Category: Eggs Incubators

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.

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

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

The temperature and humidity levels required in an incubator depend on the type of eggs being incubated. Here are some general guidelines:

Chicken eggs: The temperature should be maintained at 99.5°F to 100.5°F, and the humidity should be kept at around 50-60% for the first 18 days of incubation. During the last three days, the humidity should be increased to 65-75% to help the chicks pip (break through the shell).

Duck eggs: The temperature should be maintained at 99°F to 100°F, and the humidity should be kept at around 75-80% throughout incubation.

Reptile eggs: The temperature and humidity requirements vary depending on the species of reptile. For example, the temperature for incubating snake eggs should be between 82-86°F with a humidity of 50-60%, while the temperature for incubating turtle eggs should be around 82-88°F with a humidity of 70-80%.

It’s important to note that the temperature and humidity levels should be monitored regularly and adjusted if necessary to ensure optimal incubation conditions for the eggs.

There are several types of egg incubators, including:

1. Still-air incubators: These are basic incubators that rely on natural convection to circulate air, and they are typically used for small-scale hatching of eggs.
2. Forced-air incubators: These use a fan to circulate air, which helps maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. They are commonly used for hatching poultry, reptile, and bird eggs.
3. Turn-style incubators: These are cylindrical incubators that rotate the eggs to ensure even hatching and to simulate the movement of the eggs in a natural nest.
4. Cabinet incubators: These are large incubators that can hold a large number of eggs, and they are often used in commercial hatcheries.
5. Automated incubators: These are advanced incubators that use technology to control temperature, humidity, and egg turning, making the hatching process easier and more efficient.
6. DIY incubators: These are homemade incubators that can be built using materials such as Styrofoam boxes and light bulbs, and they are often used by hobbyists or those with a small number of eggs to hatch.

Each type of egg incubator has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of incubator will depend on the number of eggs to be hatched, the species of eggs, and the budget of the user.

Here are some key steps to take when eggs are about to hatch:

1. Maintain incubator conditions: Keep the temperature and humidity levels in the incubator stable and within the recommended range. Avoid opening the incubator unnecessarily to prevent fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
2. Prepare a brooder: Set up a brooder, which is a warm, draft-free environment that provides heat, food, and water for the newly hatched chicks. The brooder should be ready and waiting for the chicks as soon as they hatch.
3. Candling: Candle the eggs a few days before hatching to determine if the embryos are ready and to identify any eggs that are not developing properly.
4. Watch for hatching signs: Once the eggs are ready to hatch, you may see signs such as the chick starting to peck at the shell from the inside, or you may hear chirping from within the egg.
5. Do not assist in hatching: Once the chicks have pipped (made a small hole in the shell), it is best to let them hatch on their own. Do not assist in the hatching process unless it is absolutely necessary, as this can cause harm to the chick.
6. Transfer to the brooder: Once the chicks have hatched, carefully remove them from the incubator and place them in the brooder. Provide warmth, food, and water, and make sure they are safe and comfortable.
7. Monitor the chicks: Regularly check on the chicks in the brooder to make sure they are healthy and thriving. Observe their behavior and make any necessary adjustments to the brooder environment to ensure their well-being.

The cost of setting up a poultry hatchery can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the size of the operation, the location, and the equipment used. Here are some of the major costs involved in setting up a poultry hatchery:

1. Equipment: The cost of incubators, hatchery trays, candling lamps, brooding equipment, and other necessary equipment can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
2. Building and facilities: The cost of constructing or renting a building or facility for the hatchery, including utilities and necessary modifications, can be substantial.
3. Chick purchase: The cost of purchasing hatching eggs or day-old chicks to start the operation can range from a few cents to several dollars per chick, depending on the breed and source.
4. Labor and staffing: The cost of labor, including salaries, insurance, and benefits, can be a major expense in any hatchery operation.
5. Marketing and advertising: The cost of marketing and advertising the hatchery and its products, such as brochures, flyers, and website development, can add up quickly.
6. Legal and regulatory: The cost of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, as well as complying with any relevant regulations, can be substantial.

It is important to carefully research and plan for all of these costs when setting up a poultry hatchery. A comprehensive business plan, including detailed financial projections, can help to ensure that the hatchery is financially viable and successful.

The wattage of an incubator refers to the amount of power it uses to generate heat. The wattage of an incubator depends on several factors, including its size, the heating elements used, and the required temperature and humidity levels.

Typically, small incubators may use between 50 to 100 watts, while larger incubators may use between 150 to 200 watts or more. Higher wattage incubators will generally be able to heat the incubator space faster and maintain a more consistent temperature, but they will also use more electricity.

When choosing an incubator, it’s important to consider the wattage to ensure that it is adequate for the size of the incubator and the required temperature and humidity levels. It’s also important to make sure that the incubator is equipped with a thermostat and other temperature control features to ensure accurate and consistent temperature regulation.