Category: Hatching and Incubation

Here are some tips for caring for eggs in an incubator:

1. Keep the incubator clean and disinfected. Use a mild disinfectant and clean the incubator before and after each use.

2. Keep the eggs at the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for incubating eggs is 99.5°F (37.5°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed.

3. Keep the eggs at the correct humidity. The ideal humidity for incubating eggs is around 50-55%. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity and make adjustments as needed.

4. Turn the eggs regularly. Gently turn the eggs at least three times a day to ensure that the developing embryo is properly positioned.

5. Candling the eggs. Candling is a technique used to check on the development of the embryo inside the egg. You can use a bright light or a special candling device to see through the eggshell and check for signs of development.

6. Don’t open the incubator too often. Try to limit the number of times you open the incubator to prevent temperature and humidity fluctuations.

7. Keep the incubator in a stable location. Avoid moving the incubator around too much as this can disrupt the development of the eggs.

Here are some tips for taking care of fertile eggs before incubation:

1. Keep the eggs in a cool, dry place. Fertile eggs should be stored in a clean, dry place with a constant temperature of around 50-60°F (10-15°C).
2. Avoid exposing the eggs to direct sunlight or heat. Fertile eggs should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat, as this can cause the eggs to overheat and potentially damage the developing embryo.
3. Handle the eggs gently. When handling the eggs, be sure to support the entire egg and avoid squeezing or dropping the eggs.
4. Keep the eggs clean. Wipe the eggs with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris before storing them.
5. Discard any eggs that are cracked or damaged. If an egg is cracked or damaged, it will not be viable for incubation.
6. Store the eggs with the pointed end down. The pointed end of the egg contains the air cell, which helps the embryo to breathe during incubation. Storing the eggs with the pointed end down can help to prevent the air cell from getting dislodged.

I hope these tips help! If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0727 087 285.

A fertilized poultry egg is an egg that has been fertilized by a rooster’s sperm, resulting in the potential development of a chick. When a hen lays an egg, it can be fertilized if the egg is exposed to sperm from a rooster during the process of ovulation and fertilization. If the egg is not fertilized, it will not contain a developing chick and will be used for consumption or hatching artificially. Fertilized eggs are typically used for the purpose of hatching and raising chicks, but they can also be eaten just like unfertilized eggs.

Where to find fertile eggs in Kenya

There are several ways you can find fertile eggs in Kenya. One option is to visit a local farm or poultry seller and purchase fertilized eggs directly from them. Another option is to visit a farmers market or agricultural fair, where you may be able to find fertilized eggs for sale. You can also try contacting local poultry breeders or joining a poultry-related group or forum to ask about availability of fertilized eggs. Additionally, you may be able to find fertilized eggs for sale online through websites or social media platforms.

If you suspect that one or more of your birds is sick, it is important to take action as soon as possible to try to treat the illness and prevent it from spreading to other birds. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Isolate the sick bird(s) from the rest of the flock. This will help prevent the spread of the illness and allow you to more closely monitor the bird’s condition.
2. Consult with a veterinarian or a poultry specialist. They will be able to diagnose the specific illness and recommend treatment options.
3. Follow the treatment recommendations provided by the veterinarian or poultry specialist. This may include administering medications, providing supportive care (such as fluids or special feed), or implementing changes to the bird’s environment (such as increasing ventilation or improving sanitation).
4. Keep the sick bird(s) warm, well-fed, and hydrated. This will help boost their immune system and speed up the recovery process.
5. Take steps to prevent future illness in your birds, such as maintaining good hygiene, providing a balanced diet, and managing stress.

It is important to remember that each bird is different, and the specific treatment plan will depend on the specific illness and the bird’s individual needs.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Feeding Schedule for Brown Egg Layers and Leghorns:

0-6 weeks 20-21% protein chick starter

6-10 weeks16-19% protein pullet grower

18-22 weeks at onset of egg production16-18% protein layer diet (20% layer feed is fine for free range hens.) As soon as hens begin to lay, offer oyster shell as a free choice, available at all times during the day.

Dual-purpose breeds like Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Delaware, etc.

0-6 weeks 20-21% protein chick starter

6 weeks prior to egg production15-19% protein pullet grower/developer

At onset of egg production16-18% protein layer diet (20% layer feed is fine for free range hens…especially heavy breeds.) As soon as hens begin to lay, offer oyster shell as a free choice, available at all times during the day.

Giving your hens the proper feed diet will help with egg production and overall health.

Remember, good egg layers begin with proper care when they are chicks. There is a real advantage of raising your own chicks, you control their diet, medication and everyday care. Be careful buying grown chickens from different places. Ask questions about their diet and vaccinations before you buy them.

Supplies needed:

1. A chick brooder (or place to keep your chicks.) This could be as simple as a cardboard box. Make sure there is room inside for the chicks to run around and play. You also need enough space to have a small feeder and water container.

