Hatch out

• Plan to remove chicks once a day, as every time incubator is opened, warm moist air escapes. Avoid chilling of wet chicks.

• Some chicks may be late in hatching, so you can leave remaining un hatched eggs up to two days longer.

When Hatching Begins -- Day 21

• Set up a brooder box.• Get out feeder and waterer.• Place wood shavings or other suitable class

"smaller" litter in the bottom of the brooder box.

• Regulate the temperature around 95 degrees F.

• Provide water and feed for chicks after they are placed in the brooder box. Place marbles or rocks in the waterer to keep chicks from drowning.

• Return hatched chicks to the Extension Office or take them to the farm at the agreed upon time.

After Hatch

• Clean your incubator with a diluted bleach solution.

• Allow to dry.• Wash and dry feeder and waterer.• Put incubator and other equipment away for

next year.• Return evaluation.

• Dead EmbryosBefore hatching time. Eggs haven't been turned at least 3 times a day.

• Lack of ventilation. • Incubator temperature set too high or too

low. • Breeder flock having poor hatchability or fed

inadequate ration.

• Eggs pipped but not hatched (Chick pecks hole through shell)Chicks dead in shells.

Sticky chicksShells sticking to chicks. Low average humidity.

• Low average temperature. • Low humidity at hatching time. • Excessive high temperature for short period.

• Hatching too earlyWith bloody navels. Temperature too high.

• Delayed hatchEggs not pipping until 21st day or later. Temperature too low.

• Draggy hatchSome chicks hatch early, but hatch is slow in finishing. Temperature too high.

• Crippled chicks Abnormalities in development.

• Poor nutrition of hens. • Incubator temperature too high.