Game chickens are prized for their agility, fighting spirit, and striking appearance. Breeding these magnificent birds starts with a keen understanding of Game Chickens Eggs, the foundation of any successful brood. This comprehensive guide dives into the intricacies of hatching and raising healthy game chickens from egg to adulthood.
Game chicken eggs carefully arranged in an incubator, awaiting hatching.
Selecting the Right Game Chickens Eggs
Choosing the right eggs is the first crucial step. Look for eggs from healthy, robust parent birds with desirable traits like strength, stamina, and fighting prowess. Ideally, the eggs should be:
- Freshly laid: Within 7-10 days of laying for optimal viability.
- Clean and undamaged: Free from cracks, deformities, or excessive soiling.
- Uniform in size and shape: Indicates good fertility and healthy development.
A breeder carefully examines game chicken eggs, assessing their suitability for hatching.
Incubation: Creating the Ideal Environment
Game chicken eggs require specific conditions to hatch successfully. An incubator mimics the natural incubation process by providing controlled temperature and humidity levels. Here are the key factors:
- Temperature: Maintain a constant temperature of 99.5°F (37.5°C) throughout the incubation period.
- Humidity: Keep humidity around 50-55% for the first 18 days, then increase to 65-70% during the final three days to help with hatching.
- Turning: Turn the eggs 3-5 times daily to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell membrane. Stop turning during the last three days before hatching.
Hatching Time: The Big Arrival
The incubation period for game chicken eggs is approximately 21 days. As hatching approaches, you’ll notice:
- Pipping: The chick begins to break through the eggshell using its egg tooth.
- Zipping: The chick creates a small crack that extends around the circumference of the egg.
- Hatching: The chick pushes its way out of the shell, a process that can take several hours.
Brooding and Raising Chicks
Once hatched, transfer the chicks to a brooder, a warm, dry, and draft-free enclosure. Here’s how to ensure their well-being:
- Heat: Provide a heat lamp to maintain a brooder temperature of 95°F (35°C) for the first week, gradually reducing it by 5 degrees each week until they are fully feathered.
- Food and water: Offer a high-protein starter feed specifically formulated for chicks. Provide clean, fresh water in shallow dishes to prevent drowning.
- Bedding: Use absorbent bedding like pine shavings or rice hulls to keep the brooder clean and dry.
Conclusion
Breeding game chickens from game chickens eggs is a rewarding experience that requires knowledge, dedication, and attention to detail. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of hatching and raising healthy, thriving game chickens that carry on the legacy of these remarkable birds. For expert guidance and support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us at Phone Number: 0915117113, Email: [email protected] or visit us at: Hamlet 3, Binh An, Phu Thuong, Viet Nam, Binh Phuoc 830000, Vietnam. We have a dedicated customer support team available 24/7.