ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Incubator temperature should be maintained between 99° and 100°F. The acceptable range is 97° to 102°F. High mortality is seen if the temperature drops below 96°F or rises above 103°F for a number of hours. If the temperature stays at either extreme for several days, the egg may not hatch.

Detailed explanation-2: -Within a range of 35 to 40.5°C (84.5-104.9°F) there is the possibility of eggs hatching. The optimum (for hens) is 37.5 °C (99.5°F), above this temperature as well as a reduced hatch there will be an increase in the number of crippled and deformed chicks. Above 40.5 °C (104.9°F) no embryos will survive.

Detailed explanation-3: -Chicken eggs should be incubated at approximately 100℉. Most home incubators can maintain between 99° and 102° F., and that will be fine. A temperature range greater than this can cause problems. At the proper temperature, embryonic development will proceed at a normal rate and chicks will hatch in 21 days.

Detailed explanation-4: -Make sure your incubator is set to the correct temperature. Forced air incubators should maintain a temperature of 99.5 – 100.5° F and still air incubators should hold a temperature of 100.5-101.5°F. The incubator should also have at least 60% humidity.

Detailed explanation-5: -A figure of 70-75% relative humidity is a good target to have in mind. Higher humidity during the final three days of chicken incubation helps to soften the egg shells, making the hatch a less tiresome experience for the hatchlings.