When to put eggs in incubator

ach2k6

In the Brooder
7 Years
Jun 12, 2012
13
0
22
Elsberry, Missouri
I'm new to raising chickens and want to hatch some chicks next year with my salmon favorelles my question is how do you know when to collect eggs and put them in the incubator? Does the hen lay several in one sitting if she has been fertilized or is it trial and error and you have to candle the eggs.
 
If the hen get covered by the roo often her eggs will be fertile. She will lay an egg a day max, depending on a number of factors like breed, feeding, etc. If you leave the eggs she may decide to sit on them when she thinks she's got enough. Mine usually start sitting when they have 12 eggs in the nest.
If you want to incubate them, collect the eggs and store them on their sides, at room temperature, turning them every day. Try not to store them too long, though. You'll have better hatch rates with fresh eggs.
 
I don't know of any good books, but there's lots of information here:

Incubating & Hatching Eggs Important Topic Index - Please Review

Tells you what to do, before and during incubation, during hatching and the sticky threads in the Raising Baby Chicks section will tell you what to do after that. Also look at Frequently Asked Questions under the chicken related questions and the Learning Centre. If you still have questions you are most welcome to ask!
 
so can you just take them from the nesting boxes and put them in the incubator. or is there a period of time you want to wait before putting them in. My chickens lay 12 eggs a day, we are going to try 12 eggs the first time.

Thanks
 
If you want to hatch 12 eggs and thats what you get each day, then yes, you can take them straight from the nest box and put them in the incubator.

I recommend running your incubator at least 24 hours after you get dialed in at the correct temperature to see if it holds steady.
 
Last edited:

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom