Hatching and incubation are important stages in the life cycle of a chicken. During incubation, the embryo begins to develop into vital organs. Depending on the type of hatching and incubation method, chicks will be able to survive up to 72 hours without access to feed or water. However, these birds need to have an increasing supply of fresh air to keep them healthy. If the incubator is not kept at the right temperature and humidity, the eggs can be weakened or rupture.

During the first three days of incubation, it is important to turn the eggs. This helps prevent the yolk from sticking to the shell. This also allows the embryo to move into its proper hatching position.

On the first day of incubation, the embryo begins to form many new organs. These include blood islands, a digestive tract, an eye, a mouth, a foregut, and the vascular system. As the embryo grows, these organs become more prominent and move into the thoracic cavity. By the eighth day of incubation, the heart is enclosed in the thoracic cavity. After 20 days of incubation, pulmonary respiration has begun.

A few days after incubation begins, the chick will begin to kick out of its shell. During this time, it is important to make sure that the yolk sac is fully inside the body cavity. If the yolk is not in the correct place, the chick may die.

The eggshell has pores that help regulate the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen between the chick and the air. If these pores are blocked, the chick will not be able to breathe. Therefore, the yolk needs to be turned to a fresh position so that it can breathe. This can be accomplished by using clean hands to turn the eggs.

On the tenth day of incubation, feathers start to appear. The beak forms as part of the respiratory system. The tongue also becomes a part of the respiratory system. After the fourteenth day of incubation, claws start to form. On the twenty-first day, the head and tail come close to the “C” shape.

The head of the chick is in the large end of the egg. The chick uses its neck muscle to cut the shell. If the chick is in the wrong position, it will be difficult for it to regain its strength. It will also be difficult for the chick to hatch.

During the last three days of incubation, it is not necessary to turn the eggs. This will help prevent the yolk from sticking to the shell, but it will also disrupt the development of the chick. A good way to keep track of your eggs is to use My 4-H Record. It will also help to keep track of any unusual weather conditions or problems with your incubation.

A dependable, cabinet-style incubator is more reliable than a styrofoam model. It is also more durable and more expensive. It is important to note that it should not be placed in a room where it will be exposed to direct sunlight or cold walls.