FAQs

How long do fertile eggs remain fertile after being laid?
Fertile eggs can last from 1.5 weeks to 2 weeks before fertility rates decline.  Because of this, we will not sell eggs that are older than 1.5 weeks old. 

How to store fertile hatching eggs before putting in the incubator?

Eggs that are waiting to be hatched (before going into an incubator or under a broody hen) are in suspension.  The embryo will not develop unless the eggs are warm.  They must be kept from freezing. 

Eggs must be stored pointy end down, in egg cartons, at ideally about 13C.  We mark the date on each egg with a pencil.  Eggs are not washed because the protective coating on the egg in important to protect the developing embryo.  Tip your eggs on a 35% angle by placing an object underneath the egg carton.  Change angles every few hours.  The mother hen typically moves her eggs around every few hours to keep the yolk from attaching to the shell.  You must imitate the mother hen as closely as possible in order to have a good hatch.

When do you collect eggs?
We collect eggs throughout the day.  If there is a broody hen in the nest the eggs must be collected frequently or she will start the incubation process.  If eggs have been partially incubated and then left cold, the developing embryo will be destroyed or will have birth defects. 

How do I incubate eggs?
You must have an incubator that will maintain an appropriate temperature and humidity level.  Automatic egg turners are handy, and thermostats definitely improve the hatch rate because they regulate the temperature. 
Here is a great website that will walk you through the process.  It is recommended that if you are using a new (or new to you) incubator you try a hatch of less expensive eggs first. 
http://howtoincubate.com/ 
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/livestocksystems/di0631.html

Lock down is an important step in the incubation process.  Before day 19 you can open the incubator to turn the eggs or put water in for moisture.  But on day 19 you need to fill all troughs with water and close the incubator and DO NOT OPEN until all the eggs that are going to hatch have hatched.  If you open it while some eggs are pipped or partly hatched you will let out the moisture and the chick will be stuck (shrink wrapped) inside the egg.  The chick will most likely die without hatching.  By day 23, if there are no more pipped eggs (tiny holes or cracks) then any eggs left in the incubator will likely not hatch.  We do NOT recommend helping any chicks out of the shell. 

You can do a water test on any unpipped eggs to see if there is life in them. 

You can candle eggs at 7 days incubation to see if eggs have developing embryos in them. 

How do you raise chicks?
You will need a heat lamp, a safe, draft-free place to raise the chicks, bedding, a waterer, a feeder, and chick feed.  Keep them separate from other chickens until they are old enough to fend for themselves.  Here is a great link to get you started: http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKRaisingChicks.html.

What if my eggs don't hatch?
Check fertility.  You need fertile eggs (eggs that have been fertilised by a rooster) that are no more than 1.5 weeks old from being laid.  They need to have been stored properly before being placed in the incubator.  (See above). 
Check the incubator.  Temperature and moisture level are very important.  If either of these is way out of whack you may have destroyed the eggs. 

What is an average hatch rate? 
80% hatch rate is considered VERY successful.  Anything between 65% and up is considered good.  Rarely (although we have had it happen) does anyone have a 100% hatch rate. 

Can I tell if I have male or female chicks?
In most cases, no.  Some chicks are bred to be sexed at birth by color.  There is a method of sexing called venting which is done in large hatcheries but is not generally done by the average farm hatcher because it requires skills and equipment. 

Good resources for raising chickens
Backyard Chickens
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/livestocksystems/di0631.html