![]() ![]() The pipping process creates a distinct disc shaped port hole reminiscent of a submarine hatch. All of the chicks pip out of the same fat side of the egg where the air cell resides. The Hatching Process: The chick begins to hatch by “pipping.” The chick instinctively creates the initial small hole in the egg that becomes an artistic circular cut at end of the egg with the widest diameter. If any ventilation changes are made surrounding the hatch, it should be to increase ventilation, while using alternate methods such as filling an additional water chamber or adding a sponge or a wick to increase the surface area for evaporation. The oxygen needs for the hatching chick are compromised by lowering ventilation on hatch day. Caution, do not decrease ventilation in order to increase humidity. The manufacturer’s directions will typically call for a slight increase in humidity the day before the chicks are due to hatch. Indoor incubation during the winter is a challenge when humidity falls, especially if it drops to less than 25%.Conversely, in the summer, the garage is my favorite place to incubate with the high outdoor humidity providing a quite favorable hatch without having to fuss with the water as much. Indoor humidity can vary greatly depending on the season of the year and whether the air conditioner or heater are running cooling and heating have a substantial negative effect by lowering the humidity in the air. It is okay for the humidity in the incubator to drop occasionally, as long as the average, overall humidity stays between 35 and 45%. ![]() When the room humidity is drier, say 20 to 30%, the water level needs to be monitored more closely and sometimes filled twice daily to keep the humidity above 35%. A drier area may require more frequent filling. The room temperature and humidity where your incubator sits plays a big role in how much effort it will take to reach and maintain moisture levels that satisfy a developing chick embryo. Even though the actual humidity of the incubation chamber is not measured, great success can still be achieved by simply following the manufacturer’s directions. Typically, a thermometer is provided, but not a hygrometer to measure the humidity. The air circulation increases the humidity through evaporation. Typically the directions have you filling up one or more reservoirs inside the incubation chamber which in turn will have fans blowing air across the surface of the water. Our first incubator was a Styrofoam box with an intricate system of water wells in the bottom compartment that we picked up from a farm store. Getting the humidity in your incubator into the optimal range may be easy - momentarily staying consistently in the optional range may be difficult. This range is meant to mimic the underside of a hen. The ideal humidity range for incubating chicken eggs typically falls between 35 and 45%. Humidity: A hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the amount of humidity in the air. For whatever the reason, do not expect an inexpensive incubator to last forever monitor the temperature in order to quickly take emergency steps to remedy any problems. Perhaps the forced air fan system fails or the rheostat stops working. Most incubators lose the ability to maintain the correct temperature over time. Incubating at even one degree too hot or too cool can decrease your hatch rate. Use a thermometer to confirm the temperature and to monitor on a daily basis. Most incubators regulate the temperature automatically. Temperature: The easiest part of hatching chickens is purchasing an incubator and keeping the temperature at 99.6 ◦F. I remember thinking, “I am an embryologist for cows how difficult could this be?” Well, sometimes it is difficult, but most often, the experience provides an unexplainable joy with a relatively small investment of time and money. My first hatch was an adventure for my 9 year old son who signed up for a 4-H poultry project. Chicken eggs are merely a huge embryo that we can clearly see without a microscope, providing amazing educational opportunities. Elementary schools everywhere are participating in hatching projects to provide incredible educational experiences for their students. In three short weeks, baby chicks hatch unassisted, pop up and become an active fluff ball within a few hours. I am still amazed every time I witness a little wet chick that resembles a prehistoric creature emerge from an egg shell.
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