Incubating Eggs

I've collected two dozen eggs over the last few days and I set them in the incubator yesterday. I always try to hatch the biggest, darkest eggs I can, hoping to pass along good genetics. It's just a theory, but it seems wiser than hatching the smallest ones. I don't set eggs that are odd shaped or are covered with dirt or chicken manure. Never, ever, ever wash an egg before incubating it, you're washing off a protective coating that nature needs for a successful hatch.

The eggs are placed, pointed end down, in an automatic turner, which sort of mimics the natural egg rotating done by a hen. Without the turner, you have to turn the eggs over by hand, at least twice a day, which allows a lot of cooling time, which probably lowers your hatch rate.

I Rarely fill the egg turner to capacity, so I have a little room to add water without getting any eggs wet. Humidity is HUGE when

hatching, so I keep a close eye on that as well as temperature. This incubator has digital temperature and humidity readings, making it easy to monitor and adjust, if needed. I always hope for, and usually get at least, a 2/3 hatch rate, so I'm looking for 16 of this two dozen to hatch, and hopefully 8 of them hens.

I cover the incubator with a small blanket to insulate it as much as

possible to hold a more stable temperature. I've had some of these cheaper incubators that were really erratic and covering them seems to help. My house is heated with a wood burning stove, so it's relatively cold, compared to most modern homes, and these things are designed to be used in that sort of environment. This particular unit has been pretty stable so far, but I won't give the brand name yet, because I haven't used it enough to recommend it.

In 21 days, I'll have some new baby chick.