A Guide to Successful Hatching

Successfully hatching eggs requires precision and care. The following guide offers essential tips based on the methods we use at Greenfire Farms. While this is not an exhaustive guide, it provides key steps to help increase your hatch rates. Please remember to follow the instruction manual of your incubator and perform your own research.

Preparation for Incubation

Before setting your eggs, it’s important to create an optimal environment. Here’s how to get started

Incubator Setup

Run your incubator for at least 24 hours before placing your eggs, ensuring consistent temperature and humidity levels.

Let Eggs Rest

After receiving shipped eggs, allow them to rest pointed side down for 12-24 hours. This helps stabilize the yolk and improves hatch success.

Check Equipment

We recommend using two thermometers and hygrometers to ensure accurate readings in case one malfunctions.

Incubation Timeline

Day 1 - 17

Temperature Control

Keep the incubator at 99.5°F with a fan or 100-101°F for a still-air incubator.

Humidity Levels

Maintain humidity at 45-55% for optimal embryo development.

Turning the Eggs

Eggs need consistent turning throughout incubation. Automatic egg turners are highly recommended. If turning by hand, turn eggs every 4-6 hours, no longer than 8 hours between turns.

Candling

Around Day 7, begin candling the eggs to check for blood vessels and developing embryos. Discard any undeveloped eggs, especially from dark-colored or hard-to-see eggs like brown or blue shells.

Day 18 - 20 (Lockdown Period)

Stop Turning

At this stage, stop turning the eggs and remove the egg turner if you’ve been using one.

Increase Humidity

Raise humidity levels to 65-70% to prepare for hatching.

Candling Again

Do one final candling to discard any undeveloped eggs.

Do Not Open Incubator

Leave the eggs alone during this critical time. Do not open the incubator until hatching is complete.

Day 21 (Hatch Day!)

Patience is Key

Chicks won’t all hatch at the same time, so resist the temptation to open the incubator early. Chicks can survive on absorbed yolk for the first few days, so there’s no need to rush.

Let Them Dry

Once all chicks are hatched and dry, carefully move them to their brooder. This is the beginning of their next journey.

Post-Hatching Care

Marek’s Disease Vaccination

We recommend vaccinating your chicks for Marek’s Disease on the day they hatch to protect them from the common poultry illness.

Brooder Setup

Once dry, transfer chicks to a brooder that has been set to the appropriate temperature and has clean water and feed. For more information, see our Chick Arrival and Care Guide.

Important Considerations

Egg Viability

While hatching eggs is a natural process, not all eggs will develop successfully. It’s important to remain patient and attentive throughout the process.

No Hatch Rate Guarantee

We do not guarantee a specific hatch rate, but following these steps will give you the best possible results.

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