I borrowed an incubator and want to try it but I'm scared.....

[Mommi3130]

I have never hatched anything before. I want to try, but I don't want to screw it all up. Help how do I do it? Where is a good place to get eggs? Help?

 

[KellyHM]

If you can find fertilized eggs locally you'll get a better hatch than if you have them shipped to you. 100 degrees and about 35% humidity for the first 18 days, then 100 degrees and about 65% humidity for the last 3 days (21 days total). They need to be turned (3 times a day by hand or with an automatic turner) foro the first 18 days, then laid on their sides and not turned for the last 3 days. Have fun!

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
I was scared too but the only way I knew that Id survive is to jump right in and do it and learn by my mistakes-The first batch total dissaster-2nd 50% hatch-3rd 65% hatch etc..Ive gotten to the point now where I put them in and walk away excpet to check temp and humidity a few times a day-pull out turner day 18 and crank the humidity-lock down and wait-the waiting is not even hard anymore! I noticed you had me on a list for eggs to buy-thankfully those wont be available until late fall-but for now try and get some cheap fertile eggs-a few and try it out on them first-youll learn what you can and cannot do very fast-and we are all here to help- keep reading on here and researching on the search engine provided-helped me through everything! Good luck

 

[NancyP]

This site has oodles of info and tons of help. Read,read,read. and have fun. Oh yeah here is a helpful link also, http://gallus.tamu.edu/Extension%20publications/b6092.pdf
Nancy

 

[CorralitosSunflower]

Advice about hatching varies by what it is you want to hatch, chicks, ducklings, geese? This is an awesome place to be a part of for your first hatch, wish I had known about it for mine!!! Look on Craigslist for local fertile eggs, or if you have a Yahoo Freecycle group in your area I have found that a great place to get some hatching eggs

I am so excited for you, it is so much fun, especially the first time (assuming all goes as planned). Happy hatching!

 

[Mommi3130]

I want to hatch chicks

Thanks for the advice so far!

 

[JenEric Farms]

Is it a still air incubator or is there a fan installed?

 

[hikerchick]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=212663

Sometimes eggs just want to hatch.