A hatcher incubator is a specialized piece of equipment used to hatch chicken eggs or other types of poultry eggs. It is designed to provide optimal conditions for the eggs to hatch, including precise temperature, humidity, and ventilation control. Here are some steps for using a hatcher incubator:
- Start by cleaning the incubator thoroughly with a disinfectant to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
- Set the temperature to the appropriate level, which will depend on the type of poultry eggs you are incubating. Generally, the temperature should be around 37.5 to 37.8 degrees centigrade for chicken eggs.
- Adjust the humidity to the appropriate level. For hatching chicken eggs, the humidity should be around 60-80%.
- Place the eggs in the hatching trays, making sure they are positioned with the pointy end facing downwards.
- Close the incubator lid and allow the eggs to incubate for around 18-21 days, depending on the type of poultry egg.
- During the incubation period, check the temperature and humidity levels regularly and make any necessary adjustments.
- Once the eggs start to hatch, do not open the incubator until all of the chicks have hatched and dried off. This can take up to 24 hours after the first chick hatches.
- Once all the chicks have hatched, remove them from the hatching trays and place them in a brooder with appropriate heat, food, and water.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific hatcher incubator model and to monitor the eggs and chicks closely throughout the process.