DIY Chicken Eggs Incubator is an object that allows you to incubate your chosen bird’s egg in a homemade incubator. An incubator hatcher is vital if you want to produce chicks in the safest and healthiest possible manner.
In the absence of incubators for poultry, the chances of the unborn chicks dying within the egg, is rather high. Chicken eggs for hatching have their own challenges. If you fail to meet these challenges, your poultry cannot grow.
If your poultry flock does not grow in numbers, chances are that your business shall refuse also become stagnant. This is when the importance of saving unborn chicks using an incubator for hatching eggs becomes very important.
Let me discuss everything that you need to know regarding hatching incubators. Whether making an incubator at home is a reasonable task or not shall also be discussed in this write-up.
>>> Click Here to Learn How To Build A High Quality Egg Hatching Incubator Cheaply With Step-by-Step Videos <<<
So, let me get started:
DIY Chicken Eggs Incubator Write-up Content
1) What is a High Hatching Rate Egg Incubator?
2) When was the First Egg Incubator Introduced in this world?
3) What is the Use of an Egg Incubator?
4) What all do You need to Keep in Mind before Making a Homemade Chicken Hatcher?
5) Pros and Cons of DIY Chicken Eggs Incubator made at Home
6) How to Build a DIY Egg Incubator at Home?
7) FAQ on DIY Chicken Eggs Incubator
8) Conclusion
What is a High Hatching Rate Egg Incubator?
Even before I start to discuss the rate of hatching within an egg incubator, it is vital to first understand the concept. An egg incubator is a devise that is meant to help avian eggs hatch optimally. This devise is usually made from thermocol (or similar) based products.
Within the hatcher incubator, the correct humidity level and temperature is to be maintained. The ideal temperature within an incubator hatcher is 37.5 degree Celsius.
Three weeks is an ideal time-frame for the eggs to hatch. This is also termed as the incubation period. We term this as the golden 21 day period as well. In order to maintain ambient temperature within the devise, a thermostat is used.
How to Ensure High Hatching Rate within the Egg Incubator?
A good devise is one that permits you to achieve 95% to 100% eggs hatching rate. Ironically, many hatchers tend to have a very low hatching rate. This is because they tend to not follow the best practices meant for highly efficient incubators.
Well, here is how you can increase your hatching rate:
Maintaining Optimal Air Outflow:
When an egg is in the incubation process, it tends to emit carbon dioxide and other toxic gasses. If these exhaust gasses are permitted to remain within the hatcher then, the hatching rate shall decline considerably.
The Initial Stage:
In the initial week of the incubation stage, the gasses released are scant. As the metabolic process is slow, you can keep the hatching devise closed. This inhibits any airflow to and from the devise.
The Final Stage:
After 7 days of incubation, the stage that the egg reaches is the middle stage. Over here, the activity within the egg increases and gasses are released. So, overheating should be avoided.
The ventilation should now be optimized to ensure that the carbon dioxide content is less than half a percent. The oxygen content should always be above 21%. This also maintains optimal humidity levels (within the container).
Lack of optimized air flow shall cause embryos to malfunction. So, to avoid malfunctioning embryos and unnecessary fatalities, ventilation within a chicken egg incubator is essential.
Maintaining Ambient Temperature:
The ideal temperature within the hatcher needs to be 37.5 degree Celsius. This is ideal for chicken, goose and even dick eggs. There can be a variation of degree (plus and minus) but not more than that. Anything more or less shall lead to complications in hatchlings.
Just remember to reduce the temperature within the hatcher as the weeks pass by. As the embryo gets mature, the metabolism hastens, requiring you to monitor the temperature within the devise.
If the temperature is higher than recommended then, the hatching process is accelerated. This leads to fatalities and illnesses in the new-born chicks. If the temperature is lower than recommended (within the incubator) then, the hatching time increases. This again leads to unwanted fatalities.
The Cooling Process
In the middle stages of incubation, the metabolism of the egg hastens. This in turn produces heat that is higher than the required temperature within the hatcher. This is when you need to reduce the heat within the devise.
