Post by rogue on Jan 17, 2006 20:53:43 GMT -5
Length of Incubation
Approximate incubation periods for commonly hatched poultry and game bird species in small incubators are:
Species Days
Chicken 21
Most ducks 28
Muscovy ducks 33-35
Turkey 28
Most geese 29-31
Ringneck pheasant 23-24
Japanese quail 17-18
Bobwhite quail 23
Chuckar partridge 22-23
Guinea 26-28
Peafowl 28
These times may vary slightly, depending upon incubation temperature, genetic differences, and other factors.
The success rate in hatching eggs is quite variable. Chickens and some upland game bird species are much easier to hatch than are many waterfowl species. Even commercial hatcheries having specialized equipment may not have more than an 80 percent success ratio. Goose eggs can be particularly difficult to hatch. So don't be disappointed if your hatch is not highly successful. Get as high-quality supply of hatching eggs as possible, provide an incubator that can provide a good environment, and then pay close attention to the operating procedures.
Recommendations for chicken eggs generally apply to hatching eggs of other species. However, waterfowl require greater humidity. Increase the incubator humidity by using a larger water pan. Some hatcheries sprinkle waterfowl eggs with lukewarm water every other day after the 1st week. "Candle" the eggs to remove those not showing proper embryo development, since such eggs will rot quickly and may explode in the incubator.
Candling the Eggs
"Candling" is the examination of the contents of the eggs using a shielded light in a darkened area. Eggs should be checked for development; then, if fertility is poor, you do not have to wait the entire incubation period to learn you are going to have a poor hatch. Candling to check air cell size can determine incubator humidity. You can also observe the development of the embryo.
You can make an egg candler from a wood or metal box or from a container in which you mount a 40-watt light bulb. Make a 1-inch hole in the end near the bulb. For better viewing, place a felt or cloth cushion around the opening so an egg fits the opening better and so light does not leak around the egg.
Hold the large end of the egg up to the candling light. You won't see much development until the 4th or 5th day of incubation. White or light-colored eggshells permit better viewing of embryo development. The contents of the egg have a pinkish color or cast when the embryo is developing properly. As the embryo grows, it occupies most of the space within the shell. Toward the end of incubation, the contents will appear dark except for the air cell. Eggs that appear clear at 4 to 5 days in incubation or that show little development at 10 days should be removed from the incubator. They are infertile or contain early dead embryos.
Candling will not influence embryo development if you handle the eggs gently. When eggs are removed from the incubator only a few times and are not allowed to cool to any extent, candling makes little difference in hatchability or the time required for hatching.
Approximate incubation periods for commonly hatched poultry and game bird species in small incubators are:
Species Days
Chicken 21
Most ducks 28
Muscovy ducks 33-35
Turkey 28
Most geese 29-31
Ringneck pheasant 23-24
Japanese quail 17-18
Bobwhite quail 23
Chuckar partridge 22-23
Guinea 26-28
Peafowl 28
These times may vary slightly, depending upon incubation temperature, genetic differences, and other factors.
The success rate in hatching eggs is quite variable. Chickens and some upland game bird species are much easier to hatch than are many waterfowl species. Even commercial hatcheries having specialized equipment may not have more than an 80 percent success ratio. Goose eggs can be particularly difficult to hatch. So don't be disappointed if your hatch is not highly successful. Get as high-quality supply of hatching eggs as possible, provide an incubator that can provide a good environment, and then pay close attention to the operating procedures.
Recommendations for chicken eggs generally apply to hatching eggs of other species. However, waterfowl require greater humidity. Increase the incubator humidity by using a larger water pan. Some hatcheries sprinkle waterfowl eggs with lukewarm water every other day after the 1st week. "Candle" the eggs to remove those not showing proper embryo development, since such eggs will rot quickly and may explode in the incubator.
Candling the Eggs
"Candling" is the examination of the contents of the eggs using a shielded light in a darkened area. Eggs should be checked for development; then, if fertility is poor, you do not have to wait the entire incubation period to learn you are going to have a poor hatch. Candling to check air cell size can determine incubator humidity. You can also observe the development of the embryo.
You can make an egg candler from a wood or metal box or from a container in which you mount a 40-watt light bulb. Make a 1-inch hole in the end near the bulb. For better viewing, place a felt or cloth cushion around the opening so an egg fits the opening better and so light does not leak around the egg.
Hold the large end of the egg up to the candling light. You won't see much development until the 4th or 5th day of incubation. White or light-colored eggshells permit better viewing of embryo development. The contents of the egg have a pinkish color or cast when the embryo is developing properly. As the embryo grows, it occupies most of the space within the shell. Toward the end of incubation, the contents will appear dark except for the air cell. Eggs that appear clear at 4 to 5 days in incubation or that show little development at 10 days should be removed from the incubator. They are infertile or contain early dead embryos.
Candling will not influence embryo development if you handle the eggs gently. When eggs are removed from the incubator only a few times and are not allowed to cool to any extent, candling makes little difference in hatchability or the time required for hatching.