- 1). Place the incubator near an outlet, but away from drafts and cold air vents to maintain even temperatures and humidity. Place the thermometer/thermostat and hygrometer or humidity gauge inside according to the manufacturer's specifications. These are available at cigar shops, pet or farm stores. Plug in and preheat the incubator to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Days 1 through 18, humidity levels should be kept at around 50 percent and then a little higher in the last few days.
- 2
Make sure eggs are unsoiledAblestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Take any dirty eggs or eggs that are from origins unknown to you and wash them with an incubator disinfectant and water. Dirty eggs can carry bacteria, which will multiply in an incubator. Make sure the water is warmer than the egg. Cool water can pul bacteria into the egg shell. Do not wash eggs that are clear of debris as it could damage the protective coating and is not necessary. Allow the cleaned eggs to air dry. Do not wipe. - 3). Mark the top of each egg with an X and the bottom with an O. Place each egg into an available slot or pocket in the incubator and make sure the X is facing upward and is visible. Eggs should lie in the incubator just as they would when lying on a table, with the larger end slightly higher than the small. Turn the eggs over at least three times a day and up to five times for healthy chicks. This is roughly every 2 1/2 to four hours. However, your incubator may come with a self-turning mechanism; if so this step will not be necessary. Stop turning the eggs on days 19-20.
- 4
Chicks should not graduate from the incubator for three days.Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
Eggs should hatch between 21 and 24 days after being placed in the incubator. When hatched, do not immediately remove young chicks. They do not need food or drink and can stay within the incubator for up to three extra days. This gives the chicks enough time to develop their fluffy coat of feathers. Remove chicks after three days. Then make sure water and dry mash are constantly available for them so they can eat and drink on demand.
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