Farmers’ Almanac is pleased to welcome Andy Schneider, A.K.A. “Chicken Whisperer,” to our collection of contributors and experts. Andy is the host of “Backyard Poultry with the Chicken Whisperer,” a nationally broadcast weekly radio show about keeping backyard poultry.
We figured the best way to introduce the Chicken Whisperer was to let him answer a recent question we received from one of our visitors…
Question: When is it a good time to put eggs in an incubator? – Debbie
Answer:
In my opinion there is no better time to put eggs into an incubator than the present. However the most important question to ask is when do you want your hatch date to be? It takes 21 days for chicken eggs to hatch, and you need to be completely prepared for when they do. I recommend turning on your incubator two full days before you set your eggs to make sure it’s regulated properly to a temperature of 99.5 degrees. Once you set the eggs the temperature will drop, so watch it carefully to make sure it returns to 99.5 degrees and stays there. Don’t be surprised if you have to adjust the temperature several times to get it exact. One way to eliminate this hassle is to purchase the Genesis Hova-Bator by GQF. The Genesis Hova-Bator is pre-set for chicken eggs. Simply plug it in, and then add water and eggs. There is nothing to set up or adjust. You can get more information about the Genesis Hova-Bator by visiting the GQF website at www.gqfradio.com. Check the temperature and humidity often, and on day 18 take the eggs out of the egg turner if applicable. The temperature will drop again when the egg turner is removed so watch the temperature carefully and adjust it as needed. You may start to hear faint chirps even before the baby chicks start to peck through the shell. Make sure you have a brooder ready for your baby chicks, but that is another lesson. I will have a complete lesson on incubation later this spring as part of my Backyard Poultry with the Chicken Whisperer “How To” video series only on FarmersAlmanac.com.
For more information on the Chicken Whisperer, visit his blog at http://atlantachickenwhisperer.blogspot.com/. For information on his radio show, “Backyard Poultry with the Chicken Whisperer,” visit www.RadioSandySprings.com.
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1 comment
I am incubating eggs for the first time with my Kindergarten class. I will be adding to my flock and starting flocks for 2 other people. Any suggestions or guidance about “quirky things I may not think about” is appreciated.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to my Farmers Almanac Blog! I’m very proud to be a part of such a great publication. I’m really looking forward to working with Farmers Almanac, and getting to meet readers from all across this great nation. Every week I will be answering your questions about backyard poultry, as well as posting informative information about keeping backyard poultry. Please check back often for updated information, and make sure to listen to the “Backyard Poultry with the Chicken Whisperer” radio show every Saturday at 9:00am EST on http://www.radiosandysprings.com. You can also download past show as well!
Thanks for visiting!