Hatching happiness: A journey worth every chirp
Welcome to OurLittleRoost, where we understand the joys and jitters of welcoming new chicks into the world. This post is dedicated to all the passionate poultry parents out there who find themselves caught between excitement and anxiety during the hatching process. We're here to reassure you that every flutter of worry is worth the delightful reward that awaits.
Is hatching stressful?
Hatching chicks can be a bit stressful, you have to keep the temperature and humidity just right, turn the eggs, and wait patiently while they slowly peck their way out 🥚🐥. It can feel nerve-wracking, especially when it takes longer than expected, but seeing those tiny, fluffy chicks finally emerge and start exploring is totally worth it 🌟💛. All the careful work and worry turns into pure joy when you hear their little chirps and watch them grow! 🐣✨
Your hatching guide
Hatching chicks is super exciting! 🐣 Start with fertile eggs 🥚 and a clean incubator set to 37.5°C with 50–55% humidity. Turn the eggs gently a few times a day for the first 18 days. Around day 18, stop turning and raise humidity to 65–70% to help chicks hatch. By day 21, they’ll start pecking their shells—don’t rush them! Once hatched, leave them in the incubator until dry and fluffy, then move to a warm brooder (35°C first week) with food and shallow water 💧. Keep things clean, watch them grow, and enjoy your new little chicks! 🌟🐥
My Experence
My experience with hatching chicks has been full of surprises 🐣 I had one broody hen that refused to sit half the time and another that refused to leave the nest, plus a little chick with a splayed leg that needed extra care 😅🐥 Even now I am continuing to hatch chicks using incubators, but that comes with its own worries keeping the temperature and humidity just right, turning the eggs, and patiently waiting for them to hatch 🥚 Still, seeing those tiny chicks overcome challenges and grow into healthy, lively birds makes all the stress and effort feel like a truly rewarding adventure.
Join the conversation
We’d love to hear from you! 💬🐥 Have you ever hatched chicks before, or are you planning to try it? Share your experiences, tips, or even your questions in the comments below—we can all learn from each other and celebrate those little fluffy chicks together! 🌟🥚🐣