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Storing eggs properly before incubation is crucial for the development and survival of the chicks. Incubating eggs that have been stored incorrectly can lead to poor hatch rates and weak chicks. In this article, we'll discuss how to store eggs for incubation and ensure the best results.
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Cleanliness: The first step in storing eggs for incubation is to ensure that they are clean. Any dirt or debris on the eggshell can harbor bacteria, which can affect the development of the embryo inside.
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Temperature: Eggs should be stored at a temperature between 55°F and 60°F (13°C and 15°C) and at a humidity level of about 50% before incubation. This helps to prevent the eggs from drying out and losing moisture, which can affect the development of the embryo.
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Positioning: Eggs should be stored in an upright position, with the pointed end facing down. This helps to keep the yolk in place and prevents it from moving towards the center of the egg, which can affect the development of the embryo.
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Air cells: Before storing the eggs for incubation, it's important to check the air cells. The air cell is the small pocket of air that forms between the inner and outer membranes of the egg. The size of the air cell can indicate the freshness of the egg and the viability of the embryo. A large air cell can indicate that the egg is old and not suitable for incubation.
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Turning the eggs: Before incubation, eggs should be turned at least three times a day to prevent the yolk from sticking to the shell and to help the embryo develop properly.
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Incubation time: The eggs should be stored for no more than 7 days before incubation. The fresher the eggs are, the better the hatch rate will be.
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Incubator preparation: Before placing the eggs in the incubator, it's important to ensure that the temperature and humidity are set correctly and stable.
In conclusion, storing eggs properly before incubation is crucial for the development and survival of the chicks. Proper storage includes keeping the eggs clean, storing them at the correct temperature and humidity, positioning them correctly, checking the air cells, turning the eggs regularly and incubating them as soon as possible after storage. Incubator preparation and attention to temperature, humidity and turning the eggs are also essential for good hatch rate and strong chicks.