Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn fertilized eggs into fluffy chicks without needing any incubator? Here’s a guide to incubating eggs without a machine will equip you with simple, reliable methods to get the best results naturally. Using nature’s own methods, you can hatch your own chicks the natural way. جوجه کشی درخانه

The first step in your journey is to choose the best fertilized eggs. You must ensure the eggs are actually fertilized. Only use eggs from healthy chickens that live in clean conditions. Do not use eggs with any cracks or deformities. After you have the right eggs, store them in a cool, dry area, to keep the embryos viable.

The most natural and reliable incubator is a broody hen. A broody hen is one that instinctively wants to hatch eggs and will sit on them for the full 21-day cycle. Only certain breeds and individual hens will go broody. Look for signs like fluffing up feathers, sitting persistently in the nesting box, growling, or pecking when disturbed. When your hen is confirmed broody, you can gently place fertilized eggs under her.

Environmental factors play a huge role in successful hatching. Keep her away from disturbances and drafts, ideally in a separate broody coop or enclosed nesting box. Make sure she has access to fresh water and food nearby. Broody hens take short breaks during the day to maintain their health. Never move her around too much once she starts sitting seriously.

The hen’s warmth is ideal, but surrounding humidity can still affect hatch success. Low humidity can dry out the membrane; too much can drown the chick. If it’s too dry, add a damp sponge or bowl of water outside the nest. Moisture should be ambient, not wetting the eggs or hay. Use absorbent, clean nesting materials to regulate dampness naturally.

Egg rotation prevents embryos from sticking and promotes healthy development. She uses her beak and body to shift eggs gently throughout the day. In manual settings, rotate eggs an odd number of times daily to avoid resting on the same side overnight. Never turn with dirty hands, and avoid sudden jerks. Let nature take over—broody hens instinctively manage turning with expertise.

You can check embryo growth through candling. You’ll see a dark spot with web-like blood vessels if it’s alive. If no veins or dark shape appear by day 10, it’s probably a dud. Limit candling to avoid disrupting the developing chick. Avoid candling after day 18; let the eggs rest for hatching.

By day 20 or 21, chicks will start pipping the shell. Once pipping starts, give them time—they may rest between efforts. Don’t intervene unless you’re sure something is wrong. Leave the chick under the hen for a few hours after hatching to dry and gain strength. Once most or all are hatched, provide chick starter feed and clean water nearby.

Incubating eggs without a machine is not only doable—it’s fulfilling. Watching a broody hen raise her chicks is truly magical and educational. It’s a mix of art and science—guided by instinct and supported by simple knowledge. So gather your eggs, find that broody hen, and get ready to welcome new life the traditional way