Selection selection has led to the fact that a lot of breeds of chickens known to date have almost completely lost their maternal instinct. Because of this, there is a need for the artificial cultivation of day-old chickens. So, an incubation egg can develop without a hen in a special incubator. Let's talk with you about what are the requirements for such eggs, how to store them properly, etc.
Egg mass and shell quality
Currently, an experienced breeder must determine the weight with an accuracy of one gram. For this, precision electronic scales are used. It is advisable to select the largest eggs, due to the high content of nutrients that are necessary for the survival of the specimen. But despite this, such stringent requirements are somewhat relaxed for the eggs of meat chickens, which is due to reduced egg production.
The hatching egg should be well protected. The most reliable barrier is the shell. An important indicator is the integrity of the structure. This not only provides protection from external influences, but also allows you to implement the necessary heat and gas exchange processes. So, for incubation it is strictly forbidden to take cracked or beaten eggs. Firstly, they quickly deteriorate, which leads to the development of bacteria. Secondly, moisture quickly leaves this egg, which minimizes the chances of embryo survival. In addition, it is not recommended to choose eggs of irregular shape, having scratches, etc. defects.
We use an ovoscope
As noted somewhat above, the hatching egg should not have defects. But it’s rather difficult to reveal a small scratch on the eye. Therefore, it is best to use an ovoscope. This is a device that glows brightly and allows you to notice the smallest defects in the egg. As a rule, you should immediately discard damaged specimens, because it is almost impossible to get healthy offspring from them.
But it happens that some eggs are of great value, so I don’t really want to throw them out because of a crack or scratch. In this case, it makes sense to seal the crack with starch-based adhesive. Pay attention to the marbling on the shell, which indicates that a healthy chicken is unlikely to hatch from such an egg. The problem is the low level of development of the embryo, which does not have time to develop in 3 weeks. It is very important that the hatching egg has an air chamber, which is responsible for the shelf life. But in an ovoscope, this area is visible as a dark spot.
About Egg Disinfection
Almost all specimens contain pathogenic microflora. If it is not removed, then the fungus or bacterium can enter and damage the embryo. To prevent this, it is necessary to disinfect the surface. If we talk about industrial scale, then formaldehyde vapor is used here. Take enameled dishes and pour about 30 ml of formalin and water into it. Then the same amount of sodium permanganate is added. All this is mixed and placed in a special chamber where prepared eggs are already standing. As a result of a chemical reaction, steam is released that destroys all pathogens. This amount of mixture is enough to process a camera with an area of 1 square meter. The disinfection procedure should take place at a constant temperature of 37 degrees Celsius for half an hour. Of course, in addition to this, the broiler's hatching egg can also be treated with 1% iodine solution, 3% chlorine solution, etc. Let's go further.
Chicken hatching egg: storage rules
It is extremely important to observe the optimum temperature and humidity. According to studies, it is best to maintain a temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, since with it the largest hatchability of young animals. Relative humidity in this case should be at least 85%. It is advisable that between the laying of the egg and its laying does not pass much time. This is due to the fact that it begins to age and at the same time lose weight. The hatchability of chickens deteriorates somewhat, partly because water from protein is lost. Permissible weight loss - not more than 0.2% of the total mass. Based on the foregoing, it should be said that the broiler, quail and other poultry hatching eggs should be stored for no more than 6 days outside the incubator. After time, the hatchability of the offspring drops. Consequently, farm productivity will also deteriorate, so do not forget about it.
About how to lay a hatching chicken egg
Most experts say that you need to lay eggs directly in the incubator in the evening. This is because in the morning you can choose dried, that is unsuitable chickens. But despite this, you can perform this procedure when it is convenient for you. It is extremely important to choose the same eggs by weight. This is due to the fact that large eggs should be in the incubator more than medium and small ones. In this case, before the bookmark, you must take into account the temperature difference. If storage was carried out in a cold room, you need to put the eggs in a warmer room, which will avoid a large evaporation of moisture. The laying should be carried out in an upright position, and if the tray is not completely filled, then the eggs are fastened with a metal strip. This is necessary so that the eggs remain in place while turning.
Conclusion
Do not forget that a certain microclimate must be observed in the incubator . This is humidity, which should be at least 75%, as well as good ventilation. According to statistics, one chicken egg consumes about 4 liters of oxygen and releases 3.5 liters of carbon dioxide into the environment. That is why the supply and exhaust ventilation is a mandatory attribute. The hatching egg of a quail, chicken, goose and other bird needs this. Do not forget that a wet thermometer should show a temperature of at least 29 degrees, and a dry one - about 37. Somewhere after 6 days of incubation, you can observe a network of blood vessels. However, the embryo itself is not yet visible. You can notice it on the 11th day of development. Well, here, in principle, and all that can be said about how to store eggs for further incubation.