Egg Hatching Guide

Congratulations on your purchase of chicken eggs for hatching! To ensure the best possible hatch rates and healthy chicks, it's essential to take proper care of your eggs from the moment they arrive.

Here are some important tips for incubating your chicken eggs:

  1. Inspect the Eggs: Once you receive your eggs, inspect them carefully for any cracks or damage, please contact us if there are 

  2. Store the Eggs Correctly: Store your eggs pointy end down in a clean and dry egg carton in a cool room (around 55-65°F) with moderate humidity (around 50-60%) for 12 to 24 hours before setting them in the incubator. Do not store them in the fridge or in direct sunlight, and avoid moving them around too much.

  3. Setting the Incubator: It is important that your incubator is setup at least 24 hours before placing the eggs in the incubator. The temperature should be between 99.5°F and 100.5°F, and the humidity should be around 45-55%. Consult your incubator manual for specific instructions.

  4. Turn the Eggs: Turn the eggs at least three times a day to prevent the yolk from sticking to the shell and help the chick develop properly. Mark one side of each egg with an X and the other side with an O to help you keep track of which way you've turned them.

  5. Candle the Eggs: After 7-10 days of incubation, you can candle the eggs to check for signs of development. Use a bright light source and hold the egg up to the light to see inside. Look for a dark area with veins spreading out from it, which indicates a growing embryo. Discard any eggs that appear clear or show no signs of development.

  6. Prepare for Hatching: In the last few days of incubation, stop turning the eggs and increase the humidity level to around 70%. This will help the chicks hatch more easily. Make sure the incubator or brooding area is clean, warm, and dry, with plenty of space for the chicks to move around.

By following these simple steps, you can maximize the chances of hatching healthy chicks from your chicken eggs. Good luck, and happy hatching!

 

 

 

Rearing Chicks

Congratulations on your new baby chicks! Whether you're a first-time chicken owner or a seasoned pro, raising chicks is an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some important tips to help you get started:

  1. Provide the Right Environment: Chicks need a warm and dry environment to thrive. Keep them in a brooder with a heat source, such as a heat lamp or heating pad, to maintain a temperature of around 90-95°F for the first week, and gradually reduce the temperature by 5°F each week. Use bedding materials such as aubiose or pine shavings, and keep the brooder clean and dry.

  2. Provide Clean Water and Food: Chicks need access to clean water and food at all times. Use a chick waterer and feeder, and provide a high-quality chick starter feed that contains at least 18% protein. You can also offer treats such as fresh greens, cooked egg, and mealworms.

  3. Monitor Health: Watch your chicks closely for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or diarrhea. Keep the brooder clean and dry to prevent the spread of disease, and consider adding a probiotic supplement to their water to support their immune system.

  4. Socialize and Handle Your Chicks: Socialize your chicks by spending time with them each day, talking to them, and gently handling them. This will help them become more comfortable around humans and reduce stress. However, make sure to wash your hands before and after handling chicks.

  5. Prepare for the Next Stage: As your chicks grow, they will eventually outgrow their brooder and need to move to a larger coop. Make sure to provide enough space, perches, and nesting boxes for your growing flock. Consider adding a run or allowing them to free-range in a safe area.

Raising chicks is a fun and rewarding experience that requires patience and dedication. By following these tips and providing the right environment, food, and care, you can raise healthy and happy chickens that will provide you with fresh eggs and companionship for years to come.