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[Nigeria-farmer]

Am a Nigerian from Africa continent,a farmer and lover of backyard chicken forum.
I have urgent question to ask please as am new in hatching,using local made incubator. 1. Using light bulb or thermostat which one is best? 2. Must incubator be on throughout 21 days?

 

[GitaBooks]

Welcome to BYC!

A thermostat is best, as it is more easily controlled, though most heat sources that remain constant will work.
Here are some tips on incubating chicken eggs:

1) Put the eggs in a well insulated box that constantly stays at around 100 F (depending on the type of incubator) through-out the entire 21 days
2) Make sure the eggs have a humidity around 50% during the first 17-18 days and then around 65% the remaining few days
3) Turn the eggs 3-4 times a day every day until day 18, then stop and leave the eggs be until hatching

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask them.
Best of luck with your eggs!

 

[drumstick diva]

After hatching, they will need a brooder box with heat lamp (unless your temperatures are very high.)

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! A thermostat would be best so you can control the temp and keep it steady. Here is a thread all about homemade incubators that people have used ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...home-made-incubators-whether-they-work-or-not
Hope it gives you some ideas on what you need. Also have a read of this too. It's an excellent article on incubating and hatching and gives some great advice on the optimum conditions for eggs to develop well ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101

Wishing you the very best of luck with your eggs. Be sure to ask any questions that you may have, everyone here to help and very friendly.

Enjoy BYC and all the chicken chat

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!