Incubation-when there is no alternative

[dano7]

Since it's breeding season I thought it timely to take a close look at Matthew Vriends "Hand Feeding and Raising Baby Birds" on the subject of incubation. Once in a while it needs to be attempted when there is no alternative.

Incubation Requirements:

temperature: 98 - 100 degrees; not more than 104 degrees; any variance on the low side.
Temperature will cool briefly during turning sessions.

humidity: 55% on a hygrometer; light warm water mist spray on the last four days.
During incubation the egg must lose a certain amount of weight in the form of moisture, so that the air sac expands. At the end of the incubation cycle the egg will have lost between 13% and 15% of its weight. If the evaporation proceeds too quickly, it will become too dry for the embryo will not develop satisfactorily.

egg turning: at least three or more times a day (use a clean cloth for home made incubators since the shell is a semipermeable membrane which must remain clean). Turn the egg a quarter turn only each time.

The embryo floats toward the upper surface of the egg. If it is not turned it may stick there. Also, turning stimulates movement in the embryo which stimulates growth. Do not turn the eggs in the last 3 days before the expected hatch date, so the chick can gain a favorable position for pipping the egg and making a clean exit (not drowning in albumen).

time frame: 17 - 18 days after egg laying.

ventilation: Egg produces carbon dioxide which must be evacuated; fresh air is especially important during hatching; ventilate and cool one minute each day.
Avoid direct sunlight.

Emergency Incubator:

The above incubations operation can be attempted with a make shift incubator, but it would seem prudent to try this only in an emergency when no brooders, rehabbers, or incubators are available. The humidity cannot be controlled without a hygrometer and I don’t know how critical this will be. Here’s what you need:

• closed container with a window and a roof light rigged to achieve the required temperature i.e aquarium, etc.
• thermometer located at egg level and visible through a widow.
• pan around the eggs for water; a towel base.

[Skyeking]

These instructions were given because of inquiries, but incubating should be done only if the following criteria is met:


1. If eggs have been brooded and there is an embryo. An egg that has just been layed is simply an egg, it can be fertile or not, but without incubation there is no life, as there is no cell division, therefore can be discarded.

2. Parents are gone.

3.There are absolutely no adoptive parents around that are at this time sitting on either one real egg, or two dummy eggs, as they would be the best candidates for hatching and raising.

4. You have done everything in your power to seek help from a rehabber or other knowledgable expert.

5. You have done all the homework and know the proper formula and environment and feeding techniques for a newborn.