Maximizing Your Hatch Rate
A good hatch rate is 80-90%. If you are getting less, here are proven ways to improve.
1. Egg Selection
Use eggs from healthy, well-fed breeding stockSelect medium-sized eggs (avoid very large or small)Discard cracked, dirty, or misshapen eggsUse eggs less than 7 days oldStore at 12-15°C before incubation2. Temperature Management
Maintain 37.5°C (99.5°F) throughout incubationUse a calibrated thermometer to verify your controllerAvoid opening the incubator unnecessarilyEnsure good air circulation for even heating3. Humidity Control
Days 1-17: 50-55% relative humidityDays 18-21 (lockdown): 65-75% relative humidityUse a hygrometer to monitorAdd warm water to humidity trays4. Egg Turning
Turn eggs at least 3 times daily (automatic is best)Stop turning on day 18Mark eggs with X and O to track turning5. Candling Schedule
Day 7: Remove clear (infertile) eggsDay 14: Remove dead embryosDay 18: Final check before lockdown6. Lockdown Protocol (Day 18-21)
Stop turning eggsIncrease humidity to 70%Do NOT open the incubatorMaintain temperatureWait 24-48 hours after first pip before assistingCommon Causes of Low Hatch Rate
Old or infertile eggsTemperature fluctuationsLow humidity during hatchingPower outages without backupPoor ventilationConclusion
Consistency is key. A quality incubator with automatic turning and stable controls makes achieving 90%+ hatch rates much easier.
