Incubation Glossary of Terms
Air Cell
Definition: The air pocket at the large end of an egg that provides the embryo a space to breathe.
Why it matters: Healthy air cell development is essential for the chick to survive during hatching.
How to observe: Candling the egg can help you see the air cell size.
Air Cell Development
Definition: The air cell gradually enlarges as the embryo grows.
Why it matters: Proper air cell growth helps the chick breathe in the last days before hatching.
How to observe: Check with candling around day 7–10 of incubation.
Albumen
Definition: The protein part of the egg that protects the embryo and provides nutrients.
Why it matters: Strong albumen supports healthy embryo development and prevents damage.
How to observe: Clear, thick albumen is a sign of a fresh, good-quality egg.
Arborio Stage
Definition: Different stages of embryo development during incubation.
Why it matters: Knowing embryo stages helps you track growth and spot any problems early.
How to observe: Use candling to see the blood vessels and movement inside the egg.
Artificial Incubation
Definition: Using an incubator instead of a brooding hen to hatch eggs.
Why it matters: Enables hatching multiple eggs efficiently, even without hens.
How to use: Maintain proper temperature, humidity, and turn eggs regularly.
Brooder
Definition: A heated enclosure used to keep newly hatched chicks warm and safe.
Why it matters: Chicks cannot regulate their body temperature; a brooder prevents chilling and promotes healthy growth.
How to use: Set temperature according to chick age (95°F / 35°C first week, then lower gradually).
Brood Patch
Definition: A bare area on a hen’s chest used to transfer heat to eggs during natural incubation.
Why it matters: Ensures even warmth for egg development.
How to observe: Look for featherless skin on a broody hen’s chest.
Candling
Definition: Shining a light through an egg to check if the embryo is developing.
Why it matters: Helps detect infertile eggs, cracks, or early problems.
How to use: Candle eggs in a dark room using a strong light; check around day 7–10.
Candling Light
Definition: A special light used to candle eggs.
Why it matters: Provides safe and clear visibility for embryo inspection.
How to use: Hold the egg over the light to see embryo and air cell clearly.
Chalaza
Definition: Rope-like structures in the egg white that hold the yolk in place.
Why it matters: Keeps the yolk stable so the embryo stays centered.
How to observe: Visible when holding a fresh egg up to light.
Chick Pipping
Definition: The first stage when a chick uses its egg tooth to make a small hole in the shell.
Why it matters: Marks the start of hatching; early observation can help you provide support if needed.
How to observe: Look for tiny cracks or small holes at the large end of the egg.
Chick Zipping
Definition: The later stage when the chick cracks a line in the shell to fully emerge.
Why it matters: Critical stage of hatching; chicks need humidity and minimal disturbance.
How to observe: Monitor the crack progress; usually takes several hours to fully hatch.
Circulated Air Incubator
Definition: An incubator with a fan that distributes heat evenly throughout.
Why it matters: Provides uniform temperature, improving hatch rates.
How to use: Keep fan running and check temperature regularly.
Clutch
Definition: A group of eggs laid by a bird in one laying period.
Why it matters: Helps plan incubation and track hatch schedules.
How to observe: Count eggs laid at the same time to determine the clutch size.
Coating / Egg Coating
Definition: A protective layer applied to eggs to prevent bacteria from entering the shell.
Why it matters: Helps maintain egg quality and improves hatching success.
How to use: Apply a thin layer of safe coating (mineral oil or commercial solution) on clean eggs.
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