Hatching shipped eggs can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking to add rare or uncommon breeds to your flock or simply enjoy the thrill of the hatching process, there’s a unique joy that comes from seeing those tiny chicks emerge from their shells. That said, shipped eggs definitely come with their own set of challenges. By understanding the intricacies of hatching and following some tried-and-true methods, you can increase your chances of success.
Understanding the Challenges of Hatching Shipped Eggs
Shipped eggs quite often face rough handling during shipping. Factors such as temperature fluctuations, impacts, and even air cell detachment during shipping can lower hatch rates compared to locally sourced eggs. It’s important to approach the process knowing that hatch rates may vary and not all eggs will hatch - but don’t be discouraged! Shipped eggs provide opportunities to access rare breeds and genetic lines you may not find locally. With proper preparation and care, you can make this exciting venture worthwhile.
Pre-Incubation Checklist
When your hatching eggs arrive, there are several steps you should follow to give your eggs the best chance of success.
1. Inspect the Eggs Immediately
Carefully unpack the eggs using minimal pressure. Avoid cracking or damaging them further. Examine each egg for any signs of damage. Cracked or visibly broken eggs should not be incubated, as cracks can compromise the rest of the batch.
2. Allow the Eggs to Rest
Shipped eggs need time to settle. Place them in an egg carton with the pointed end down and allow them to rest undisturbed for 12-24 hours at room temperature. This helps displaced air cells (a common issue in shipped eggs) return to their proper position at the fat end of the egg.
3. Handle Detached Air Cells Carefully
Loose or detached air cells can occur due to shipping jostling the egg’s internal structure. When incubating eggs with detached air cells, avoid turning them for the first few days of incubation. Place them upright in the incubator, fat end up, and monitor them regularly through candling. Detached air cells can often reattach partially or fully during the first critical days of incubation if given the proper care.
Read more about candling your shipped hatching eggs to identify displaced air cells. https://www.99oaksfarm.com/blogs/articles/egg-candling-during-incubation
4. Prepare the Incubator
Ensure your incubator is fully setup and stable before adding eggs. Allow it to reach the following target settings for at least 24 hours prior to placement:
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Temperature: Forced-air incubator (99.5°F); still-air incubator (100-101°F)
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Humidity: 45-50% for the first 18 days, increasing to 65-70% for the last three days
The Incubation Process
5. Regular Egg Turning
Most incubators have an automatic egg-turner, but if yours doesn’t, manually turn the eggs every eight hours to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell membrane. Mark the eggs with an "X" on one side and an "O" on the other to keep track of their positions. Remember to skip turning during the final three days before hatching (a phase called "lockdown").
6. Monitor Temperature and Humidity Closely
Temperature and humidity are the foundations of a successful hatch. Ensure they remain consistent throughout incubation. Add water or adjust settings as needed to maintain recommended humidity levels. Sudden drops or spikes in temperature could put the embryos at risk.
7. Candle to Check Development
How to Candle Eggs
Candling is the process of shining a bright light through the egg to observe development inside. It’s an essential tool for monitoring incubation progress. To start, gather a candling lamp or a high-lumen flashlight. A dark room works best for effective visibility. Hold the fat end of the egg up to the light, tilting it slightly to avoid excess heat while allowing you to see what's inside.
You can use any safe, handheld light source designed for candling, such as LED candling lights available online. Avoid exposing eggs to too much heat during the process, as it could harm the developing embryos.
What to Look for During Each Candling Session
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Before Incubating:
Candling shipped eggs upon arrival is an essential first step. Check for loose or detached air cells in each egg. A healthy air cell typically stays fixed at the fat end of the egg and appears as a clear, stable pocket of air. However, shipping can cause the air cell to loosen or detach, resulting in a freely moving air pocket that shifts as the egg is tilted.
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Day 7:
Around day 7, look for a visible network of blood vessels radiating from a central embryo. Movement may be noticeable, and the air cell at the blunt end of the egg should appear intact and firm. Eggs showing no development, with a clear interior and no veins, may be non-viable and should be removed.
Image used with permission from Brinsea.com -
Day 14:
By day 14, the embryo should be larger and more defined. The veins should still be visible, but the embryo will now take up more space, darkening a significant portion of the egg. Check that the air cell is growing appropriately in size, and look for strong, active movement. Any eggs showing signs of bacterial “rings” or dead embryos should be promptly removed to prevent contamination.
Image used with permission from Brinsea.com -
Final Candling (Day 18):
Before entering lockdown, do a final check to ensure progress. The embryo should now occupy most of the shell, with only the air cell remaining clear. Movement might be harder to spot because of the lack of space. Eggs with proper air-cell development and a large, healthy embryo are ready for hatching.
Image used with permission from Brinsea.com
Candling is both a fascinating and practical part of the process, helping you manage your incubator and predict which eggs are likely to hatch.
Read more about candling your shipped hatching eggs: https://www.99oaksfarm.com/blogs/articles/egg-candling-during-incubation
8. Preparing for the Hatch (Lockdown)
On day 18, stop turning the eggs and increase the humidity to around 65-70%. Avoid opening the incubator during the lockdown period, as this could disrupt the heat and humidity balance needed for successful hatching.
Hatch Day!
Around day 21, you may begin to hear chirping and see small cracks or “pips” in the shells. Chick hatching is a slow process and may take up to 24 hours. It’s tempting to assist struggling chicks, but avoid intervening unless it’s clear they’re in extreme distress and need help.
Once the chicks hatch, allow them to dry off inside the incubator before transferring them to a brooder with a warm, safe environment.
Benefits of Hatching Shipped Eggs
While hatching shipped eggs comes with challenges, the potential benefits are significant. Shipped eggs offer access to unique and rare breeds that may not be available locally, creating opportunities for genetic diversity in your flock. Whether you’re after sought-after varieties or looking to expand your current group with new bloodlines, hatching shipped eggs is a way to grow your flock in ways otherwise unavailable.
Final Thoughts on Hatching Success
Successfully hatching shipped eggs is an adventure made easier with preparation, patience, and care. While every egg may not hatch, the joy of welcoming new chicks into the world is well worth the effort. By managing your expectations, learning through candling, and following these tips, you can enjoy this rewarding experience while giving your eggs the best chance to thrive.
Happy hatching!