Live Vertebrates >> Birds >> Chicken Eggs Fertile

A chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a type of domesticated bird which is often raised as a type of poultry. It is believed to be descended from the wild Indian and south-east Asian Red Junglefowl.

Chickens are the most commonly found bird in the world. The population in 2003 was 24 billion, according to the Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds.

Chicken egg incubation can successfully occur artificially as well. Nearly all chicken eggs will hatch after 21 days of good conditions - 98-100 degrees fahrenheit (38°C) and around 55% relative humidity (increase to 70% in the last three days of incubation to help soften egg shell.)[citation needed] Many commercial incubators are industrial sized with shelves holding tens of thousands of eggs at a time, with rotation of the eggs a fully automated process.

Home incubators are usually small boxes (styrofoam incubators are popular) and hold 50 eggs. Eggs must be turned three to five times each day, rotating at least 90 degrees. If eggs aren't turned, the embryo inside will stick to the shell and likely will be born with physical defects. This process is natural: hens will stand up three to five times a day and shift the eggs around with their beak.

Seasonal, please call for availability.

• Circulated Air Incubator with Fan Kit
• Still Air Incubator w/Electric Control