Springtime Magic: A Beginner’s Guide to Hatching and Raising Chicks

Spring is the ultimate season for new beginnings, and nothing quite captures that magic like the sound of tiny chirps coming from an incubator. Whether you are a first-timer or expanding your flock, hatching your own eggs is a rewarding way to connect with the cycle of life - and we are here to help you get started!

Here is everything you need to know to get started this spring.

1. Starting with the Right Eggs and Store them Well

Success begins before the first egg even enters the incubator.

Be sure to source some high quality eggs, from a reputable supplier who conducts frequent fertility checks. If you're buying eggs to be delivered in the post, ensure you choose a supplier who uses protective packaging, such as polystyrene egg shippers. Be sure to buy a few more eggs than you expect chicks, as it's unusual for all eggs to hatch successfully. That's nature!

Once you've sourced your eggs, be sure to take good care of them. If you aren't ready to start immediately, store eggs in a cool spot (around 10-15°C) for no more than seven days, turning them daily to keep the yolk centred.

2. The 21-Day Countdown: Incubation Basics

Chicken eggs typically take 21 days to hatch. During this time, your incubator acts as the "mother hen," and consistency is key.

Temperature: Aim for a steady 37.5°C (99.5°F) for forced-air incubators. Even a few minutes over 39.5°C (103°F) can be fatal to embryos. It pays to invest in a good quality machine.

Humidity: Keep it between 45-50% for the first 18 days.

Turning: Eggs must be turned at least 3–5 times a day to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell.

Lockdown: On Day 18, stop turning the eggs and increase humidity to 65-70%. This softens the membrane so chicks don't get "shrink-wrapped" as they try to hatch.

3. Setting Up Your Spring Brooder

While your eggs are incubating, you must prepare their first home: the brooder.

The Enclosure: A large plastic tote, a wooden box, or even a kiddie pool works well. Ensure it has high walls (at least 18 inches) to prevent "flighty" escapes as they grow.

Heat Source: Chicks need a warm spot of 35°C (95°F) during their first week. You can use traditional red heat lamps or safer radiant heat panels.

Bedding: Use pine shavings or hemp bedding. Avoid cedar, as the oils are toxic to tiny respiratory systems, and skip newspaper, which is too slippery and causes "splayed legs".

Supplies: You will need a shallow waterer (add pebbles to prevent drowning) and a feeder filled with chick starter crumbs.

4. Hatch Day & Beyond

When the big day arrives, you’ll see a "pip" (the first small hole). It can take up to 24 hours for a chick to fully unzip its shell.

Patience is a Virtue: Resist the urge to help! Assisting a chick too early can cause fatal bleeding if the veins haven't fully receded.

Rest & Dry: Keep chicks in the incubator until they are completely dry and fluffy (usually 12–24 hours). They can survive up to 72 hours on their absorbed yolk sac, so there’s no rush to feed them immediately.

Ready to start your flock? Check out our hatching eggs page or contact us for help or advice.