TRANSPORTED EGGS
Transported eggs may have a hatching rate less than 50% due to the stress of travel, vibration, temperature changes and soffocated embryos. However, if transported eggs are to be used, they should be allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before incubation, in an egg tray and with their points downwards.
EGG SELECTION
The breeding stock should not be inbred otherwise it will cause eggs with weak embryos and lead to more vulnerable and unhealthy birds. In order to achieve a higher percentage of fertile eggs, attention should be paid to the ideal breeding age, which should be 1 to 5 years for cocks and 1 to 2 years for hen. It is also vital to respect the correct ratio of males to females and to create a suitable environment that regards their welfare. Below will help to have suitable eggs for incubation:
1. Collect eggs frequently. Never store eggs in the refrigerator for more than 7 days
2. Do not incubate dirty eggs: contamination leads to death of the chick. Never wash eggs, but only brush them gently with a dry abrasive sponge
3. Store the eggs in a cool place with a temperature between 14*C and 18*C and a humidity of about 65-75%. Store them in a tray with their points downwards, covered with a dark breathable cloth.
4. Eggs are suitable for incubation from the SECOND to TENTH DAY AFTER LAYING. Incubating eggs older than Tenth day greatly lowers the birth rate reducing it to zero in the case of eggs kept for more thsn 15 days.
5. Eggs selected for incubation should never be collected during the period when breeders are moulting their plumage, as eggs are often not fertilised during thie period.
6. Eggs selected for incubation should not be collected during periods when the animals are subjected to stress caused by high or low temperatures.
7. Choose eggs of normal shape ( they should not be enlongated, spherical, wavy or have any other malformation).
8. The egg shell must not be cracked, broken, wrinkled, soft, thin or have bluish spots ( OLD EGGS).
9. Allow cold egggs from storage temperatures to slowly reach room temperatures before placing them in the incubator. An abrupt change from 14*C TO 38*C would cause condensation on the shell, which would result in a reduction in births.
10. Avoid incubating eggs of different species. Do not insert eggs later.