Doing so not only helps the egg from malfunctioning, it also reduces the influx of toxic gasses within the devise. So, keep a sharp lookout for the egg temperature and reduce the temperature accordingly.
Usually, 25 minutes is considered sufficient to cool down the eggs. You can open the incubator’s door and allow the eggs to cool down naturally. Do this once daily. Alternatively, turn off the heating mechanism of the devise and initiate a fan.
Switching the Egg Position
In order to ensure that the heating of the egg is performed in an even manner, you need to keep rotating the egg. When you turn eggs within the incubator, the embryo develops optimally. The angle of turn should be in between 44 to 46 degrees.
This process needs to be done in the first 10 days of the incubation period. Thereafter, you can allow the eggs to remain in the same position till they hatch. This way, the membrane of the egg does not infuse with the embryo.
When was the First Egg Incubator Introduced in this world?
It was around 400 BC when the first egg incubator took birth. This was in the era when Egyptians ruled the world. A cone that was placed upside-down was heated via fire from beneath. Draped in ash, the cone contained eggs to be hatched
These eggs were placed in baskets that were placed over the ash and covered in leafy baskets. There are two different chambers within the simple brick and mortar setup. It is shaped like a cone (flat base with a peak).
Rene Antoine Ferchault de Reaumur introduced the first egg hatcher wherein the temperature could be controlled. It was in the year 1730. Known as the Reaumur incubator, this devise helped improve healthy hatching.
In the year 1881, Lyman Byce introduced the first incubator machine that was powered by coal. It was sold and became an instant hit. Ira Petersime introduced the first commercial large scale egg hatcher. It was powered by electricity and was capable of hatching fifteen thousand eggs in one go.
What is the Use of an Egg Incubator?
Well, an egg incubator or an egg hatcher is a machine that helps in increasing the egg hatching rate. This is with special regards to the eggs of quail, chicken, duck, goose and even reptiles.
So by maintaining optimal temperature, humidity and removing toxic gasses, this devise improves the hatching rate by several notches. Apart from hatching the eggs, chicks are also raised within these machines.
Over here, the mother of the chicks does not need to be present. Everything is done via this machine. The egg incubator machine keeps the eggs safe and cool. It also inhibits any infestation from predators.
The distinct advantage of this machine is to produce chicks that have an equal mental and physical fitness levels. These chicks are disease free and capable of maintaining optimal health throughout their lifespan.
What is the Difference between Multi Stage and Single Stage Incubation?
Single Stage Incubation:
This is a process whereby the age of the eggs and embryos remains the same. So, during the 21 day incubation period, the eggs remain unchanged. They are removed all at once. Thereafter the single stage incubation machine is thoroughly cleansed.
As many as 119000 eggs can be placed in the single stage mechanism. These are large machines that are technically sound to manage such large amounts of eggs.
Multi Stage Incubation:
In multi stage incubation, new eggs are added every three or seven days. The transfer of eggs at such a regular interval ensures that the cost of operation comes down. This is owing to the heat transferred by the older eggs that keeps fresh embryos warm.
So, which is Better of the Two?
Well, in my (LeanAndFit Review Staff)opinion, the multi stage incubation process is better. It allows more eggs to hatch and requires minimal maintenance. Reduced cost of maintenance clubbed by more hatching leads to more profit.
What all do You need to Keep in Mind before Making a Homemade Chicken Hatcher?
Making a home-made egg hatching incubator is not at all an easy task yet, it is achievable. It is not all that tough either. Everything here depends on the amount of time and effort that you are ready to put in.
Well, here are a few ways to build one at home:
The Glass Enclosure:
Some use a fish tank for incubating the eggs of poultry. For this very purpose they make use of a glass enclosure. Heat mat is placed at the bottom of the glass enclosure.
To provide added heat, you can place a couple of lights on top of the enclosure. This helps the eggs to hatch. Nonetheless, maintaining the right humidity levels and temperature is a daunting task here.
What All Material do You Need to Make a DIY Egg Incubator?
