Setting Up
Ideally, you will set up your incubator at least 24 hours before your eggs arrive. This ensures that your incubator has time to acclimate to the correct environment before the eggs are placed inside. Work with your 4-H agent to figure out a date prior to the start of your project for the incubators to be dropped off.
Placement
You should place your incubator on a stable surface away from any direct sunlight or airflow. The space should be at least 6 inches from any edge of the surface to ensure that it will not get knocked over. Be sure there is a nearby outlet for your incubator to be plugged into and that this outlet is ALWAYS on.
Temperature
Your incubator should remain between 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Any deviation outside of this range can have detrimental effects on the developing embryos. Depending on the type of incubator you received, you will be able to read the temperature by viewing either the digital screen or the external thermometer. On incubators with a digital screen, you can adjust the temperature by holding down the buttons beneath the screen. Incubators without a digital screen will need to have the temperature adjusted by twisting the metal dial located on the lid.
Humidity
Days 0-17: Keep your incubator between 45-55% humidity. Humidity is achieved by adding water to the plastic channels in the bottom of your incubator. You will need to remove the egg turner and screen to access these channels. Start by adding water to two of the channels, and then add or remove water as needed until you reach the desired humidity range. Continue to monitor the humidity level throughout the project and add water to the channels on an as-needed basis.
Days 18-21: On day 18, you will want to increase the humidity to 55-65%. You will need to maintain this higher humidity until hatching. Keeping the incubator closed as much as possible will help to keep the humidity in this higher range. The higher humidity level will prevent the chicks from sticking to their eggshell and help to soften the eggshell in preparation for hatching.
Preparing the Brooder
A brooder is a pen that you will put the chicks into after hatching. As you approach the hatch date, be sure that you have the brooder ready to go for the chicks. The brooder should contain absorbent bedding, food, water, and a heat lamp. You can add paper towels, newspaper, or shavings as bedding. A small, shallow dish such as a tuna can or jar lid can be used for water. The chicks will be pretty clumsy in the beginning, so we need to make sure the brooder is a safe environment. The chicks should be fed a chick starter that is at least 18-22% protein. This food can be found at any feed store and some hardware stores. You will need to provide the chicks with a heat source such as a light bulb or heat lamp. The brooder should be in a warm area where it is away from any direct breeze.
