Author: Jimmy Stokes

What is an egg incubator?

In Short, an egg incubator artificially simulates the role that a broody hen does in nature.

An incubator is a mechanical device which regulates the temperature and humidity at perfect levels therefore creating the ideal conditions which allows the chick to develop inside the fertilised egg with optimal hatch rates.

Incubators are much more successful at hatching than hens and have been driving force behind the huge expansion in the poultry industry in the last hundred years. For example, a hen can only hatch 20 – 30 eggs per year however, by using an incubator that same hen can produce almost 300 chicks per year.

How it works;

Incubators are built to include a motor and a fan which work at keeping the temperature at the required levels which vary from species to species. As the temperature inside the incubator must be kept constant it is best to keep the incubator in a room where there are little to no fluctuations in temperature.

The eggs are placed on a tray inside the incubator and need to be turned at least 3 times a day.

Water needs to be added to the incubator each day to maintain the humidity within the incubator. The humidity increase foe the last few days of incubation. There is usually a hole in the base of the incubator which allows for the water to be filled externally to reduce the need to open the lid while eggs are in the incubator. Therefore, reducing any major fluctuations in temperature.

There are manual and Automatic egg incubators available. As the eggs have to be turned multiple times per day the model of incubator will determine whether the eggs must be turned manually by you or automatically by the incubator itself.

Manual Incubators VS Automatic Incubators

One of the major advantages of an automatic egg incubator is that it turns the eggs for you, so you don’t have to. The eggs sit in compartments on a specially designed tray. The tray is turned automatically by a motor which causes the eggs to rotate.

If you want to be more involved in the incubation process, then a manual egg incubator is for you because with a manual egg incubator, you are required to turn the eggs at least three times a day by hand. It is best that you mark one side of the eggs so that you can track when they were last turned. It is important that eggs are turned regularly as the chick can stick to the inside of the shell.

One of the major advantages of an automatic egg incubator is that it turns the eggs for you, so you don’t have to. The eggs sit in compartments on a specially designed tray. The tray is turned automatically by a motor which causes the eggs to rotate.

If you want to be more involved in the incubation process, then a manual egg incubator is for you because with a manual egg incubator, you are required to turn the eggs at least three times a day by hand. It is best that you mark one side of the eggs so that you can track when they were last turned. It is important that eggs are turned regularly as the chick can stick to the inside of the shell.

The proper collection, handling and storage of eggs are key factors in the success of every hatch. The quality of your chicks is determined by how the eggs are handled from then time they are laid to when they are placed in the incubator.

A fertile egg contains living cells, where the embryo starts to develop even before incubation. Once an egg is laid, the goal is to maintain the chances that it will hatch. It is not possible to improve the chances of hatching at this stage however, the chances of hatching can be harmed if the eggs are not stored and handled correctly.

Egg Collection & Nesting Areas

Nesting Areas must be kept clean and free of droppings as very dirty eggs are not suitable for incubation, due to the risk of bacteria entering the egg or contaminating the incubator. Eggs should be collected twice daily.

Egg Selection

Any dirty or damaged eggs should be discarded. A very slightly dirty eggs can generally be used for hatching, without washing it. Washing an egg is very risky as it can remove the protective film that is on an egg shell. If this film is removed bacteria can enter into the egg reducing the chances of it hatching. Washing is best avoided unless using a suitable washing solution such as Chictec Egg Wash

Egg Shape Quality is very important. Oblong eggs should not be used for hatching, as they will almost certainly either lead to it not hatching or that the chick will not survive. The idea is to the have to egg as close to perfect as possible.

Egg Storage

Find a suitable place for egg storage where they can safely be stored at room temperature (Between 14 – 18 degrees Celsius) Embryos stored below 5 degrees or above 26 degrees could die.

Once eggs are collected place them in a clean plastic egg tray point down

Each Day Rotate the egg i.e. Day 1 – Point Down Day -2 Point Up etc. Repeat this process for the period that eggs are being stored

Set them in the incubator as soon as you have collected enough eggs.

