5 Common Mistakes to Avoid Before You Start Hatching Chicks

Have you ever wondered why some people run into hatching chicks mistakes or struggle with raising chicks? Even small oversights, like not keeping things clean or forgetting to remove broken eggshells, can lead to big problems. With a few simple tips, you can dodge common mistakes and enjoy your new flock. Avoiding common chicken-raising mistakes helps your chicks stay safe and healthy.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare your brooder at least 24 hours before hatch day. A warm, clean space helps keep chicks safe and healthy.

• Choose fresh, clean eggs for hatching. Eggs older than 7 days or dirty eggs can lead to poor hatch rates and health risks.

• Monitor temperature and humidity in the incubator closely. Proper levels are crucial for successful hatching and healthy chicks.

Brooder Setup Mistakes

Failing to Prepare the Brooder in Advance

Getting your brooder ready before incubating chicks hatch is a must. If you wait until the last minute, you risk cold, stressed, or dehydrated chicks. Chicks can't control their body temperature for the first few days. A cold brooder can lead to weak, sick, or even lost chicks—a huge mistake for anyone raising chickens.

Tip: Always have your brooder ready at least 24 hours before hatch day. Preheat the bedding so chicks step into a warm, safe space.

Here's what you need for a successful start:

1. Set up the brooder box in a draft-free area.

2. Add clean bedding (see below for best options).

3. Place feeders and waterers within easy reach.

4. Double-check that the heat source works and holds steady temperatures.

Chicks thrive when you keep the brooder at the right temperature. Check out this handy table:

Using Improper Heat Sources or Bedding

Choosing the wrong heat source or bedding can cause health problems for your chicks. Some heat lamps can be fire hazards, and dusty bedding can lead to breathing issues.

Safe heat sources for small flocks:

• Infrared or radiant heaters

• Overhead heat plates

• Incandescent bulbs (secured and monitored)

Best bedding for chick health:

• Aspen shavings (absorbent and safe)

• Hemp bedding (soft and dust-free)

Avoid pine shavings, sawdust, cedar, and treated wood. These can cause respiratory problems or even poison your chicks.

By preparing your brooder in advance and picking the right supplies, you set yourself up for success in raising chickens. These simple tips help you avoid common mistakes when incubating chicks.

Egg Selection Mistakes

Choosing Eggs That Are Too Old or Dirty

Picking the right eggs is the first step to a successful hatch. If you use eggs that are too old, you will see your hatch rates drop fast. Eggs stored longer than 7 days start to lose their viability, and after 21 days, almost none will hatch. Always choose eggs that are no more than a week old for the best results.

Dirty eggs can cause even bigger problems. Bacteria from dirty shells can spread inside the incubator, putting all your chicks at risk. The egg’s natural defenses can only do so much if the shell is covered in dirt or droppings.

Here’s how you can avoid these mistakes:

• Collect eggs several times a day to keep them clean.

• Store eggs in a cool, dry place right after collection.

• Gently wipe off any dirt with a dry cloth—never wash eggs with water before incubating eggs.

• Keep nesting boxes clean and dry to prevent contamination.

Tip: Prevent moisture on eggshells. Wet shells help bacteria grow and spread.

Ignoring Egg Shape and Shell Quality

Egg shape and shell quality matter more than you might think. Odd-shaped or cracked eggs are more likely to break or let in bacteria. Thin shells can’t protect the growing chick inside. The shell also lets air and water pass through, which is vital for chick development.

When you pick eggs for hatching, look for:

• Smooth, even shells with no cracks

• Regular, oval shapes (not too round or pointy)

• Medium size, as very small or large eggs may have shell issues

Choosing the right eggs gives your chicks the best possible start!

Incubator Setup & Monitoring Errors

Incorrect Temperature or Humidity Levels

Getting the temperature right in your incubator is a must for incubating chicks. If you set it too high or too low, you risk failed hatches or weak chicks. Humidity matters just as much. Too much moisture can drown chicks, while too little can dry them out before they hatch. That’s a huge mistake many beginners make.

Here’s what you need to remember:

• Keep humidity at 35–40% from days 1–18.

• Raise humidity to 60–70% from day 19 until hatching chicks finish.

• Wet-bulb temperature should stay between 84–86°F.

Tip: Use a reliable thermometer and hygrometer. Check them daily to catch problems early.

Forgetting to Turn Eggs Regularly

Turning eggs helps the embryo develop properly. If you forget, you could end up with chicks stuck to the shell or with deformities. That’s another huge mistake when raising chickens.

Follow these steps:

1. Manually turn the eggs 3–5 times a day, tilting them 43°–45°.

2. Focus on the first week, especially the first 3 days.

3. Don’t stop turning until after day 15.

If you use an automatic turner, check it often. Manual turning? Set reminders so you never miss a turn.

