Lab Incubator

One of the most common experiments conducted in the science lab through which children can understand the biological growth process is through hatching chicken eggs. The best way to hatch chicken eggs is by using an incubator. The following are the various steps to be followed when using an incubator for hatching chicken eggs.

Firstly, before choosing the incubator, one needs to select the right fertilized eggs. Such eggs can easily be obtained from any poultry farmer. These eggs should be of medium size and without cracks or breaks. Once the eggs have been chosen, then next step is in choosing a good incubator. A forced-air incubator is great for holding a large numbers of eggs whereas a still-air incubator is not only much smaller, but it also does not have a fan and can hatch fewer eggs. Although there are many varieties of incubators available that are capable of hatching from two eggs to dozens of eggs, the type of incubator that one should procure depends on the allotted budget and the number of eggs required for hatching.

The second step should be done before placing any eggs inside the incubator. The incubator should be tested out to make sure that the temperature in it remains consistent. The incubator should always be kept at room temperature and there should be proper ventilation shafts in the room so that it does not become stuffy. The third step in hatching chicken eggs is to place the eggs inside the incubator. Once the eggs are placed inside the incubator, the temperature should not be adjusted for at least for 48 hours. The temperature inside will automatically decrease during the incubation period which is about 21 days. In a forced-air incubator the temperature should be kept at about 100 degrees Fahrenheit whereas in a still-air incubator, it should be 102 degrees Fahrenheit. In the beginning, the humidity should be set at 58%-60% and should be increased to 65% when the eggs start hatching. The eggs should never be set with the small end pointing upward.

Every four hours, the eggs should be turned. However, the eggs should not be turned within three days of hatching. All eggs should hatch within 24 hours of each other inside the incubator. When the shells start cracking, one should remember never to open the incubator to help any of the chickens out as they need to work themselves out of the shells for proper maturity.

Once the eggs have hatched completely, place the chickens in a dry place and wipe the incubator clean before reusing it for hatching chicken eggs again.