If you're planning to hatch eggs at home, a good hatch starts before the eggs ever hit the incubator.
The first step? Inspecting your eggs for cracks and dents. Any damage to the shell, even tiny hairline cracks, can allow bacteria in or disrupt moisture levels inside the egg, leading to a failed hatch. So take your time—unwrap each egg gently and toss any with visible flaws. It’s tough, but worth it.
Once you've sorted through your eggs, let them rest for 12 to 24 hours before incubation. Always store and incubate eggs pointy end down. This helps keep the air cell, which naturally forms at the larger end, in the correct position. That little air bubble is crucial—it provides the chick with its first breath of air before it breaks through the shell.
If the eggs were shipped, that air bubble can sometimes get dislodged during transit. Letting them sit upright helps it settle back into place, which gives your hatch the best chance of success. Hatching eggs can be incredibly rewarding, but a good preparation goes a long way.
