WW-00631 Reviewed 2008 Copyright © 2013 Regents of the
University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. This publication
is designed to help farmers, science teachers, and students
incubate and brood small numbers of chicks. The information
applies, in general, to most other commonly incubated poultry
and game bird species. Your county extension agent and extension
poultry specialists can provide additional information. An
incubator is an enclosure having controlled temperature,
humidity, and ventilation. The information in this extension
folder is a guide for the general operation of a small, still-
air incubator. Small incubators can be purchased, or you can
make your own. If you have a commercial model, follow the
instructions supplied with the unit. If the instructions have
been lost, write to the manufacturer for a new set giving the
model number and a complete description of the incubator. Most
eggs sold in stores are not fertile and cannot be hatched.
Fertile eggs must be ordered from hatcheries or from po