Successful incubation of eggs to hatching relies on both egg and incubator factors. During selection for incubation, eggs must meet several quality parameters to reduce chances of deformities and mortalities if coupled with correct incubator settings.

Avoid eggs from a flock with disease. Poor results associated with incubations are due to improper control of incubator humidity and temperatures, which in turn disrupt development of embryos.

Incubator interruptions and vibrations during the period also add to this, resulting into chicks becoming physically deformed or even die in the shell.

Further, there is exposure to toxins or environmental contaminants during incubation, brought about when addressing surrounding hygiene issues.

Since the incubator turns eggs automatically, other adjustments to make include setting the temperatures at 37.8 degrees Celsius and humidity at 60 during the first 18 days.

From day 19 to 21, re-adjust the temperature and humidity to 37.5 degrees Celcius and 70 respectively.

Felix Akatch Opinya, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University #SeedsOfGold