How would you like to hatch baby birds from eggs without using an incubator? This method has been around since ancient times, but it is still used today by many people who want to have their own backyard flock of chickens. If you have a fertile egg but you don’t have an incubator for hatching chicks, then this article will show you how to hatch a bird egg without an incubator. In the previous article, we discused how long can a bird egg go without being incubated.
Some factors considered before hatching a fertile egg
If you want to hatch a fertile egg without an incubator you need to maintain some factors that help to hatch the egg:
- The temperature should be 98 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).
- You must provide enough humidity in the room where you are going to hatch your egg.
- You need to make sure that there is enough ventilation in the room. It will help to allow oxygen and carbon – dioxide to exit.
- You need to make sure that the eggs are turned at least 3 times a day.
- You need to make absolutely sure that the eggshells are not cracked. Cracked shells can cause bacteria to enter the egg which could harm the embryo inside.
How to hatch a bird egg without an incubator
1. Select fertile egg:
At first, you need to select a fertile egg. A fertile egg is one that contains an embryo. Fertile eggs are usually white with brown spots on them. They are also called “ready to hatch” eggs.
2. Clean the egg:
You need to clean the egg thoroughly so that no dirt remains on the shell. Dirt can prevent air from getting into the egg.
3. Place the egg in a warm place:
Place the egg in a warm spot such as a sunny window sill or under a heat lamp. Or you can make a cardboard box and place a dry towel inside it. Make sure that the egg is placed in a location that does not get too hot. Heat can kill the embryo inside the egg.
4. Check the temperature:
This is the main part to hatch an egg successfully. You need to maintain the temperature between 98 Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). If the temperature gets hot, the embryo inside the egg may die.
5. Check humidity:
Humidity is very important when hatching an egg. Humidity helps to keep the moisture level inside the egg constant. Too much humidity can lead to mould growth inside the egg. Mould can damage the embryo inside the egg and cause it to die. You need to maintain a humidity level between 55 to 60 percent.
6. Turn the egg daily:
Turning the egg every day ensures that all parts of the egg are exposed to air. This method helps to allow oxygen and exit carbon dioxide and keep the embryo alive. It also helps to distribute the heat evenly throughout the egg.
7. Keep the egg away from direct sunlight:
Sunlight can destroy the embryo inside the egg if it is left outside for long periods of time. Therefore, you need to cover the egg with something dark to protect it from the sun.
8. Wait until the egg cracks:
The last step is waiting until the egg cracks. When the egg cracks, it means that the embryo has started developing. At this point, you can remove the egg from its container and put it in a new container.
How many days need to hatch a bird egg without an incubator?
It depends on the type of egg. Some types of eggs take longer than others to hatch. The average time is about 21 days.
What happens if the humidity is too high?
If the humidity is too high, then mould can grow inside the egg. This can be harmful to the embryo inside the egg because mould can eat away at the shell and cause the embryo to suffocate.
Can I use a microwave oven to hatch a bird egg?
No. Microwaves can be harmful to birds. They can burn the skin and even cause internal injuries. So, don’t use a microwave oven to hatch a baby bird.
What are the qualities considered in selecting eggs for hatching?
Fertile eggs should have smooth surfaces and clear markings. Eggs that are dirty or have broken shells will not work well. Also, avoid eggs that smell bad.
What happens if I do not follow the instructions correctly?
If you do not follow the instructions carefully, your chances of success are low. There is always a risk involved when trying to hatch a bird egg. However, following these steps will increase your chances of success.
Final thought
Hatching a bird egg is a fun activity that everyone can enjoy. It’s a great way to teach children about nature and how animals develop. Hatching a bird egg is easy to learn and requires no special equipment. All you need is patience and determination. In this article, we have discussed everything you need to know about hatching a bird egg without an incubator. We hope you found our information useful.
