Step by step guide on how to brood chicks

Brooding chicks requires proper planning and preparation to ensure their health and comfort. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you successfully brood chicks:

  1. Prepare a brooder

    A brooder is a heated space where you will keep your chicks until they are old enough to go outside.

    You can use a large cardboard box, plastic container, or a commercial brooder. The brooder should be well-ventilated, but draft-free, and big enough for the chicks to move around freely.

  2. Set up heating

    The temperature inside the brooder should be around 35°C for the first week, gradually reducing it by 2.8°C each week until the temperature is around 21°C when the chicks are fully feathered.

    A heat lamp, heat plate, or brooder heater can be used to provide heat.

    Make sure the heat source is positioned in such a way that the chicks can move away from the heat if they get too warm.

  3. Provide bedding

    Spread a layer of clean, soft bedding material, such as pine shavings, straw, or shredded paper, on the floor of the brooder.

    The bedding should be deep enough for the chicks to burrow and create a nest, but not so deep that they could become trapped.

  4. Install a waterer and feeder

    Chicks need access to fresh water and food at all times.

    A commercial chick waterer and feeder are recommended, but you can also use a shallow dish and a lid or lidless jar filled with water, or a bowl filled with chick starter feed.

    Place the waterer and feeder near the heat source but away from it to prevent contamination of the food and water.

  5. Monitor the chicks:

    Check the temperature regularly, and adjust the heat source as needed.

    Clean the bedding and replace dirty water and food daily.

    Keep an eye out for any signs of illness or distress, such as lethargy, ruffled feathers, or diarrhea, and take appropriate action.

  6. Gradually adjust the brooder environment

    As the chicks grow and feather out, you can reduce the temperature and increase the size of the brooder.

    You can also introduce them to a coop or other outdoor space when they are fully feathered and ready to transition to their permanent home.

Step by step guide on how to brood chicks

Egg incubator manual on hatching from day 1 to 21

Collect fresh, fertile eggs from healthy birds and place them in the incubator.

The eggs should be less that 10 days old, good quality and clean

Adjust the temperature and humidity levels to the recommended settings for the type of eggs being incubated.

Set temperature to 37.8 and humidity at 60%-65%

Turn the eggs 3 to 4 times a day to ensure proper embryonic development.

Turning eggs aid in oxygen circulation and prevents the yolk from sticking inside the shell

Continue to adjust the temperature and humidity levels as necessary to maintain the optimal range for incubation.

This should be done by keeping a close look at the operation of the incubator

Monitor the eggs regularly to ensure they are developing properly and to address any issues that may arise

You can use a candler from day 8 to check on the development of the egg

Stop turning the eggs on day 18

Stop the turner or transfer the eggs to the hatching basket. Raise the humidity levels to around 65-70% to prepare the eggs for hatching.

Check the eggs for any signs of cracking or pipping, which indicates that the hatchling is beginning to emerge on day 21

Always avoid to open the incubator on during hatching as this results to poor hatch rate due to the loss of humidity

On day 22 and once the hatchlings have emerged, remove them from the incubator and place them in a brooder for proper care and feeding.

It is always recommended to allow 24 hours after the first pipping to remove the chicks from the incubator..
Egg incubator manual on hatching from day 1 to 21

How can I tell if an egg is fertile and viable for incubation?

There are a few ways to determine if an egg is fertile and viable for incubation:

  1. Candling: This involves shining a bright light through the egg to inspect the interior. A fertile egg will have a dark spot (the blastoderm) visible through the shell, while an infertile egg will be clear.
  2. Float test: This involves placing the egg in a bowl of water and observing its position. If the egg stands upright and the large end is up, it is likely to be fertile and viable. If the egg floats and tilts, it is likely to be infertile.
  3. X-Ray: This involves using an X-Ray machine to inspect the interior of the egg for evidence of embryonic development. This method is more accurate than candling or the float test, but is not commonly used for small-scale incubation.

It’s important to note that even if an egg is fertile, it may not be viable for incubation due to issues such as age, handling, or storage. In general, it’s best to use fresh eggs from healthy, disease-free birds for incubation to ensure the best hatch rates.

It’s always best to consult with a specialist in egg incubation or an experienced poultry farmer to determine the fertility and viability of your eggs.

How can I tell if an egg is fertile and viable for incubation?

