![]() ![]() There are no concerns about the temperature or humidity being right. With a hen, you don't need to worry about the power going out and ruining your eggs. Broody hen pros: Using a broody hen to hatch your eggs is a practical and natural option.If you don't already own an incubator, you may need to buy one which, depending on size and quality, may be costly. If you are hit with an unexpected power outage or someone accidentally unplugs the incubator, it can adversely affect the eggs, even killing the babies in the shell. Incubator cons: The main drawback of using an incubator is that its operation is wholly dependent on a reliable power source.Incubators are also the best option for hatching large quantities of eggs. An incubator allows you to be in control of the hatching process. Incubator pros: Using an incubator is a good option if you do not have access to a broody hen or you are hatching chickens for the first time.Knowing what these are will ultimately help you make the best decision given your circumstances. Of course, both incubators and broody hens offer advantages and disadvantages to cultivators trying to hatch chicken eggs. Just make sure you choose a broody breed to hatch your eggs, popular broody breeds include Silkies, Cochins, Orpingtons and Old English Games. This is a great, natural option for hatching eggs. A broody hen can be used to incubate and hatch chicken eggs, even if she didn't lay the eggs herself.If you have a commercial model, follow the instructions supplied with the unit. Small incubators can be purchased, though it is also possible to make your own. You will be in charge of preparing the incubator, monitoring the temperature, humidity and ventilation inside the incubator, as well as turning the eggs. With an incubator, you are the only one responsible for the eggs. ![]() An incubator is an enclosure which has controlled temperature, humidity, and ventilation.Both options have pros and cons that you will need to consider before proceeding. You have two options once you've decided to hatch chicken eggs you can hatch them in an incubator or hatch them under a broody hen. X Research sourceĭecide whether to use an incubator or a broody hen. This is also a good ratio to keep if you want decent fertility in your home flock. The usual recommendation is to keep about one rooster for every ten hens or so.Too many roosters can fight amongst themselves, as well. Overbred hens can have feathers pulled out from their heads and backs, their combs injured and, even worse, can get accidental puncture wounds from rooster spurs. If you do intend to keep some or all of the male chicks, there are several things you will need to consider, such as whether you will have enough space to ensure that the hens are not overbred.Even though the general ratio of males to females is 50:50, you may be unlucky and hatch 7 males out of 8 eggs, which does not make for much of a laying flock. Understand that there is no way to know whether an egg contains a male or female chick before the egg has hatched.Even if you can keep them, you will have to consider what living arrangements you will need so that the roosters won't overbreed and or even injure your hens. If you live in town, roosters can be a problem and keeping them is often against municipal regulations! If you can't keep roosters, you will need to be prepared to find them a home. An important point to keep in mind is that your eggs will generally hatch out in a 50:50 mix of males and females. This article has been viewed 556,828 times. ![]() In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. WikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. She received a BS from Oregon State in Animal Sciences. She also has a career as a Workforce Management Supervisor and has a certificate in project management. Her work has been featured in Mother Earth News, Backyard Poultry, Grit, The Chicken Whisperer Magazine, and Community Chickens. She is known as the Quail Lady and has published several books on raising Coturnix. The farm is FWC game farm licensed, FDAC licensed for quail, chicken, and duck eating eggs and meat, and NPIP certified. With over 14 years of experience, she produces strong genetics and health in her hatching eggs, eating eggs, and live birds. She owns and manages Stellar Game Birds, Poultry, Waterfowl LLC, a selective breeding operation with game birds, poultry, and waterfowl. Alexandra Doss is a Poultry & Livestock Expert expert based in Ruskin, Florida. This article was co-authored by Alexandra Doss. ![]()
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