Poor Ventilation and Airflow

Good airflow keeps oxygen levels up and prevents bacteria from growing. Poor ventilation can cause weak or malformed chicks, uneven temperatures, and even lower hatch rates. You don’t want to risk oxygen deprivation or hypoxia during incubating chicks.

• Make sure your incubator has vents open.

• Avoid blocking air holes with towels or covers.

• Place the incubator in a spot with steady room air, away from drafts.

Q: Why does ventilation matter for raising chickens?
A: It helps chicks develop strong and healthy, and keeps the environment safe.

Stay on top of these details, and you’ll avoid some of the most common mistakes in raising chickens.

Equipment & Planning Oversights

Skipping Equipment Checks Before Starting

You might feel excited to start incubating chicks, but skipping equipment checks is a huge mistake. If you miss a step, you risk temperature swings, humidity problems, or even failed hatches. Reliable gear makes raising chickens much easier and less stressful.

Before you begin, run through this checklist to make sure everything works as it should:

You should also gather these supplies:

• Incubator (choose still air or forced draft)

• Thermometer and hygrometer

• Distilled water for humidity control

• Candling light or flashlight

• Record book for tracking progress

• Soft pencil for marking eggs

Tip: Test your incubator for at least 24 hours before adding eggs. This step helps you catch any issues early and avoid a huge mistake.

Not Having Backup Power or Thermometers

Power outages can ruin your plans for incubating chicks. Without backup power, your incubator loses heat and humidity fast. Even a short outage can harm your hatch rate. Many chicken keepers use battery backups or generators to keep things running smoothly.

You should always keep extra thermometers on hand. If one fails, you can check the temperature and protect your chicks. Raising chickens means staying prepared for surprises.

• Set up a backup power source if outages happen often.

• Place a spot-check thermometer inside the incubator.

• Monitor readings daily and adjust as needed.

Q: What happens if you lose power during incubation?
A: Eggs can cool down, humidity drops, and chicks may not hatch. Backup power helps you avoid this huge mistake.

Staying organized and prepared gives your chicks the best chance to thrive!

Post-Hatch Transition Mistakes (Optional)

Moving Chicks to Coop Too Early

You might feel eager to move your backyard chickens outside, but rushing this step can put your flock at risk. Chicks need to be fully feathered before they can handle life in the chicken coop. If you move them too soon, they can get chilled, stressed, or even sick.

Here’s what you should check before moving chicks:

• Chicks should be at least 6 weeks old.

• They need to be fully feathered so they can regulate their body temperature.

• Wait until outside temperatures stay above 65°F.

Tip: If nights get cold, keep your chicks in the brooder a bit longer. A safe transition means healthier backyard chickens.

Not making your coop big enough is another common mistake. Overcrowding leads to stress, fighting, and dirty conditions. Give each bird at least 4 square feet of floor space. Some keepers use 2 square feet per bird, but more space keeps your backyard chickens calm and clean.

Not Securing the Brooder or Coop from Predators

Thinking predators won’t come is a big mistake. Even in the city, raccoons, rats, and hawks can target your backyard chickens. You need to secure your brooder and chicken coop from day one.

Try these steps to keep your flock safe:

1. Bury hardware cloth at least 12 inches deep around the coop to stop digging animals.

2. Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire for all openings.

3. Seal every gap larger than 1/4 inch.

4. Install tricky latches on doors and vents.

Q: Why do so many new keepers lose chicks?
A: Thinking predators won’t come is a huge reason. Always secure your setup.

When you add new backyard chickens to your flock, introduce them slowly. Quarantine new birds for 30 days. Let both groups see each other through a fence before mixing. Wait until new birds are at least 8 weeks old. Add them at night and give everyone plenty of space. This helps prevent bullying and keeps your backyard chickens happy.

Before you start, check your local zoning laws. Some cities limit the number of backyard chickens or require certain coop sizes and setbacks. Following the rules keeps your flock safe and your neighbors happy.

You can avoid the most common chicken-raising mistakes by preparing early and paying attention to details. Watch for these five hatching chicks mistakes: brooder not ready, small brooder, buying chicks at flea markets, ignoring gender, and choosing the wrong breed. Stay alert, and your chicks will thrive!

FAQ

How long should you wait before handling newly hatched chicks?

Wait until chicks are dry and fluffy, usually 12–24 hours after hatching. This helps them stay warm and reduces stress.

What is the best way to clean the brooder?

Remove dirty bedding daily. Wipe surfaces with warm, soapy water. Dry everything before adding fresh bedding. Cleanliness keeps your chicks healthy.

Can you hatch store-bought eggs?

Most store-bought eggs will not hatch. They are not fertilized. Always use fertilized eggs from a trusted source for hatching chicks.