>>> You need an old refrigerator or a Styrofoam box that helps maintain ambient temperature within your DIY incubator. You can even use boxes that are used to keep foodstuff cool.
>>> In order to maintain ambient temperature within the container, you should make use of a bulb. Keep the wattage between 20 to 25 watts.
>>> To ensure that the humidity levels do not vary, place a bowl that is filled with water. You can also place a cotton cloth within the bowl.
>>> In order to make sure that the temperature inside the storage tank is constant, place pebbles at the bottom. It helps provide ambient temperature within the enclosure.
>>> To read the maximum and minimum temperature within the tank, use a thermometer. In order to measure the humidity levels, install a hygrometer.
>>> Cover the heating pad with a wire meshing. It helps in keeping the birds safe.
>>> A small fan can be used to help regulate the air evenly. This shall allow the warmth to remain constant within your DIY egg hatcher.
Pros and Cons of DIY Chicken Eggs Incubator made at Home
An egg incubator made at home is a devise that is known to help incubate eggs optimally. So while making one is fairly simple, you may face issues with regards to its overall functionality.
The Advantages:
>>> You do not have to spend a small fortune in getting it together. All it takes is a few pieces of equipment to get a diy egg hatcher in place at home. In most cases it does not cost a dime.
>>> The material that is used to putting it all this together is recycled. So, the cost is almost negligible.
>>> You no longer need to buy the expensive egg hatchers that are available in the market.
>>> DIY egg incubator for poultry helps you learn a new craft.
The Disadvantages:
>>> You cannot hope to maintain optimal temperate levels within the DIY egg hatcher. Make sure that the room wherein is placed your diy devise gets an even temperature.
>>> The hatch rate is usually less as compared to the one delivered by a commercial incubator. Usually it is less than 50%.
>>> Controlling bacterial and related diseases is tough in diy egg hatchers.
>>> Humidity levels may not be optimally maintained in the diy devise. This may lead to low hatch rate.
How to Build a DIY Egg Incubator at Home?
Building your own egg incubator can be a daunting task for a few. Most poultry owners consider the diy egg hatchers to be inferior to their commercially available counterparts. Well, this is not at all true.
Here is how you can build your own DIY egg incubator for your poultry:
Getting the Skeleton Together:
@ It would take you roughly 3 hours to complete the devise. It may cost you $190 on an average. The cost may reduce to $50 if you choose to go with cheap quality thermostat and container.
@ You would need a thermostat and a casing. The casing should be capable of maintaining ambient temperature for the safety of the embryo.
For the container, you could choose food coolers, styrofoam boxes, styro insulation cases or a freezer. You can use analog, pulse or digital thermostats.
@ A hygrometer and a thermometer for measuring humidity and temperature are also required. You can use analog, digital or infrared thermometers.
@ You need a drill with bits and tape that is heat proof. You also need heating elements such as a heat bulb, a heat cable or a heat tape.
Steps to Build the DIY Egg Incubator
Step # 1:
In the very first step, you need to ensure that the chosen container is well sealed. Any gaps within the chosen container need to be sealed effectively. Silicon is ideal for this purpose as it is temperature and humidity resistant.
Step # 2:
Place a heat cable on the container and secure it using a heat protection tape. This is vital for ensuring that heat is transferred across the incubator evenly.
Step # 3:
Place a digital thermometer near the incubating eggs. This helps in keeping a close watch over the temperature. You need to then add the probe of the thermostat. This needs to be placed near the incubating eggs and nowhere else.
Step # 4:
To maintain optimal airflow inside the incubator, ensure to have a wire mesh as an elevated shelf. This can be placed right underneath you incubating boxes.
Step # 5:
Onto the outlet of the incubator, you need to plug the heating element. The power supply of your wall socket should be connected with the plug of the heating element. Set the temperature and watch for 2 to 3 hours.
When the temperature is re-read (after 3 hours of wait and watch), make changes to the thermostat. This in turn shall help maintain perfect temperature within the case. You can now place the eggs inside the container.
