Have you ever wondered how to bring to life fertilized eggs without fancy machines? This guide to natural egg incubation will equip you with step-by-step tips to successfully hatch chicks. With just a little care and the right knowledge, you can start your poultry journey the natural way. جوجه کشی درخانه

To begin with, select the right eggs. Not all eggs are suitable for incubation. Eggs should come from healthy, well-fed hens and active roosters. Eggs with cracks, odd shapes, or deformities should be avoided. After you have the right eggs, keep them in a shaded room with moderate temperature, but not longer than 7 days.

Now, let’s talk about the natural incubator—the broody hen. She’ll stay put for weeks, warming and rotating eggs to perfection. Only certain breeds and individual hens will go broody. They might cluck differently, stay puffed up, and hardly leave their spot. When your hen is confirmed broody, slip 6–10 fertilized eggs under her at night when she’s calm.

The ideal environment is critical for natural hatching. Set up a dry, well-ventilated, quiet space just for her. Keep water and layer feed within reach without forcing her off the nest too much. Even if she barely leaves the nest, that’s normal behavior for a determined hen. Never move her around too much once she starts sitting seriously.

The hen’s warmth is ideal, but surrounding humidity can still affect hatch success. Eggs need a relative humidity of around 50–55% during incubation and 65–70% during the last three days. In dry climates, placing a shallow dish of water nearby can help. However, don’t soak the nest or make it too damp. Proper bedding helps balance temperature and humidity while giving the hen comfort.

Turning ensures even warming and growth. She uses her beak and body to shift eggs gently throughout the day. If you’re manually incubating under a heat lamp or surrogate method, turn them at least 3–5 times a day until day 18. Always wash hands and gently rotate the egg with care. With a natural broody hen, she handles all egg movement herself.

Want to know if your eggs are progressing? Try candling. You’ll see a dark spot with web-like blood vessels if it’s alive. Clear eggs by day 10 are likely infertile and can be removed. Limit candling to avoid disrupting the developing chick. Avoid candling after day 18; let the eggs rest for hatching.

When hatch day approaches—around day 21—the excitement begins. You may hear soft peeping or see tiny cracks, called pipping. Let the chick break free at its own pace. The mother hen will softly cluck to encourage the chicks, keeping them warm. Make sure the new family has access to warmth, food, and safety.

Incubating eggs without a machine is not only doable—it’s fulfilling. It’s a wonderful way to learn and bond with nature. Patience, consistency, and attentiveness are your best tools. So gather your eggs, find that broody hen, and get ready to welcome new life the traditional way