Select fertile eggs from healthy breeding stock
Store eggs at 50 to 60 F before incubation
Keep stored eggs pointed end down
Turn stored eggs daily if held before incubation
Use a clean, calibrated incubator
Set incubator temperature to 99.5 F for forced-air models
Set incubator temperature to 101 to 102 F for still-air models
Set humidity to about 40 to 50 percent during incubation
Place eggs in the incubator with the pointed end down
Turn eggs at least 3 times daily
Turn eggs an odd number of times each day
Stop turning eggs on day 18 for chicken eggs
Increase humidity to about 65 to 70 percent during hatching
Do not open the incubator often during hatch
Candle eggs around day 7 to check development
Remove infertile or dead eggs when identified
Maintain proper ventilation in the incubator
Hatch chicks on day 21 for chicken eggs
Let chicks dry completely before removing them
Move dry chicks to a warm brooder
Clean and disinfect the incubator after use