Step # 6:
Make use of a hygrometer to check the relative humidity within the container. To increase humidity within the container, opt for misting. You can also place water in a small cup and place the cup near the heating element.
Step # 7:
Affix a UPS to your DIY incubator for hatching poultry eggs. Doing so shall ensure that the power does not get interrupted during a brief power outage.
FAQ on DIY Chicken Eggs Incubator
Q-1: What Kind of Chicken Egg Incubator should I Make?
A-1: Ideally, get a container that retains heat and moisture. A good example is Styrofoam container or a food picnic cooler. A hygrometer, a thermostat, a thermometer and a wire mesh for a raised platform, is also recommended.
Q-2: How Long does it take to Hatch a Chicken Egg in a DIY Incubator?
A-2: It takes 3 weeks to be precise for the eggs placed inside the DIY chicken incubator to hatch. Nonetheless, this happens only when the temperature and humidity levels have been established optimally.
Q-3: What is the ideal Temperature inside an Egg Incubator for Poultry?
A-3: It should be 99 degree Fahrenheit. It can be as low as 97 degree Fahrenheit and as high as 102 degree Fahrenheit. Nonetheless, this range needs to be maintained all along.
Q-4: I’ve just purchased eggs from the cold storage. When should I Place Eggs inside the Incubator?
A-4: Well, you need to ensure that you keep them at a room temperature before placing them inside an incubator. The time period for the same is about one day. Thereafter, simply place them within your DIY chicken incubator.
Q-5: If the Chicken Eggs do not Hatch in 21 Days – Is it a Serious Issue?
A-5: Not at all. Some chicken eggs may take as long as 26 days to hatch. So, you do not need to worry if they fail to hatch in 3 weeks.
Q-6: What is the Ideal Temperature for Hatching Chicken Eggs?
A-6: The ideal temperature for chicken eggs to hatch normally is 99.5 degree Fahrenheit. It can go up and down by 3 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q-7: I have Chicken Eggs kept without an Incubator for 6 Days. Are they Capable of Hatching if I place them in an Incubator Now?
A-7: Yes, they can be placed within a chicken incubator. They shall begin to reproduce normally 21 days post being placed within the hatcher. You can keep eggs in a dormant state for as long as 14 days.
Q-8: How Long can I keep my Chicken Eggs in a Fridge?
A-8: You can keep them for as long as 15 days. Nonetheless, the sooner you place the eggs in the incubator, the better it is. Nonetheless, after removing them from the refrigerator, allow the eggs to settle at room temperature for 24 hours before placing them inside the incubator.
Q-9: What should I do once the Chicks hatch inside my DIY Chicken Hatching Machine?
A-9: Well, you need to let them be for a few hours. This is owing to the natural drying process that is essential before taking them out of the devise.
Within 4 to 5 hours, they should be dry enough to be taken out in the open. Do not leave them inside for longer than that period or they might start to feel the chill.
Q-10: I have a DIY Chicken Hatcher. So, what is its Success Rate?
A-10: The success rate of this model is completely dependent on how well you made the devise. So, if you have everything in order (optimal casing, thermostat, hygrometer, thermometer, UPS etc.), the hatching success rate should be close to 70%.
Q-11: Should I Clean the Incubator after a Hatching Session? Should I Let Eggshells Remain Inside?
A-11: Yes, you should clean the container once the eggs have hatched and the chicks are out. No, do not leave the egg shells inside.
Q-12: What all Do I need to Consider to help my Chicken Eggs Hatch Optimally in my DIY Hatcher?
A-12: Well, you need to maintain optimal humidity and temperature levels. At the same time, you also need to keep rotating the eggs and ensure that the ventilation is optimal.
Conclusion
In the wake of DIY devises for incubating chicken eggs, it is essential that you gather knowledge first before initiating the development stage. So, do some research on the material required to put together the best diy devise for the sake of your chicken.
While you do spend money while building one, as compared to buying a commercial incubator, the home made one is dirt cheap. I believe even the best DIY devise can be made under the $200 mark.
So, I would certainly recommend you going in for it rather than spending a small fortune on a commercially available product.