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Incubation and Hatching of Chicken Eggs
Incubation and hatching are essential processes in poultry production that involve providing suitable environmental conditions for the development of a viable embryo and successful emergence of the chick from the egg. Incubation may occur naturally under a broody hen or artificially using an incubator under controlled conditions.
Successful incubation depends on maintaining appropriate temperature, humidity, ventilation, and regular turning of eggs throughout the incubation period. In commercial poultry production, artificial incubation is widely used to hatch large numbers of eggs efficiently under controlled hatchery conditions.
Natural Incubation
In this method, broody hens are made to sit on hatching eggs to hatch chicks. A hen can sit on hatching eggs for a longer period without feed and water due to certain hormonal changes in its body. Prolactin is responsible for broodiness in chickens.
Artificial Incubation
In this method, mechanical equipment (incubators) is used for hatching purposes. Incubators are placed in a building called a hatchery.
Different Types of Incubators
- Based on air circulation:
- Still air incubators
- Forced draft incubators
- Based on heating source:
- Hot air incubator
- Hot water incubator
- Based on fuel used:
- Gas-operated incubator
- Oil-operated incubator
- Electrically operated incubator
Steps Involved in Commercial Hatchery Operations