How often should the eggs be turned during incubation?

Eggs should be turned several times a day during incubation to ensure that the developing embryo has access to an adequate supply of oxygen and to prevent the yolk from settling in one place. The recommended frequency of turning can vary depending on the type of egg and the incubator being used, but most experts recommend turning eggs at least 3 to 4 times a day.

Some incubators have automatic turning mechanisms that rotate the eggs on a regular schedule, while others require manual turning. If you are turning the eggs manually, it’s important to be gentle and to avoid handling the eggs too much, as rough handling can cause damage to the developing embryo.

It’s also important to keep track of which end of the egg is facing up, as the position of the egg can impact its development. Some incubators have trays that are marked with a “top” and “bottom” side to help ensure that the eggs are returned to the correct position after each turning.

In general, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for egg turning or consult with a specialist in egg incubation to ensure that you are turning your eggs correctly and often enough for optimal hatch rates.

automatic egg incubator price in kenya

What is the temperature and humidity range that can be controlled by the incubator?

The temperature and humidity range that can be controlled by an egg incubator will vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Generally, the temperature range for incubating most types of eggs is between 37.2°C to 38.8°C, while the optimal humidity range is between 40% and 60%.

It’s important to keep the temperature and humidity within the recommended range for the type of eggs being incubated, as deviations can impact hatch rates and the health of the hatchlings. Some incubators may have automatic temperature and humidity control, while others may require manual adjustment.

It’s best to consult with a specialist in egg incubation or follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for temperature and humidity control to ensure optimal incubation conditions for your eggs.

What is the temperature and humidity range that can be controlled by the incubator

What is the incubation time for different types of eggs?

The incubation time for different types of eggs can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the egg, the species of the bird, and the incubation temperature and humidity. Here are some general incubation times for common types of eggs:

  1. Chicken eggs: 21 days
  2. Duck eggs: 28 days
  3. Turkey eggs: 28 days
  4. Goose eggs: 28 to 35 days
  5. Quail eggs: 16 to 18 days
  6. Pheasant eggs: 23 to 28 days
  7. Parrot eggs: 18 to 28 days, depending on the species
  8. Ostrich: 42 days
  9. Owl eggs: 30-31 days

It’s also important to understand that while the incubation time is an estimate, hatching can occur within a range of a few hours to several days after the incubation period has ended. The hatchling should be removed from the incubator as soon as it is ready to avoid over-crowding or other issues.

What is the incubation time for different types of eggs?

What is the incubation capacity of the incubator?

The incubation capacity of an egg incubator refers to the maximum number of eggs that can be incubated at one time. The capacity can range from a few eggs to several hundred, depending on the size and type of incubator.

Small incubators for home use typically have a capacity of 24 to 48 eggs, while larger, commercial-grade incubators can hold hundreds of eggs. When choosing an incubator, it’s important to consider your incubation needs and the size of the eggs you will be incubating, as well as the space you have available for the incubator.

It’s also important to note that the actual incubation capacity of an incubator can be impacted by the size of the eggs and the arrangement of the incubator’s trays. Some incubators may have adjustable trays or dividers to accommodate different egg sizes. It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s specifications or consult with a specialist to determine the best incubator for your needs.

The different capacities available are

  • 56 Eggs Incubator with 2 circulaon units
  • 64 Eggs Incubator with 2 circulaon units
  • 104 Eggs Incubator with 2 circulaon units
  • 128 Eggs Incubator with 2 circulaon units
  • 192 Eggs Incubator with 2 circulaon units
  • 176 Eggs Incubator Cabinet Model
  • 256 Eggs Incubator with 2 circulaon units
  • 320 Eggs Incubator with 2 Circ units
  • 300 Eggs Incubator AC/DC Cabinet model
  • 352 Eggs Incubator Cabinet model
  • 528 Eggs Incubaror Single Funcon
  • 528 Eggs Incubaror Double Circ unit
  • 616 Eggs Incubaror Single Funcon
  • 616 Eggs Incubaror Double Circ unit
  • 880 Eggs Incubaror Single Funcon
  • 880 Eggs Incubaror Double Circ unit
  • 1056 Eggs Incubaror Single Funcon 1
  • 1056 Eggs Incubaror Double Circ unit
  • 1232 Eggs Incubaror Single Funcon
  • 1232 Eggs Incubaror Double Circ unit
  • 1320 Eggs Incubaror Single Funcon
  • 1320 Eggs Incubaror Mul- Circ unit
  • 1584 Eggs Incubaror Single Funcon
  • 1584 Eggs Incubaror Double Circ unit
  • 2112 Eggs Incubaror Single Funcon
  • 2112 Eggs Incubaror Double Circ unit
  • 3000 Eggs Incubaror Single Funcon
  • 3000 Eggs Incubaror Double Circ unit
  • 5000 Eggs Incubaror Single Funcon
  • 5000 Eggs Incubaror Double Circ unit

