Frequently Asked Questions ( F. A. Q.s )

Question: What is the correct size incubator for me?

Answer:  You need to know 2 things first. 1. How many eggs do you collect every week? 2. How many weeks is the incubation period of the fowl you are incubating?

To get the correct incubator size, multiply the number of eggs to the number of incubation weeks. This will give you an idea of the incubator egg capacity.

The best way to understand this is to use examples.

Example 1:             100 chicken eggs collected every week. Chickens have an incubation of 3 weeks.
Solution:                                                    100 chicken eggs x 3 weeks = 300 eggs
So it is ideal to have an incubator than can accommodate a 3 weeks egg load of 300 eggs or more.
 
Example 2:              50 duck eggs collected every week. Ducks have an incubation of 4 weeks.
Solution:                                                      50 duck eggs x 4 weeks = 200 eggs
The correct incubator egg load should be 200 duck eggs or more.

Example 3:              32 ostrich eggs collected every week. Ostriches have an incubation of 6 weeks.
       Solution:                                           32 ostrich eggs x 6 weeks = 192 eggs
 The correct incubator size should be 192 eggs or more.

Q:  Why do we need to collect and store the eggs before incubation?

A:  Collecting eggs is necessary to synchronize the eggs so that they hatch into same age chicks. This maximizes the incubator’s efficiency of hatching more eggs with less effort. Collection can only  be done if eggs are properly stored. Improper egg storage will only hamper efforts to increase egg collection and ultimately chick production. To properly store eggs, place the eggs with their pointed tip resting on egg crates and the egg crates stored in a cold storage area.

Q: Why can’t I just place the eggs I get everyday inside the incubator?

A:  Egg collection not only synchronizes the  eggs so that they hatch into same  age chicks, but also to lessen the work of an operator. If  eggs are placed inside the incubator every day for the next 20 days then it  naturally  follows that  you  need  to remove the newly hatched chick’s everyday for the next consecutive 20 days also. This work is very tiresome and adds strain to the incubator. Every day that the incubator is opened also affects the chances of the hatching eggs as crucial humidity-conditioned air is lost. It is because of this that we firmly  advise  operators not to disturb the hatching eggs within its last 3 day  confinement. By using a 7 day egg  collection allowance, we are able to space the hatching of every batch to prevent the unnecessary opening of the incubator.