If you’ve ordered shipped hatching eggs for your incubator, you’re likely excited about the prospect of new chicks. However, hatching eggs that have been shipped can present some unique challenges. Follow these tips and tricks to maximize your success when incubating shipped eggs and increase your chances of a successful hatch.
Understanding Shipped Eggs
Eggs that are shipped can experience jostling and temperature fluctuations during transit, which can impact their viability. It's important to handle them carefully upon arrival and to take specific steps to help them adapt to the incubation environment.
1. Inspect Eggs Upon Arrival
When your eggs arrive, carefully unpack them and inspect each egg. Look for any cracks or damage. It's best to let the eggs rest for at least 12-24 hours after arrival before placing them in the incubator. This allows the eggs to settle and come to room temperature.
2. Egg Positioning
Shipped eggs should ideally be stored and incubated with the air cell (the slightly rounded end) slightly elevated. This can help prevent the detached air cell from reattaching to the wrong part of the egg due to movement during shipping.
3. Humidity Control
Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for successful incubation. Shipped eggs can lose more moisture during transit, so you may need to adjust your humidity settings accordingly. Aim for around 30-35% humidity during the incubation process, increasing slightly to 55% during the final days before hatching. Darker eggs, which have a thicker shell, require lower humidity.
4. Gentle Handling
Handle the eggs with care throughout the incubation period. Avoid sudden movements or jarring that could damage the developing embryos.
5. Turning Eggs
Eggs should be turned regularly during incubation to prevent the embryos from sticking to the shell membrane. If your incubator doesn’t automatically turn eggs, be sure to turn them manually at least three times a day.
6. Candle Eggs
Around day 7 of incubation, candle the eggs to check for signs of development. Remove any clear or non-developing eggs to prevent them from rotting and affecting nearby eggs.
7. Patience is Key
Remember that hatching can be unpredictable, and not all eggs may hatch successfully. Be patient and avoid opening the incubator unnecessarily during the last days of incubation.
8. Prepare for Hatch Day
As you approach hatch day (usually around day 21 for chickens), make sure your incubator is clean and ready for the hatch. Keep a close eye on humidity levels and resist the urge to assist chicks unless absolutely necessary.
9. Assist When Needed
In some cases, chicks may struggle to hatch on their own, especially with shipped eggs. If you notice a chick having difficulty, you may need to carefully assist. However, only intervene if you’re confident in what you’re doing to avoid injuring the chick.
Conclusion
Successfully incubating shipped hatching eggs requires attention to detail and careful monitoring throughout the process. By following these tips and tricks, you can maximize your chances of a successful hatch and enjoy the rewarding experience of raising your own chicks. Remember, each hatch is a learning experience, so don’t be discouraged by any setbacks. Happy hatching!
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