When trying to begin hatching eggs using the incubation method, you must first be certain you have gotten the best 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.
- choose 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 eggs on a daily schedule is advised, starting with three times daily unless the outside temperatures rise above 85 degrees. If this occurs, gathering the eggs should be done at least five 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 incubators is the still air incubator and it will have no fan for air circulation. An entry base allows for cool fresh air to come in once the natural rise and escape warmed air process is completed. The larger and more popular incubator is the forced air style that includes a fan to circulate the air inside. These can vary in size from large to industrial and the right temperatures for the best hatching conditions vary between the models.
When you use a 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 incorrect temperature is the most common cause of poorly hatched eggs. The other common reasons are poor sanitation, lack of proper 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. Proper amounts of oxygen for the embryo's growth and development is necessary as well as turning of the eggs. A good oxygen flow should be made available, especially in still air incubators without it affecting the temperature. Following this process is the turning habits. In the still air incubator, this is done manually and requires a steady and gentle hand and is necessary four to six times a day. In a forced air incubator, this is done automatically, but still requires monitoring.
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