Part 1 - Before Incubation
The Journey Begins Before the Eggs Reach the Incubator
Successful incubation begins long before the incubator is switched on.
The quality of the hatch is influenced by the health and nutrition of the breeding birds, how the eggs are collected and stored, how they are handled, and even how they are transported. Many hatch failures that appear weeks later actually have their origins before incubation has even begun.
This section explains how to prepare both your eggs and yourself for the best possible hatch. Each chapter builds on the previous one, helping you understand not only what to do, but also why it matters.
Topics in this section
Breeder Nutrition
Healthy chicks begin with healthy breeders. Learn why breeder rations differ from ordinary poultry feed, why deficiencies may not become obvious for several weeks, and why minerals often take much longer than vitamins to correct.
➡ Read: Breeder Nutrition
Egg Hygiene
An incubator will incubate pathogens just as readily as it incubates embryos. Discover practical ways to minimise contamination while preserving the egg's natural protective bloom.
➡ Read: Egg Hygiene
Egg Storage
Correct storage preserves hatchability. Learn about temperature, humidity, turning, storage time and why eggs should be handled carefully from the moment they are collected.
➡ Read: Egg Storage
Transported Eggs
Posted eggs present unique challenges. Learn why detached air-cells occur, how to reduce the risk before posting, and how to incubate transported eggs successfully when damage has already occurred.
➡ Read: Transported Eggs
Egg Weight Loss
One of the most valuable tools available to any breeder is the egg weight-loss graph. Learn how monitoring weight loss provides a direct measure of humidity management throughout incubation.
➡ Read: Egg Weight Loss
Physiological Zero
Why can fertile eggs be stored for days without developing? This chapter explains embryonic dormancy, physiological zero and why careful storage protects the developing embryo.
➡ Read: Physiological Zero
Recommended reading for first-time incubators
If you're new to incubation, we recommend reading these chapters in the following order:
- Breeder Nutrition
- Egg Hygiene
- Egg Storage
- Transported Eggs (if applicable)
- Egg Weight Loss
- Physiological Zero
By the end of this section you'll understand how the condition of the egg, long before incubation begins, influences everything that follows.
Ready to continue?
Once your eggs have been selected, stored and prepared correctly, the next step is to prepare the incubator itself.
Continue to → Part 2 – Starting Incubation
The Greatlander Incubation Guide
Understanding the embryo before understanding the incubator.