What is the best temperature for hatching chicken eggs?
Temperature should be 100’F for forced-air incubators and 102’F for still-air incubators. Check the temperature by placing the hatching thermometer at the same height as the top of the eggs would be. The heat source should be adjusted if needed. Humidity should be 58-60% from day one to day 18 and should be increased to 65% from day 18 to day 21. This is important to prevent moisture loss in eggs. Air vents should be opened slowly as chicks begin hatching for proper ventilation. Eggs should ideally be turned four to six times daily, but two or three times daily will suffice. Turning an odd number of times per day is best. Turn the eggs until day 18, and then do not turn any more — turning after day 18 could injure the chick. Forced-air incubators have automatic turners. Eggs in still-air incubators must be turned by hand. Use the X and O marking technique to help keep the turning correct. Always make sure hands are clean before handling eggs or chicks.
