Silkie chick eggs, ready for hatching
Off to the incubator they go!!!
Oh my goodness, the excitement is real! Today marks the official start of a brand new adventure: incubating Silkie chick eggs! I've been dreaming of having a flock of these adorable, fluffy chickens, and finally, the day has come to get these little guys (or gals!) started. Getting ready for this moment has been a journey in itself. I sourced these particular Silkie eggs from a local breeder, ensuring they were fresh and fertile. When they arrived, I carefully unpacked them, letting them rest for a few hours at room temperature to stabilize before placing them in the incubator. This is a crucial step I learned from other chicken enthusiasts to help improve hatch rates! You might have noticed that some of my eggs are marked with an 'S' – that's just my little system to keep track of which side is up when I manually turn them, especially in the early days before the automatic turner kicks in fully. The eggs themselves are so delicate, varying in beautiful shades of white and cream. Speaking of incubation, it's a fascinating process! While a broody Silkie hen brooding eggs naturally is the easiest way to hatch chicks, sometimes you don't have a broody hen, or you want to hatch more eggs than she can cover. That's where the incubator comes in. I’ve set my incubator to the recommended temperature of 99.5°F (37.5°C) and a humidity level of about 45-50% for the first 18 days. Maintaining consistent temperature and humidity is key, so I'm constantly checking the gauges. I've also made sure the incubator is in a stable environment, away from direct sunlight or drafts that could cause temperature fluctuations. The next step, after these precious Silkie chick eggs are all nestled in, is regular turning. For the first 18 days, the eggs need to be turned several times a day to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell. My incubator has an automatic turner, which is a lifesaver, but I still like to give them an extra manual turn or two when I open it for candling. Candling, by the way, is where you shine a bright light through the egg to see the developing embryo – it’s like a tiny peek into their world! I'll start candling around day 7 to check for viability and development. The anticipation for these Silkie chicken eggs to hatch is almost unbearable! I'm already imagining the little peep-peep sounds and the sight of those fluffy, adorable chicks. This whole experience of incubating silkie eggs is incredibly rewarding, and I'm learning so much along the way. If you’ve ever gone through the process of hatching silkie eggs, I’d love to hear your tips and tricks! What was your biggest success or challenge? Any advice for a first-timer like me?