How much is the cheapest incubator in Kenya?

The cost of the cheapest incubator in Kenya can vary, but it is likely to be in the range of Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 12,000.

Keep in mind that the cheapest incubators may not have all the features you need and may not be as reliable as more expensive models.

It is important to consider the incubator’s size, incubation capacity, and other features when making your purchasing decision.

At Ecochicks Poultry Ltd, the following are the cheapest incubators,

  • Manual incubator 60 eggs capacity at Ksh 12,000
  • Auto Solar AC/DC 64 eggs incubator Ksh 15,000

How much is egg incubator in Nairobi?

The cost of an egg incubator in Nairobi, Kenya can vary depending on several factors such as the size, features, and brand of the incubator. On average, the price of a small incubator for home use can range from Ksh 12,000 to Ksh 25,000, while a larger, commercial-grade incubator can cost upwards of Ksh 100,000 or more.

At Ecochicks we have a special offer for our incubators

  • 64 Eggs incubator both solar and electricity Ksh 15,000
  • 128 Eggs incubator both solar and electricity Ksh 20,000
  • 192 Eggs incubator both solar and electricity Ksh 29,000
  • 256 Eggs incubator both solar and electricity Ksh 37,000
What is the ideal temperature for incubating eggs in an incubator? The ideal temperature for incubating eggs in an incubator is between 37.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius.

How temperature affects incubation

What is the ideal temperature for incubating eggs in an incubator?

The ideal temperature for incubating eggs in an incubator is between 37.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius.

What is the effect of temperature on egg incubation?

Temperature has a significant effect on egg incubation. Incubating eggs at too low of a temperature can slow down or halt the development of the embryo, while incubating at too high of a temperature can cause deformities or death of the embryo.

How is the temperature regulated in an incubator?

The temperature in an incubator is typically regulated by a thermostat and heating elements.

What is the best way to measure the temperature in an incubator?

The best way to measure the temperature in an incubator is with a thermometer specifically designed for incubation, such as a digital thermometer with a probe.

What is the significance of temperature fluctuations in an incubator?

Temperature fluctuations in an incubator can be harmful to the developing embryos, as sudden changes in temperature can cause stress and harm the delicate development process.

What is the recommended temperature fluctuation range in an incubator?

The recommended temperature fluctuation range in an incubator is less than 0.5 degrees Celsius.

How often should the temperature in an incubator be checked?

The temperature in an incubator should be checked at least once a day, and more frequently if necessary, to ensure that it remains within the ideal range.

What is the effect of power outages on the temperature in an incubator?

Power outages can significantly affect the temperature in an incubator, as the heating elements may stop functioning and the temperature may drop rapidly.

What should be done if the temperature in an incubator goes out of range?

If the temperature in an incubator goes out of range, it should be adjusted immediately to bring it back to the ideal temperature range.

What are some common causes of temperature fluctuations in an incubator?

Common causes of temperature fluctuations in an incubator include incorrect calibration of the thermometer, lack of insulation, or poor ventilation.

Can an incubator be used without a thermometer?

Using an incubator without a thermometer is not recommended, as it is impossible to accurately control and monitor the temperature of the incubator.

What is the effect of room temperature on the temperature in an incubator?

The room temperature can have a significant effect on the temperature in an incubator, especially if the incubator is located in a room with large temperature fluctuations or is exposed to direct sunlight.

What is the recommended humidity level in an incubator during incubation?

The recommended humidity level in an incubator during incubation is between 40% to 70%.

Can temperature and humidity levels be adjusted during incubation?

Yes, temperature and humidity levels can be adjusted during incubation if necessary, but it should be done carefully and gradually to avoid causing stress to the developing embryos.

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