Hens are laying... thinking of incubating some of them... now what?

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creativeann

creativeann

In the Brooder
Apr 19, 2016
19
2
49
western nc, usa
I have been thinking about incubating eggs. I have hens that are laying fertilized eggs and I was thinking I would just try to hatch some of those... but I have so many questions!!!

Is there a certain amount of time that I need to get the eggs in the bator by, can I take them from the nesting box straight to the incubator? What should I look for when I am picking eggs to incubate? Do eggs need to stay a certain temp until incubation? (I do collect every day and the eggs don't sit in the box for more than a couple hrs tops but are some times not very warm when collected). Also since I am just trying this for the first time I don't wanna go "all out" with an expensive incubator.... what are the MUST HAVES when it comes to an incubator? Any starter incubators that you all would recommend?

I have been able to find so many things on what to do when the eggs are in the incubator but I never really can find out what comes before that. :)
 
The viability of eggs declines with time. Usually, eggs under 10 days are considered the best for incubation. Storing them in a cool place in your house is fine. Eggs should be stored in an egg box / carton pointed end down and ideally, the carton / box should be elevated at one end (so the box is tilted at an angle). Alternate which end of the box is elevated a couple of times day.

This link should give you some ideas re: which incubator to consider buying - https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=starter+incubator+recommendations
 
creativeann said:
 I have been thinking about incubating eggs. I have hens that are laying fertilized eggs and I was thinking I would just try to hatch some of those... but I have so many questions!!!

Is there a certain amount of time that I need to get the eggs in the bator by, can I take them from the nesting box straight to the incubator? What should I look for when I am picking eggs to incubate? Do eggs need to stay a certain temp until incubation? (I do collect every day and the eggs don't sit in the box for more than a couple hrs tops but are some times not very warm when collected). Also since I am just trying this for the first time I don't wanna go "all out" with an expensive incubator.... what are the MUST HAVES when it comes to an incubator?  Any starter incubators that you all would recommend?

I have been able to find so many things on what to do when the eggs are in the incubator but I never really can find out what comes before that. :)
Click to expand...

My suggestion on incubator would be a Hovabator. The 1583 model I have and love it. Paid $122 without the extras. The 1588 is the same bator but all digital. You can find them for about $150. If you want an automatic turner they are about 45-50 bucks more. The 1605N is an older model, cheaper. Still air. You can get them relatively cheap by themselves or as a kit with the fan to instal and the new type turner for around $140. I would steer away from the TSC incubators. If you decide hatching isn't for you you can sell the incubator and you'll have better luck selling a Hovabator than a digital lg.
As for all other opinions and incubation/ hatching you can find them here http://hatching411.weebly.com/
Along with my humidity method here http://letsraisechickens.weebly.com...anuals-understanding-and-controlling-humidity
 

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