CHOOSING AN EGG INCUBATOR

Choosing the right incubator can be a challenge. In this article, our experts at Nice hatch incubators simplify and take you through the key factors you should consider when choosing an ideal incubator that will work for you. It is important to note that just like in any other preference; each farmer’s ideal incubator needs may differ. Remember you can always contact us at any time for clarification or consultancy regarding your challenges in poultry needs.

Egg incubator factors to consider

1. Airflow in the  incubator

Embryo development in the eggs requires oxygen. The chicks hatching are living organisms that not only consume a fair amount of oxygen rapidly but also produce sizeable carbon dioxide. A good airflow inside the incubator will, therefore, ensure this need is constantly regulated for the best egg hatching conditions needed. A good incubator should have air vents that will keep fresh air circulated. Some incubators may contain inbuilt fans to accelerate airflow. 

• Temperature Control of the incubator

Temperature regulation is an important condition in the egg hatching process. The right temperature must be maintained at all times during this hatching process. Temperature regulation is critical since there may be weather changes as well as the differences that may arise between day and night. The inside temperature of an incubator must be keenly observed, maintained and regulated to avoid fluctuation. Fluctuations in temperatures will bring about poor egg hatching rates and loses to the farmer. The common temperature control mechanisms in incubators include wafer thermostats and digital electronic control systems. Wafer-controlled incubators allow for more fluctuation in temperature and can contribute to irregular hatches than electronically- controlled incubators. Once the temperature in a wafer-controlled incubator is set up care must be observed to avoid accidental readjustment of the tuning knob or the adjusting screw. Temperatures for some electronically controlled incubators may have been preset for hatching chicken eggs by the manufacturer, you need to know what temperature is required for each type of poultry egg species and adjust accordingly.

It is recommended that you should run the incubator for 24-48 hours before placing the eggs into the incubator to ensure that the optimum temperature needed is ready. Whenever in doubt consult your manufacture or Nice Hatch Incubators technicians.

• Humidity Control in the incubator

Egg hatching demands the correct amount of humidity all through the incubation period. It is a requirement therefore that an incubator should have moisture devices that will enable this condition to be regulated to facilitate the development of egg embryos.  These devices may be in the form of inbuilt troughs, external containers, removable trays, pans, or plastic liners either with automatic self-regulation system of the manual wet-bulb thermometer (hygrometer) that measure humidity levels.  Read the incubator manufacturer’s instructions.

• Ability to Observe in the incubator

Some good models of incubators have transparent covers or observation windows that allow you to observe what is happening inside the incubator. This enables the farmer to keep track of the hatching development process without having t open and disrupt the optimum conditions inside. The easier it is to observe inside the better. 

• Cleaning Ease of the incubator

Once the egg has hatched you will need to move them to a brooder and cleanup the incubator for the next hatching process. The easier to clean the better.

• Cost

Every venture has some costs to be incurred, your budget may determine your preferred choice for an incubator.