Incubation, Hatching, and Brooding in Poultry Farming

Poultry farming involves various critical stages, including incubation, hatching, and brooding, which require proper management to ensure high hatchability, healthy chick development, and efficient rearing. Each stage is interconnected, and any negligence in one phase can affect the overall success of poultry production.

Incubation

Definition Incubation is the process of providing optimal temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg turning to fertilized eggs to enable embryo development until hatching. It can be done naturally (by a broody hen) or artificially (using incubators).

A) Types of Incubation

1. Natural Incubation

• • Performed by a broody hen.
  • Suitable for small-scale poultry farming.
  • Limited number of eggs can be incubated.
  • Dependent on the hen’s mood and season.

2. Artificial Incubation

• • Uses an incubator to control temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
  • Preferred in commercial poultry farms.
  • Ensures higher hatchability and uniform chick production.
  • Requires proper management of incubation conditions.

B. Types of Incubators

Incubators are categorized based on air circulation and heat source.

a) Based on Air Circulation

Still-Air Incubator

• • No fans for air circulation.
  • Warm air stays at the top, causing temperature variations.
  • Suitable for small-scale operations.

Forced-Air Incubator

• • Uses fans to distribute air evenly.
  • Ensures uniform temperature and humidity.
  • Preferred for commercial poultry farms.

b) Based on Heat Source

• Electric Incubator – Uses electricity for heating.
• Gas Incubator – Uses LPG for heating.
• Solar Incubator – Uses solar energy, ideal for remote areas.

C) Essential Conditions for Incubation

To ensure a high hatch rate, the following factors must be controlled:

1. Temperature

• Optimal temperature: 99.5°F (37.5°C) to 100°F (37.8°C).
• Too low temperature (< 99°F): Slows embryo development.
• Too high temperature (> 102°F): Can cause embryo deformities or death.
• Stable temperature is critical throughout the incubation period.

2. Humidity

• Maintains proper moisture balance inside the egg.
• First 18 days: 50-55% humidity.
• Last three days (hatching period): 65-75% humidity.
• Low humidity: Causes chicks to stick to the shell.
• High humidity: Delays hatching and weakens chicks.

3. Ventilation (Oxygen Supply)

• Oxygen is essential for embryo growth.
• Carbon dioxide must be removed to prevent embryo death.
• Poor ventilation leads to weak, deformed chicks.

4. Egg Turning

• Eggs must be turned 4-6 times per day to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell.
• Turning stops three days before hatching (Day 18) to allow the chick to position itself for pipping.

5. Positioning of Eggs

• Eggs should be placed broad end up in the incubator.
• Ensures proper air cell positioning for hatching.

D. Hatching Process

Hatching occurs in three stages:

1. Embryo Development (Days 1-17)

• The heart begins to beat by Day 3.
• The beak, feathers, and legs develop by Day 14.
• By Day 17, the embryo fills the egg completely.

2. Pre-Hatching Period (Days 18-20)

• Eggs are moved to the hatcher.
• Turning is stopped to allow chicks to position for hatching.
• Humidity is increased to soften the shell.

3. Pipping and Hatching (Day 21)

• The chick uses its egg tooth to break the shell.
• This process can take 12-24 hours.
• Chicks should be left in the incubator for 12-24 hours after hatching to dry and strengthen.

Brooding

Definition Brooding is the care and management of newly hatched chicks by providing heat, food, water, and protection until they can regulate their own body temperature.

Types of Brooding

1. Natural Brooding
   • The mother hen provides warmth and care.
   • Suitable for small-scale poultry farming.
2. Artificial Brooding
   • Uses heat sources like electric brooders, infrared lamps, gas brooders, etc.
   • Used in commercial poultry farms.

Brooding Requirements

i) Temperature Management

ii) Signs of Temperature Issues:

• Too Cold: Chicks huddle together and chirp loudly.
• Too Hot: Chicks spread far apart and pant.
• Ideal Temperature: Chicks move freely and eat properly.

iii) Housing and Brooder Setup

• Brooder Guard: Prevents chicks from crowding into corners.
• Litter Material: Rice husk, sawdust (4-6 inches deep).
• Proper Ventilation: Ensures fresh air supply.

iv) Feeding and Water Management

• Feed Type: Chick starter mash (20-22% protein).
• Fresh Water: Essential for proper digestion and growth.

v) Lighting Schedule

• 24-hour light for the first 2-3 days.
• Gradual reduction to 16 hours/day after 3 weeks.

vi) Disease Prevention and Biosecurity

• Vaccination: Newcastle, Marek’s, Gumboro disease vaccines.
• Litter Management: Change damp litter regularly.
• Foot Bath: Disinfectant at brooder house entrance.

Factors Affecting Hatchability and Chick Quality

• Breed Selection – Some breeds have higher hatchability.
• Egg Quality – Only clean, fertilized eggs should be incubated.
• Age of Breeder Flock – Hatchability declines after 50 weeks.
• Storage of Eggs – Eggs should not be stored for more than 10 days before incubation.
• Incubation Conditions – Proper temperature, humidity, and ventilation must be maintained.
• Hatchery Sanitation – Regular cleaning prevents bacterial contamination