Hatching your own eggs is an exciting and rewarding experience, and with a reliable Brinsea egg incubator, you can achieve great results. Whether you’re raising chickens, ducks, or other poultry, our guide will help you get started with confidence.
Taking care of incubating eggs and newly hatched chicks can be a daunting prospect for the inexperienced but Brinsea’s reliable incubators make the process as straightforward as possible. Brinsea has incubators to suit all breeds and budgets.
Step 1: Choose the Right Brinsea Incubator
Brinsea offers a range of incubators, from compact models for small batches to larger, fully automatic options. Consider factors like egg capacity, automation features (such as automatic or manual turning and humidity control), and your level of experience when selecting the best model for you. See our comparison chart on the mini /maxi incubator range to help you choose your incubator.
We would recommend the Brinsea Maxi automatic turning range such as Maxi 24 Advance for a beginner that has never hatched eggs before.
All our Brinsea incubators have clear and simple controls and illustrated step-by-step instructions along with bird welfare guidelines. For more in-depth detail on the processes of incubation download the Brinsea incubation handbook.
Our smaller incubators like the Mini II Advance and Maxi 24 Advance are ideal for beginners with their ultra-safe low voltage supply and features like automatic turning and countdown to hatch day. The OvaView and OvaScope candling system allow the fascinating development of the embryo to be observed inside the shell without harming the unhatched chick.
Check out our incubator starter combos which are ideal for those new to hatching.
We would recommend our Maxi 24 advance starter combo for those new to hatching. This is a great starter combo that has everything you need to start hatching! If you want to start with a smaller amount of eggs we would recommend the Mini II starter combo.
These starter combos have the incubator, heat plate and chick drinker and feeder everything you need to begin hatching!
Step 2: Gather Fertile Eggs
To hatch successfully, you need fertile eggs sourced from a trusted breeder or your own healthy flock. Ensure they are clean but not washed, as washing removes the protective bloom that helps prevent bacteria from entering the egg.
Step 3: Set Up the Incubator
- Location – Place your Brinsea incubator in a stable environment away from direct sunlight, drafts, and temperature fluctuations.
- Temperature – Most poultry eggs require a constant temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F).
- Humidity – Maintain humidity at around 40-50% during incubation, increasing to 65-75% for the final days before hatching.
- Egg Turning – If your incubator does not have an automatic turner, manually turn the eggs at least three times a day to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell.
For more detailed information refer to the set up instructions that come with your incubator or the Brinsea incubation handbook.
Step 4: Monitor Progress
Regularly check temperature and humidity levels to ensure a stable incubation environment. Candling (shining a bright light through the egg) at days 7 and 14 will help you monitor embryo development and remove any infertile or non-viable eggs.
Step 5: Lockdown and Hatching
Around day 18 (for chicken eggs), stop turning the eggs and increase humidity. This “lockdown” phase allows chicks to position themselves for hatching. It may take 24 hours or more for chicks to fully hatch—avoid opening the incubator during this time to prevent disrupting humidity levels.
Step 6: Post-Hatch Care
Once hatched, leave chicks in the incubator until they are fully dry and fluffy. Then, transfer them to a warm brooder with food and water. Ensure a stable heat source (such as a heat lamp or Brinsea heat plates and a clean, draft-free environment.
Final Thoughts
Hatching your own eggs with a Brinsea incubator is a fascinating process that requires patience and attention to detail. With the right setup and care, you’ll soon enjoy the sight of healthy, happy chicks hatching in your own home.
Are you ready to start your hatching journey?
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