In our rural areas, a lot of hens lay eggs in good numbers but only a few are hatched due to the low efficiency of natural hatching, especially during the heavy rains and harmattan periods, and due to diseases which cause insufficiency in the number of chicks (Adewumi et al, 2015). This creates a kind of discontinuity in meat production and such delay can lead to shortage in the protein requirement of the society (Adewumi et al, 2015). Even though it is possible to separate the hen from chicks immediately after hatching, the hen is likely to stay up to 14 days before a new set of eggs are laid. This is highly inefficient and cannot meet up with the increasing need for eggs and meat in a society with a high population like ours. This takes a maximum of 12 to 15 eggs for a set of hatching which normally does not occur more than three times a year. Naturally, in our society, we depend solely on natural hatching of eggs under a hen. The act of rearing birds dates back to the history of man.
This is the more reason why attention should be given to adequate production of chicks in large quantities. This is a way of generating income to the country thereby improving the economy of the nation. As a source of food, its rearing in large quantity can sustain the economy of a country by providing adequate supply of eggs and meat for both domestic consumption and export to other neighboring countries who are in dare need with a limited supply (Akinyosove, 2010). The food referred to here implies the meat we eat from them (which has become an essential part of every home today) and the eggs hatched by them for either consumption by man or for continuity in life cycle of birds(Abiola, 2009).įrom the foregoing, birds are very important to man necessitating the need to maximize its production. As pets, they are needed for the company of man and his comfort, but more seriously, we keep birds for the purpose of obtaining meat from them. Which is never good.įor the eggs to hatch, the ideal humidity must be 50-55 % (28-31 degrees) in the first 18 days and the last 3 days should be no more than 65 % (31-32 degrees.) Be careful not to dry out the eggs.In a modern society like ours, birds are reared for two reasons as pets and as source of food. By overheating the eggs, you might reduce the hatching ratio and speed up the process. The temperature must always move within a range of 35 to 40.5☌ however never should go to either temperature extreme.
Use an old lamp or any lamp at home for lighting inside the incubator.Buy a thermometer or use the one you have.In addition, if the cabinet doors are see-through, it will save you from a lot of trouble. The cabinet should be closed on all sides but for one, for easier monitoring and maintaining proper conditions for perfect hatching.Find an old kitchen cabinet or an office cabinet, or anything that resembles something of that sort.Key Things in Building a Perfect Incubator You need to be prepared for this procedure but, you need to build your incubator first.
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