The Exciting Journey of Hatching American Breast Chickens

TLDRJoin us as we document our first hatch of American breast chickens, from putting the eggs in the incubator to the moment the chicks hatch. We share our simple incubation process and offer insights into successful hatching. We also showcase the hatching of quail eggs alongside the chickens. Get ready for an egg-citing adventure!

Key insights

🐣Successful incubation requires attention to temperature and humidity.

🥚Store eggs pointy end down for optimal hatching.

😃Hatching chicks provides a great opportunity to start fresh with new genetics.

📦Using the right incubator can simplify the incubation process.

🐦Hatching both chickens and quail can add variety to your flock.

Q&A

What temperature and humidity do you set in the incubator?

We set the incubator at 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain 45% humidity during the initial incubation period. On the lock-down day, we raise humidity to 70%.

Do you need to turn the eggs manually?

If you have an egg turner, you can automate the turning process. Otherwise, manually turning them two to three times a day is sufficient.

How long do you store the eggs before incubation?

We store the eggs for up to seven days, with the ideal duration being around five days. It's important to avoid washing the eggs before incubation.

Should the eggs be cleaned before incubation?

It's best not to wash the eggs before incubation, as it removes the protective layer. However, eggs with minor dirt or dry debris can still be used.

Can you hatch eggs from different bird species together?

Yes, you can hatch different bird species' eggs together, such as chickens and quail. Just ensure their size and incubation needs are compatible.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the excitement of hatching American breast chickens and documenting the process.

06:00Overview of the incubation process and discussion of temperature and humidity control.

08:00Explanation of storing eggs pointy end down and the use of egg turners.

10:00Excitement over the hatch of quail eggs alongside the chickens and setup of a brooder for optimal conditions.

12:00Discussion of the large number of successful hatches and plans for counting them later.