Hatching Eggs

Hatching eggs at home is one of the most exciting parts of keeping chickens, and with the right guidance it’s surprisingly beginner‑friendly. This chicken egg incubation guide brings together everything you need to get started, whether you’re using an incubator, working with a broody hen, or learning how to check development along the way. Choose a topic below to follow the method that suits you best.

Two day old chicks in cupped hands

Incubation and Hatching Basics

These are your foundations — and are perfect for beginners.

How to Hatch Chicken Eggs

A complete beginner’s guide to hatching eggs at home using an incubator. Covers choosing fertile eggs, setting up your incubator, managing temperature and humidity, and what to expect on hatch day.

Hatching using a Broody Hen

Prefer a natural approach? Learn how to recognise a broody hen, set her up safely, and support her through the full 21‑day hatch without disturbing her.

Candling Eggs

A clear, photo‑based guide to checking embryo development at each stage of incubation. Learn how to identify fertile eggs, spot problems early, and understand what’s happening inside the shell.