The
beginning and growth of new life is one of the most fascinating
of events. You may have been lucky enough to have your own incubator,
or you may have seen baby chicks hatch out. If you haven't don't
worry - this section will enable you to see exactly what goes
on and to learn about the processes involved!
Incubation A
newly laid egg needs to be incubated (kept warm) at a constant
temperature of about 40°C
during
the gestation period of 21 days. The hen will do this naturally
if she has gone 'broody', or a specially made incubator can
be used. The developing embryo (the chick) feeds on the eggs
yolk through a series of blood vessels.
After Hatching When chicks are hatching they should be left alone. At
first they are wet and look a bit bedraggled. It will take
several hours before they move about properly - remember they
have been curled up inside the egg for 21 days! Upon completion
of hatching the chicks should remain in the incubator overnight.
They need no food for the first 24 hours after hatching because
they are still absorbing the last of the yolk. It is important
to prepare a 'brooder' for the chicks.
