Detailed instructions for setting up an incubator and hatching eggs.

1. INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
HATCHING EGGS

2. PRE-HATCH CHECK LIST:
EQUIPMENT & DIRECTIONS

3. Do not wash dirty eggs or wipe eggs
clean with a damp cloth. This removes
the egg's protective coating and
exposes it to entry of disease
organisms. The washing and rubbing
action also serves to force disease
organisms through the pores of the
shell.

4. SET UP YOUR INCUBATOR

5. Set up the incubator away from drafts and
direct sunlight.
Regulate the temperature between 99.5
degrees - 102 degrees F for two to three
days before you begin incubation of your
fertile eggs.
Maintain a room temperature between 70
degrees and 75 degrees F.

6. Check your thermometer to ensure that it
is reliable and accurate.
Be sure the thermometer is placed at egg
level.
Fill water rings in bottom of incubator with
distilled water and keep full.

7. Make sure that your egg turner is working
properly.
Every incubator is different.
Make sure that you read the
directions on your specific
incubator!

8. Now, you are ready to pick up your
eggs and place them in the incubator.

9. Wash your hands thoroughly before
setting eggs in the incubator. Wash your
hands after setting eggs in the incubator.
Be sure the incubator water channels are
full of water. Refill with water that is at
room temperature.

10. Eggs MUST be placed in the
incubator turner with the small end
down.

11. Do not open the incubator unless it’s
necessary.
Make sure your thermometer is
placed under the plastic window so
you can monitor the temperature.

12. AT THE END OF DAY 18

13. Place a thin layer of cheesecloth over
the wire rack, then remove the turner
and place the eggs on the cheesecloth.
Add wet sponges to bottom channels to
increase moisture, and if your incubator
has vent plugs, remove them as
appropriate.

15. When chicks hatch, lower incubator
temperature to 95 degrees F.
Do not remove chicks from incubator
until they are dry and fluffy.

16. WHEN HATCHING BEGINS: DAY 21
Set up a brooder box. Prepare the
feeder and waterer.
Place wood shavings or other suitable
"smaller" litter in the bottom of the
brooder box.
Regulate the temperature around 95
degrees F.

17. Provide water and feed for chicks after
they are placed in the brooder box. Place
marbles or rocks in the waterer to keep
chicks from drowning.

19. CHILDREN AND CHICKENS

20. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Children should wash their hands with soap
and water before and after handling the
chicks.
Children should always be supervised when
handling the chicks.
Parents should be notified that chicks will
be in the classroom in the event that there is
an allergy concern.

21. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Bedding should be changed frequently
and regularly.
Chicks should be treated ethically and
with respect.
Chicks should be kept no longer than a
week.

22. AFTER THE HATCH

23. Clean your incubator with a diluted
bleach solution.
Allow to dry
Wash and dry feeder and waterer.
Put incubator and other equipment away
for next year.

24. ONE MORE THING….
Make sure that you have a good home
for your chicks before you begin this
project.

25. ALL ABOUT EGGS
The following are
several instructional
activities that would
make your egg hatching
more meaningful to your
students.

26. Chickens Aren’t The Only Ones:
Reading Rainbow Curriculum
A look at all the different kinds of animals that hatch
from eggs convinces us that chickens aren’t the
only ones.”
Chicken's aren't the only ones theme

27. Vocabulary Cards:
English & Spanish

28. LEARNING ABOUT OVIPAROUS
ANIMALS
Unit Activities by Gail Laubenthal, PK
Eggs Eggs Eggs

29. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
If a chick dies and the children understand
what has happened:
Be respectful about each child’s religious
and personal beliefs. You may wish only to
talk about the fact that a chick died and
make no other explanations.
Notify parents about this experience.

31. HAVE A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE
AS YOU INTRODUCE YOUR
CHILDREN TO ANOTHER LIFE
CYCLE!