Troubleshooting
Egg Incubation Troubleshooting
This guide helps you understand why an egg has hatched or failed to hatch. By observing the egg and embryo development, you can identify the most common incubation problems and correct them.
Quick Troubleshooting Table
| What you observe | Possible reason | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Egg is clear during candling | Infertile egg or very early embryo death | Breeder fertility, egg storage conditions |
| Blood ring inside the egg | Early embryo death | Temperature stability, egg handling |
| The embryo died mid-incubation | Poor turning or ventilation | Turning schedule, airflow |
| Fully formed chick but not hatched | Incorrect humidity or ventilation | Humidity level, fresh air supply |
| Chick pipped but stuck in shell | Low humidity at the hatching stage | Humidity during last days |
Embryo Death by Incubation Stage
Early stage (Days 1–7)
Usually caused by infertile eggs, unstable temperature, rough handling, or contamination.
Middle stage (Days 8–17)
Often related to poor egg turning, ventilation issues, or breeder nutrition problems.
Late stage (Days 18–21)
Most commonly caused by incorrect humidity, poor ventilation, or temperature fluctuations near hatching.
Common Causes of Hatching Failure
- Incorrect incubation temperature
- Improper humidity control
- Insufficient egg turning
- Poor ventilation
- Low breeder fertility
- Improper egg storage before incubation
Quick Checklist
- Check thermometer and hygrometer accuracy
- Confirm correct temperature setting
- Review humidity levels throughout incubation
- Ensure proper egg turning schedule
- Maintain clean and stable incubation environment