Incubation Guide Part 1: Pre-Incubation Preparation

Introduction
Before You Begin: How to Set the Stage for a Successful Hatch
There’s something quietly magical about watching life begin. Whether you’re raising a few chicks in your backyard, running a small hobby farm, or introducing your kids to the wonder of biology, hatching eggs brings a sense of connection—to nature, to patience, to life itself.
But before the incubator hums to life and your eggs get nestled in, there’s a bit of quiet preparation that can go a long way. As someone who’s been through their fair share of hatches—some heartwarming, others… educational—I can tell you firsthand: the groundwork you lay now can make all the difference later.
And if you’ve got little ones watching this unfold, all the better. You’re not just raising chicks—you’re raising curiosity, care, and a deep respect for life.
Choosing the Right Eggs: Where It All Starts
A great hatch doesn’t start with your incubator—it starts with your eggs. And not all eggs are up to the task.
Skip the grocery store. Most store-bought eggs are unfertilized and have been refrigerated—no chance of life in those. Instead, source your eggs from a reputable local breeder with a healthy flock. I once tried hatching “farm-fresh eggs” from a roadside stand. Not a single chick. Lesson learned.
Aim for eggs that are 1 to 7 days old before incubation. Store them between 50–59°F (10–15°C), slightly tilted, and rotate them gently once a day. Keep the pointed end down—that’s important.
Pick with Care Look for eggs that are:
Medium-sized and evenly shaped
Free from cracks, bumps, or thin spots
Clean, but not washed—more on that in a second
📝 Pro Tip: Handling Dirty Eggs
If there’s a little dust or fluff on the shell, just wipe it off with a dry cloth. Don’t wash the egg. Water strips away the natural bloom, a protective layer that helps keep bacteria out. If your eggs are muddy or have dried droppings, use a poultry-safe disinfectant—but be gentle.
Setting Up the Room: Quiet, Stable, and Safe
The room you choose matters more than you think. A well-placed incubator has a better chance at steady temperatures and a successful hatch.
Find a Calm, Consistent Spot
Avoid windows, air vents, radiators, and anywhere with direct sunlight. Drafts and temperature swings are the enemy. Once, I placed an incubator near a door that got opened 20 times a day—big mistake.
Try to maintain a room temp between 64–75°F (18–24°C). If the space is too hot or cold, your incubator will struggle to stay stable.
Be Ready for a Power Blip
Incubators need continuous power—especially during those first 10 days when embryos are fragile.
Once you’ve set your incubator up and added your eggs, don’t move it. No shifting, tilting, or “just a quick check” after setup. Stability is key.
Prepping Your Incubator
Think of your incubator as your surrogate hen. It needs to be warm, reliable, and steady.
Pick the Right Model for Your Needs
Still-air incubators: Simple and affordable, but you’ll need to turn eggs manually and monitor temperatures closely.
Forced-air incubators: Ideal for beginners—internal fans keep the temperature even, and many come with automatic egg turners.
My first incubator was still-air, and I learned the hard way how unforgiving a single missed egg turning can be. If you’re new to this, go for a model with fewer variables to manage.
Clean It Thoroughly
Wash all removable parts with warm, soapy water. Use a poultry-safe disinfectant inside the chamber. Let every piece dry completely before reassembling—moisture and electronics do not get along.
Test Everything Before You Begin
Run your incubator empty for at least 12–24 hours. Use a reliable external thermometer and hygrometer to confirm the readings. Don’t just trust the built-in display—those can be off. Test your egg turner if you have one. Is it rotating smoothly? Are the water trays working?
⚠️ This step might feel boring—but skipping it can cost you the whole hatch.
Your Incubation Foundation Is Set
Before any peeping, chirping, or hatching begins, you’ve already done the most important work. You’ve chosen the right eggs, prepped your incubator, tested your setup, and created a quiet, stable environment—all before placing a single egg inside.
This isn’t just preparation. It’s the foundation for everything that follows.
Whether this is your first hatch or your fifth, this stage matters. And by taking the time to do it well, you’ve already given your hatch the best possible start.
You’ve built more than just a setup—you’ve built intention, care, and readiness.
This guide marks the first step in your incubation journey. What comes next is equally important—and just as rewarding.
What’s Next: Incubation Begins
With your foundation in place, it’s time to move into the heart of the process: incubation. In the next guide, we’ll look at how to manage temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg turning—day by day.
👉 Keep reading: [Managing the Incubation Process]