2.  A heat lamp and 2 bulbs. Have an extra bulb in case one goes out. You don’t want your chicks getting cold in the middle of the night if they do not have a heat source. Make sure you get the bulbs that are 125 -250 W. You need your little chicks to stay warm at 95-100 degrees when they first hatch. A regular light bulb will NOT keep them warm enough! Purchase the RED heat bulbs, it helps the chicks sleep at night because it is not so bright. It also helps them not peck each other.

3. A thermometer! Keep a thermometer inside the chick brooder so you can control how cold or warm it is. The thermometer should be 1″ from the bottom of the brooder to know how warm it is by the floor. Lower or raise your heat lamp until the temperature is 95 degrees. Lower temperature 3-5 degrees every week until they are use to 75 degrees. If you see your chicks standing with their wings spread out they might be too warm. If they are all clumped together they might be too cold and could step on each other which could result in death from smothering. Keeping the proper temperature will help your chicks get off to a good start.

4. Feeder and water container. There are a couple different kinds in your local ranch stores.. The red plastic ones will fit on a mason jar. Tip an old pie plate over and place your water feeder on top to keep the chicks from stepping in the water.

5. Chick Start feed. If your chicks are vaccinated for coccidiosis, you do not need to feed them medicated feed. Ask to see if your chicks have been vaccinated before you purchase them. If you are able to order them with the option to vaccinate, pay a couple extra shillings  to do so. If your chicks have not been vaccinated, give them medicated feed until they are 6-8 weeks old.

6. Pine shavings or Cedar shavings (with no additives) to keep  chicks warm and dry. Be sure to keep the brooder clean. If anything gets wet, replace brooder with new shavings.

7. Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth to keep lice and mites off! Early signs of poultry head lice is the chick stretching out its neck and falling on its back. Check and dust once a month for lice on chicks. Put a little DE in your fingers and rub through the neck and around head.

Candling is a process used to examine the inside of an egg without breaking it. It involves shining a light through the egg to reveal its contents, allowing you to determine whether the egg is fertile, has a developing embryo, or is infertile. This technique can be useful for identifying eggs that are suitable for hatching or that are no longer fresh enough to eat.

To candle eggs, you will need a candling lamp or a bright light source and a dark room or area. Hold the egg up to the light and look for any visible signs of fertility or development. In a fertilized egg, you may be able to see the developing embryo and blood vessels. In an infertile egg, the interior will appear clear and free of any visible structures.

It’s important to handle the eggs gently while candling to avoid damaging them. You may also need to rotate the egg to get a good view of its contents. Candling is typically done on eggs that are a few days old, as the embryo will not be visible until after this point.

On day 18 of the chicken egg incubation period, the eggs should be close to hatching. The chicks inside the eggs will have fully developed and will be using their beaks to break through the shell. This process is called pipping, and it can take several hours to a day for the chick to fully emerge from the egg. The chick will then rest inside the egg for a few hours to allow its wings and body to dry before attempting to stand up and move around.

It is important to keep the water in your brooder clean to ensure that your chicks have access to clean, fresh water. Here are some tips for keeping the water clean in your brooder:

1. Use a clean container: Make sure that the container you use to hold the water is clean and free of any dirt or debris.
2. Change the water daily: It is a good idea to change the water in the brooder every day to prevent any dirt or bacteria from building up.
3. Clean the container regularly: Make sure to regularly clean the container that holds the water, using hot water and a mild detergent. Rinse the container thoroughly before refilling it with fresh water.
4. Use water purification tablets: If you are concerned about the quality of the water in your area, you can use water purification tablets to help ensure that the water is safe for your chicks.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your chicks have access to clean, fresh water in their brooder.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly contagious disease that affects birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys. It is caused by a type of virus known as an influenza virus, which can be transmitted through the air, through contact with infected birds, or through contact with contaminated feed or water. There are many different strains of avian influenza, and some strains can be transmitted to humans.

Avian influenza can cause a range of symptoms in birds, including fever, respiratory problems, and decreased egg production. In severe cases, it can lead to death. It is important to take steps to prevent the spread of avian influenza, such as avoiding contact with wild birds, cleaning and disinfecting equipment and facilities regularly, and isolating sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities so that it can be promptly diagnosed and controlled.

There are several steps that you can take to help prevent the spread of avian influenza:

1. Practice good biosecurity: This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and facilities, and isolating sick birds. It is also important to avoid contact with wild birds and to keep your birds away from areas where wild birds may congregate.
2. Avoid bringing in new birds: Introducing new birds to your flock can increase the risk of avian influenza. If you do need to bring in new birds, make sure to quarantine them for at least 30 days before introducing them to the rest of the flock.
3. Use protective clothing: When handling birds, it is important to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and masks, to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.
4. Keep feed and water clean: Contaminated feed and water can be a source of avian influenza. Make sure to keep feed and water containers clean, and use only clean, fresh water and feed.

By following these steps, you can help prevent the spread of avian influenza and protect the health of your flock.