After 10 days the chance of the hatching is less than 40%

So you have decided to take up chicken keeping for the first time or perhaps you may have had hens before and just want to brush up on your chicken keeping skills! Like caring for other pets, it is mostly common sense. A little tender, love and care can go a long way.

We’ve done our best to put together a short guide answering the most common questions that we get asked by first time chicken keepers.

Where can my chickens live?

What can I feed them?

How will I keep them safe from predators?

Where can my chickens live?

Chickens are quiet hardy and are outdoor animals however, it is essential that they have a safe, dry and sheltered place that they can call home. It is best to invest in a chicken coop.

If you are the handy type by all means go ahead and build one yourself. We have an article that outlines all of the key principles of a well-designed chicken coop.

Or

If you are looking to buy a chicken coop we have a full article on finding the perfect coop too.

What Will I Feed Them?

Chickens need a balanced diet and a fresh supply of water to keep healthy. Hens are very productive laying almost an egg a day. Laying Hens are essentially high performing athletes. Getting the right nutrients and minerals in the right quantities is very important but don’t stress as Layers Pellets has been specially formulated to meet all of the hens requirements. Layers Pellets are available from most local hardware and pet stores. However, as the hens grow older we would recommend trying some oyster shells or some vitamins to prolong their laying life.

Fresh, clean water and feed should be available at all times and contamination must be avoided. The easiest way to ensure a fresh supply of feed and water and to avoid contamination is to buy Poultry Feeders/Drinkers. They are inexpensive and by far one of the best investments you can make for your new girls.

How can I keep them Safe from Predators?

Foxes are the biggest threat to backyard flocks in Ireland however, it is not unheard of for domestic pets such as dogs to also take a fancy to your girls. You should always be mindful of having your chickens out during the day and ensure that they are in an enclosed area to keep them from wandering too far.

By feeding your indoors or choosing the right outdoor feeder you also reduce the risk of exposure to wild birds and rodents. We have a full article on choosing the best chicken feeder right here

We have tried our best to keep this article short and simple.

It may come as a surprise to you but not all hens primary purpose is to lay eggs. Some hens can lay less than 100 eggs per year whereas others can produce in excess of 300 eggs per year and it’s not pot luck. It’s all to do with the breed of chicken.

There are Hundreds of Breeds of laying chickens to choose from and it can be a little daunting if you are new to the scene. Although we have already made the task quiet simple by selecting what we feel are the 15 best breeds suited to backyard flocks in Ireland we thought that you all might like to see how we have drawn our conclusions.

There are two main types of chickens;

1. Pure Breeds
2. Hybrids

Pure Breeds

There is quiet a selection of Pure Breeds Birds to choose from. They come in all sizes and colours from Large Fowl to their Bantam Equivalents. They can be very pretty however, they are not very productive and can be quiet aggressive. They are normally only hatched and raised by small backyard hobbyists and it is very unlikely that they are vaccinated.

Hybrids

Hybrid Chickens are very strong and robust. They are both docile and productive. They are great with kids and can lay in excess of 300 eggs per year.

Our advice to you is;

If you are looking for a good laying hen that is easy to keep in a family environment then a good hybrid hen is hard to beat. We have over 15 breeds which are high producers, great with kids and very attractive.

Find out more about our Hybrid Chicken Breeds

Chickens know who’s boss—they form complex social structures known as “pecking orders,” and every chicken knows his or her place on the social ladder.

Chickens have full-color vision—no color-blindness here!

 Who likes to sunbathe? Apparently everyone—humans, cats, dogs, and chickens too! You can’t blame them, and they don’t even need sunscreen.

Chickens are real sleeping beauties—they experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which means they dream just like we do.

Chickens have more than 30 types of vocalizations to distinguish between threats.

When chickens feel stressed, they start to loose their feathers.

A chickens heart beats from 220 to 360 times per minute.

Most eggs are typically laid in the morning between 7am and 11am.

Chickens prefer to bathe in dust, rather than in water, dust bathing both controls external parasites and helps condition a chickens feathers.

Believe it or not, the chicken is the closest living relative to the Tyrannosaurus Rex !