Hatching Egg Care Page
At Sugar Feather Farm, we take pride in ensuring that each egg is thoroughly inspected before being carefully packed using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Our poultry, gamebird, and waterfowl hatching eggs are individually wrapped and packed in Sylvacurl, a biodegradable, reusable, and compostable material sourced directly from Vermont. Our meticulous packing process eliminates the need for double boxing and any egg movement inside the box, ensuring that your eggs arrive safely and securely.
Receiving Your Eggs
When you receive your eggs, they will be shipped via USPS priority mail, typically arriving within 2-3 business days, or via USPS express for expedited delivery. Upon receiving your package, gently unpack the box to reveal your carefully packed eggs.
Setting Your Eggs
After unpacking, handle the eggs with care and place them in their designated egg trays either pointy end down or laying down. Allow the eggs to rest for at least 12 hours at room temperature. This resting period allows the eggs to acclimate to their new environment, preparing them for successful incubation. It is essential to ensure that your incubator has been operating for at least 3 days prior to the arrival of your eggs to verify and maintain the correct temperature, which should be 99.5 degrees F in a circulated incubator and 101 degrees F in a still air incubator.
Humidity and Temperature Control
Depending on your environment, there are two recommended methods for humidity control. You can maintain a consistent humidity level of 50%-60%, or opt for a dry hatch approach, which involves keeping the humidity low until the final stages of hatching.
For temperature control, it is vital to maintain the incubator temperature within the range of 99-101 degrees F, based on whether you have a circulated or still air incubator. Circulated incubators with a fan should be kept at 99.5 degrees F, while still air incubators should be maintained at 100-101 degrees F. If you have an automatic turner, be mindful that the incubator may run hotter, requiring the use of two thermometers to monitor the temperature accurately.
We hope these instructions help you in successfully caring for your hatching eggs. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for choosing Sugar Feather Farm for your egg hatching needs!
Preparing for Hatch Day
As the anticipation of hatch day grows, it's crucial to ensure a smooth transition for the soon-to-arrive chicks. Three days before the expected hatch day, it's time to take the eggs out of the incubator and transfer them to the hatcher. If you're using the same incubator as the hatcher, remember to turn off any automatic turners to prevent interference with the hatching process. Ensure the hatcher is set up with the appropriate temperature and humidity levels to create an ideal environment for the final stages of incubation. This delicate period is essential for the chicks' well-being, as they make the final preparations for hatching. Simultaneously, it's imperative to have the brooder ready for the new arrivals. The brooder serves as their initial habitat and should be prepared before the hatch day. Adequate preparation of the brooder involves setting up a warm, secure, and clean space with bedding, heat sources, feeders, and waterers.
By meticulously following these steps, you can make the hatching and transition process as stress-free as possible for the chicks, ensuring they have the best start to life in your home!
Happy Hatching!
Sugar Feather Farm