maintaining good nutrition and health among your flock.
Enhancing Ventilation
Make sure your incubator allows for steady airflow. Regularly clean and maintain the unit to prevent blockages. Buying a quality incubator is not difficult. There are many reliable brands to choose from.
Advanced Tips for Troubleshooting Egg Incubation Problems
Sometimes, even when all conditions seem perfect, incubation can go wrong. Learn how to troubleshoot less common problems with a trusted resource like The Poultry Site or invest in an egg candler to monitor the development process. Understanding the visual cues of a developing egg can help spot problems early on.
Thanks a lot for “chicking” out my post. Please leave a comment if the spirit moves you.
Dave
Chickenmethod.com